Oh no not another carrer changer

[Finishingthefight]

Hey I'm 27 (almost 28) and I have been hopelessly diagnosed with the flying bug. I had to quit flying for a few years ago right when I was going for my commercial pilot's license (due to money issues). Instead of sitting around and wondering what if all of the time I tried to got a job that allowed me to fly, attempt to cut up a credit card, and pay rent. So now I'm trying to get back on course and finish my commercial ticket. Although I do have a few questions.

After I get my commercial should I go for my Multi next or try for my CFI? Also I noticed that there is going to be a JC event coming up soon. At this stage of the game would it be worth my time to check it out? I know that I should be getting hours/ratings but, I also know that a large part of getting that flying job is to throw your name out as much as you can.

Anyway great forum and I hope to learn quite a few new things.

[Soul Brotha']

Originally Posted by Finishingthefight

Hey I'm 27 (almost 28) and I have been hopelessly diagnosed with the flying bug. I had to quit flying for a few years ago right when I was going for my commercial pilot's license (due to money issues). Instead of sitting around and wondering what if all of the time I tried to got a job that allowed me to fly, attempt to cut up a credit card, and pay rent. So now I'm trying to get back on course and finish my commercial ticket. Although I do have a few questions.

After I get my commercial should I go for my Multi next or try for my CFI? Also I noticed that there is going to be a JC event coming up soon. At this stage of the game would it be worth my time to check it out? I know that I should be getting hours/ratings but, I also know that a large part of getting that flying job is to throw your name out as much as you can.

Anyway great forum and I hope to learn quite a few new things.

It's almost never too late to do what you love. Landing a job in any industry is all about who you know. I talk to many crewmembers anytime I have the chance. A conversation that you had a few years ago with some guy/gal could be the same person sitting in on your interview. With the way the regional industry is going Multi/CFI time is almost the same bet. Companies are hiring really low time people now. You'll definitely need multi-time, but how much is now longer the biggest issue. Good luck in you future plans.

[falconvalley]

Depends on your level of experience. If you're not even close to 500 hours, I would do the CFI and start teaching, but only do it if you can put some heart into passing on your knowledge. You don't have to be Chuck Yeager, but you certainly need to care about your students.

There are other jobs you can get to start flying more hours for pay. With the way things are going, you will likely by able to find other non-CFI jobs soon that have minimums lower than 500 hours. Get your multi soon if you decide not to get your CFI. If you decide to get your CFI, get your multi afterwards. The reason I say that is if you're going to work as a CFI, just get it out of the way and start teaching. That way you can get some more experience and get paid for it while you finish your multi. If you need to keep a separate full-time or part-time job in addition to CFIing part-time or full-time, by all means do it. That's what I did.

[Cruise]

I'd continue on with your CFI next. Depending on where you get a job teaching, you could be fortunate enough to have the flight school help you out with your multi rating. Doesn't happen often.....but it does happen if they're really hurting for instructors.

As far as NJC goes.....YES, you should attend! It is never too early to start your networking in this industry. Highly recommend....it's really fun too!

[future777captain]

Don't do the CFI route. I can be a miserable experience if it's not your first choice. My instructor became a CFI as a first choice. But otherwise you need to have your heart in it.

[Mike734]

Originally Posted by future777captain

Don't do the CFI route. I can be a miserable experience if it's not your first choice. My instructor became a CFI as a first choice. But otherwise you need to have your heart in it.

I disagree. You never really know something until you have to teach it. The CFI experience was fun for me. We had a good group with lots of camaraderie, BBQs and fun. One year was enough though.

[Finishingthefight]

Thanks for the advise.

As far as the JC event goes I might (gotta stress might) not make it to the event this year. Although I might as well hang out on here and learn a few new things.