CFI Hiring at FlightSafety

darbykidd · June 19th, 2004, 17:02

I know that FlightSafety hires all their CFIs from their graduates but is there a waiting list to get hired? I was thinking about going there for my CFI training but not if I'd have to wait months to get hired on. Anyone here care to fill me in? Thanks.

PhilosopherPilot · June 19th, 2004, 18:53

I am in CFI ground now, and it has been confirmed by multiple, high up, sources that there is not effectively no list. They called every name on the list for the next Standardization class, and they couldn't get enough for the alternates. Therefore they asked two people who just interviewed to be alternates. (i.e. they didn't have to wait more than a week.)

So, I say go for it. It seems to be a great time to get your CFI.

Good luck,

Grayson

PS> They don't hire ALL their graduates. You must interview and pass the interview to work here. But if you study and know what you are talking about, you have a good shot. It is in no way automatic, however.

aviator · June 19th, 2004, 22:59

One word of caution. FSI holds itself to very high standards. If you haven't completed your multi or instrument training here the Sim evaluation can be extremely difficult. They expect everything to be done to PTS and using FSI procedures. If you aren't sharp in a Frasca 142 (touchy SOB) or familiar with the speeds, profiles, emergency procedures, ect. it is easy to get washed out of the CFI hiring process....

RDU · June 20th, 2004, 13:21

Just a word of advice, Flight Safety does NOT hire all their instructor graduates. I have seen a number of what I thought were quality pilots and instructors not get hired. So if you get hired by Flight Safety you've done something right. And don't ruffle any feathers when you are there as a student.

ak25iou · December 30th, 2005, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by aviator

One word of caution. FSI holds itself to very high standards. If you haven't completed your multi or instrument training here the Sim evaluation can be extremely difficult. They expect everything to be done to PTS and using FSI procedures. If you aren't sharp in a Frasca 142 (touchy SOB) or familiar with the speeds, profiles, emergency procedures, ect. it is easy to get washed out of the CFI hiring process....

.

Is this true?????

And if it is how would a CFI candidate who wishes to become hired over come this ??

mpflies2 · December 30th, 2005, 22:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by ak25iou

.

Is this true?????

And if it is how would a CFI candidate who wishes to become hired over come this ??

Good question, I would like to know as well seeing as how I'm starting CFI training with them this upcoming wednesday and have never used a Frasca because I did all my other training at Averett University. I am def. hoping to get hired.

launchpad · December 31st, 2005, 02:53

Hey guys, don't sweat it.....I went there only to get my CFI, never touched a seminole or a frasca before the interview....they're looking for good instrument skills with some good habits....ie good situational awareness and no cowboy maneuvers. You are not required to know their procedures, speeds or anything like that....you're not even required to teach during the sim eval. You'll do your CFI training there, so you'll have a really good idea of the procedures (similar, but not the same between single and multi aircraft). They also give you free time in the frasca to practice before the eval. It isn't hard to go to the bookstore and get a copy of the seminole checklists, etc. if you really want to be on top of your game. If you're motivated and have decent skills, you'll be alright....

ak25iou · December 31st, 2005, 07:56

Thats sobering. I am seriously considering going there to wrap up my training because, honestly, i am not too happy with here i am now... I will be down on Tue/ Wed to do a tour of the campus and then will go from there, any advice or tips????

mpflies2 · January 1st, 2006, 23:49

thats good to here. I just arrived at FSA tonight, and I haven't really talked to anybody so that question was still in the back of my mind haunting me.

ak25iou · January 5th, 2006, 10:36

What does the interview for CFI consist of, is there any tips on what to prepare for? Also will my instructor help me prepare for it??

badco99 · January 5th, 2006, 13:37

Interview consists of a one-on-one interview with Mr. Wakefield and Mr. Skovgard. Typical interview questions and then a couple about flying. I got asked about overbanking tendency and something else.

Then you give a brief on one of the private pilot maneuvers to several of the instructors. They tell you 24hrs in advance what your topic will be and whether it's just "lecture" method or "guided discussion" method of teaching. After I got my topic I got with some of the other people and we practiced in front of each other. If you can, grab an instructor and present to them and get their input. Oh, there is also a 15min (or right around there) time limit. The big thing I found was they want you to very VERY specific when explaining the maneuver. Go into as much detail as possible. This is where I had some trouble with my interview. I'd say try and find someone that has just interviewed and pick their brain to get the latest info.

Their is a sim eval in the Frasca, but that is only for the internship and has no bearing on the CFI job.

They also look at your oral/flight score for your CFI checkride.

Hope this helps.

launchpad · January 5th, 2006, 16:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by badco99

Their is a sim eval in the Frasca, but that is only for the internship and has no bearing on the CFI job.

They also look at your oral/flight score for your CFI checkride.

Hope this helps.

Everything else you posted was correct.....however, no matter what they tell you, they value the Frasca just as much as the other two parts of the interview..........they could care less how you fly for the internship.......

the oral and flight score for your CFI checkride do not matter at all.....I got an 82 on my written and something like 80/80 on my CFI checkride...still got hired...I know of a bunch of other instructors in the same situation......

They're looking to make sure you'll be able to interact with their customers in a friendly and repsonsible manner, and that you can teach someone to fly a plane.......scores on some checkride are not a very good indicator of these two skills.....

their impression of you, your presentation (and application of FOI skills), and your flying skills are what get you the job......

ak25iou · January 5th, 2006, 16:28

Thanks for the input

badco99 · January 6th, 2006, 13:12

Like you said, what they say and what they actually do could be two different things. They just started changing things this summer. Not sure if you are still here or not.

We were told that they actually grade each part of the interview (a 1-5 grade), and average them all together. If you got above a certain score you got the job, below, well, you were trying again. I even gave them a letter of recommendation from my instructor thinking it would help and was basically told it was pointless, which was real nice of them.

I think it's all hit or miss. They either like you or they don't.

06Flyer · February 22nd, 2006, 01:30

Hello,
I have thought about going to FSI for my CFI training. I am currently a commercial ASEL pilot. I thik Flight Safety is a good quality school. HOw much does the CFI course cost?

Snow · February 23rd, 2006, 12:24

When I did it late 2004 it was about $8000, wet rates might have gone up due to fuel prices since then though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06Flyer

Hello,
I have thought about going to FSI for my CFI training. I am currently a commercial ASEL pilot. I thik Flight Safety is a good quality school. HOw much does the CFI course cost?

CLR4ILS · February 24th, 2006, 12:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpflies2

Good question, I would like to know as well seeing as how I'm starting CFI training with them this upcoming wednesday and have never used a Frasca because I did all my other training at Averett University. I am def. hoping to get hired.

For those of you coming from the outside (CFI onward)......

When they give (sell) you the checklists, MEMORIZE EVERY procedure and maneuver in the checklist. The instrument procedures in the back are extremely important.

I used to draw the procedures and maneuvers on a dry erase board at home till I was blue in the face (a few beers helps the time pass). You can pick one up at the local Walmart for approx. $20.00.

Example: Lets say power off stalls has steps 1 through 10 listed. You should be able to write out the steps on the board for you instructor without hesitation.

As for the instrument procedures, same thing. You should be able to draw out the entire procedure in the checklist on the board (A/C path etc., draw the A/C flying from the IAF to the PT to the FAF etc. labeling the speeds/checks as you go)

Don't forget to MEMORIZE ALL of the emergency procedures and the lineup check through final check......

One more thing. When they give you the 8-9 page written exam for the aircraft, make sure you know everything about that aircraft. All of the answers are in the POH. Systems are huge with FSA...

QUIZ..... Anyone know how the propeller on the Pipers are built?

Good luck guys..

ILS

launchpad · February 24th, 2006, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLR4ILS

QUIZ..... Anyone know how the propeller on the Pipers are built?

ILS

P.F.M.

CLR4ILS · February 25th, 2006, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by launchpad

P.F.M.

Hartzell propellers are built on honor.... Says so right on the prop.

My instructor used to throw out funky questions like that once in awhile to keep things fun. Good instructor. I think he is with ACA now...

ILS

USMCmech · February 25th, 2006, 17:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLR4ILS

QUIZ..... Anyone know how the propeller on the Pipers are built?

On a wing and a prayer.

DE727UPS · February 25th, 2006, 18:20

"Good instructor. I think he is with ACA now..."

I kinda doubt that. They changed their name to Independence Air, lasted a couple years, and went under a few months back.

CLR4ILS · March 6th, 2006, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

"Good instructor. I think he is with ACA now..."

I kinda doubt that. They changed their name to Independent Air, lasted a couple years, and went under a few months back.

Thats right.... Forgot about the whole name change thing. So they are toast now huh? I wonder where my old friend went? I'll have to drop him an email....

ILS

Sky2sea · April 4th, 2006, 23:25

During the interview process, usually after the one on one with Skovgaard (who I told is not there right now and will probably not be back) and Wakefield, they will give you 5 hours of free Frasca time to practice for the sim eval. First of all, to call it a simulator is kind of funny, but that's what you have to do. Even if you don't have any time in a Frasca, this 5 hours should be plenty of time for you to get proficient. If for some reason you need more time, they will most likely give it to you without a fuss. As for the presentation, a wealth of aviation knowledge will help, but in the end its all personality. Be able to communicate simple ideas to people so they can understand it. If you can do that, you should be golden.

Oh yeah, and for anyone who is considering doing the internship......I definitely recommend it.

CLRSKY · April 4th, 2006, 23:43

I have to say that I was very pleased with my training at FSA. It saddens me to see what is going on there, but to be honest I think they have hit rock bottom and as long as they make the proper changes and look into a little of the CFI's input FSA may be looking brighter. There are so many opportunities and options if you do a CFI certificate at the Academy, such as flight instructing there, where, yes you have to sign an 800 hour contract, but if completed they will pay you back for the CFII and MEI, also if you have more that 1000 hours when you are done they will give you a type rating of your choice at any FSI center. There is also the internship which is an excellent networking tool. But I have to admit that I am a better CFI because of the education I gained there. I know there is no waiting list and I am looking forward to returning soon to begin instructing there.

rausda27 · April 6th, 2006, 10:04

What exactly has been going on down there. Who is gone?

June 19th, 2004, 17:02	#1
darbykidd Newbie Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 5	CFI Hiring at FlightSafety I know that FlightSafety hires all their CFIs from their graduates but is there a waiting list to get hired? I was thinking about going there for my CFI training but not if I'd have to wait months to get hired on. Anyone here care to fill me in? Thanks.

June 19th, 2004, 18:53	#2
PhilosopherPilot Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Providence, RI Posts: 454	Re: CFI Hiring at FlightSafety I am in CFI ground now, and it has been confirmed by multiple, high up, sources that there is not effectively no list. They called every name on the list for the next Standardization class, and they couldn't get enough for the alternates. Therefore they asked two people who just interviewed to be alternates. (i.e. they didn't have to wait more than a week.) So, I say go for it. It seems to be a great time to get your CFI. Good luck, Grayson PS> They don't hire ALL their graduates. You must interview and pass the interview to work here. But if you study and know what you are talking about, you have a good shot. It is in no way automatic, however.

June 19th, 2004, 22:59	#3
aviator Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 385	Re: CFI Hiring at FlightSafety One word of caution. FSI holds itself to very high standards. If you haven't completed your multi or instrument training here the Sim evaluation can be extremely difficult. They expect everything to be done to PTS and using FSI procedures. If you aren't sharp in a Frasca 142 (touchy SOB) or familiar with the speeds, profiles, emergency procedures, ect. it is easy to get washed out of the CFI hiring process....

June 20th, 2004, 13:21	#4
RDU Newbie Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Raleigh, North Carolina Posts: 8	Re: CFI Hiring at FlightSafety Just a word of advice, Flight Safety does NOT hire all their instructor graduates. I have seen a number of what I thought were quality pilots and instructors not get hired. So if you get hired by Flight Safety you've done something right. And don't ruffle any feathers when you are there as a student.

February 25th, 2006, 18:20	#21
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,517	"Good instructor. I think he is with ACA now..." I kinda doubt that. They changed their name to Independence Air, lasted a couple years, and went under a few months back. Last edited by DE727UPS; March 6th, 2006 at 14:12.

December 31st, 2005, 02:53	#7
launchpad Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 590	Hey guys, don't sweat it.....I went there only to get my CFI, never touched a seminole or a frasca before the interview....they're looking for good instrument skills with some good habits....ie good situational awareness and no cowboy maneuvers. You are not required to know their procedures, speeds or anything like that....you're not even required to teach during the sim eval. You'll do your CFI training there, so you'll have a really good idea of the procedures (similar, but not the same between single and multi aircraft). They also give you free time in the frasca to practice before the eval. It isn't hard to go to the bookstore and get a copy of the seminole checklists, etc. if you really want to be on top of your game. If you're motivated and have decent skills, you'll be alright....

December 31st, 2005, 07:56	#8
ak25iou Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 9	Thats sobering. I am seriously considering going there to wrap up my training because, honestly, i am not too happy with here i am now... I will be down on Tue/ Wed to do a tour of the campus and then will go from there, any advice or tips????

January 1st, 2006, 23:49	#9
mpflies2 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 32	thats good to here. I just arrived at FSA tonight, and I haven't really talked to anybody so that question was still in the back of my mind haunting me.

January 5th, 2006, 10:36	#10
ak25iou Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 9	What does the interview for CFI consist of, is there any tips on what to prepare for? Also will my instructor help me prepare for it??

January 5th, 2006, 13:37	#11
badco99 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 133	Interview consists of a one-on-one interview with Mr. Wakefield and Mr. Skovgard. Typical interview questions and then a couple about flying. I got asked about overbanking tendency and something else. Then you give a brief on one of the private pilot maneuvers to several of the instructors. They tell you 24hrs in advance what your topic will be and whether it's just "lecture" method or "guided discussion" method of teaching. After I got my topic I got with some of the other people and we practiced in front of each other. If you can, grab an instructor and present to them and get their input. Oh, there is also a 15min (or right around there) time limit. The big thing I found was they want you to very VERY specific when explaining the maneuver. Go into as much detail as possible. This is where I had some trouble with my interview. I'd say try and find someone that has just interviewed and pick their brain to get the latest info. Their is a sim eval in the Frasca, but that is only for the internship and has no bearing on the CFI job. They also look at your oral/flight score for your CFI checkride. Hope this helps.

January 5th, 2006, 16:28	#13
ak25iou Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 9	Thanks for the input

January 6th, 2006, 13:12	#14
badco99 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 133	Like you said, what they say and what they actually do could be two different things. They just started changing things this summer. Not sure if you are still here or not. We were told that they actually grade each part of the interview (a 1-5 grade), and average them all together. If you got above a certain score you got the job, below, well, you were trying again. I even gave them a letter of recommendation from my instructor thinking it would help and was basically told it was pointless, which was real nice of them. I think it's all hit or miss. They either like you or they don't.

February 22nd, 2006, 01:30	#15
06Flyer Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Posts: 33	Hello, I have thought about going to FSI for my CFI training. I am currently a commercial ASEL pilot. I thik Flight Safety is a good quality school. HOw much does the CFI course cost?

April 4th, 2006, 23:25	#23
Sky2sea Newbie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 3	During the interview process, usually after the one on one with Skovgaard (who I told is not there right now and will probably not be back) and Wakefield, they will give you 5 hours of free Frasca time to practice for the sim eval. First of all, to call it a simulator is kind of funny, but that's what you have to do. Even if you don't have any time in a Frasca, this 5 hours should be plenty of time for you to get proficient. If for some reason you need more time, they will most likely give it to you without a fuss. As for the presentation, a wealth of aviation knowledge will help, but in the end its all personality. Be able to communicate simple ideas to people so they can understand it. If you can do that, you should be golden. Oh yeah, and for anyone who is considering doing the internship......I definitely recommend it.

April 4th, 2006, 23:43	#24
CLRSKY Newbie Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2	I have to say that I was very pleased with my training at FSA. It saddens me to see what is going on there, but to be honest I think they have hit rock bottom and as long as they make the proper changes and look into a little of the CFI's input FSA may be looking brighter. There are so many opportunities and options if you do a CFI certificate at the Academy, such as flight instructing there, where, yes you have to sign an 800 hour contract, but if completed they will pay you back for the CFII and MEI, also if you have more that 1000 hours when you are done they will give you a type rating of your choice at any FSI center. There is also the internship which is an excellent networking tool. But I have to admit that I am a better CFI because of the education I gained there. I know there is no waiting list and I am looking forward to returning soon to begin instructing there.

April 6th, 2006, 10:04	#25
rausda27 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 1,253	What exactly has been going on down there. Who is gone?

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