Career Paths

[T_Hudson]

My ultimate goal is to fly freight for a living.

I am kind of new to all of this. I am now taking lessons for my private license and then soon I'll do my instrument and commercial. On the side try to get twin engine ratings etc. etc.

Whats the next step? I see most become CFI's to build up flight time to land a nice job/career. I really don't see myself as a good flight instructor, and the thought of doing that kind of scares me LOL.. I absolutely do not want to do that.

Are there other jobs out there to build time? I never hear of any besides CFI.

Thanks,

Tyler Hudson

[meritflyer]

Tyler,

I asked the same question. To be honest, there are several ways to build quality time as a commercial pilot but it takes you to a new level of understanding and even respect from the pilots to be a CFI. I know everyone make the CFI ratings out to be tough and they are but they're no harder than some of your other rides.

It really speaks volumes to be an instructor pilot. I'd highly adivse you to become a CFI even if you dont plan on being an instructor "full time". I have another career and instruct on the side but its a great opportunity for me to teach and I love it. I also, was in your exact shoes.

Consider it.

[falconvalley]

I said the same things, man. I didn't think I had what it took to pass the checkride and didn't really feel an interest in teaching. I knew that I would give my 100% effort, though no matter what I did. I did end up getting my CFI. Though I have only 200 hours dual given, I still feel like I've gained some priceless experience and actually ended up liking it.

When you get really close to your commercial, you'll have a better perspective on the whole thing. Just getting the ticket is rewarding.

[falconvalley]

...Plus, if you get your CFII, you'll have an oppurtunity to see students make the mistakes you are making now and some mistakes that you might have not made yet by that point. It's a learning experience, teaching that is. You'll know your stuff better and you'll be able to keep up with flying, even when there aren't enough non-CFI jobs to go around. It's an easy way to build time and still learn.

When you get to your first freight job with around 750-1300 hours TT, you'll have seen pilots make lots of mistakes and that'll reinforce the things you're learning now and hopefully help you not make those mistakes down the road.

I stopped teaching 3 years before my freight gig. Flew skydivers on and off during that time. When I got to Airnet, I was really rusty and struggled through training. It took me a good month of flying the line before I could hand fly an approach clean after 12 hours of duty.

[T_Hudson]

Thanks for the reply.

As for your other career, is it flying? I could probably do CFI as part-time if I could find another job as well to build time. That would probably never work though if the other job is flying. There is not enough time in a day =)

Anyway, I know I probably sound like a total idiot about all of this, and you could probably take that to the bank.. but this stuff is really stressin me out right now and I only have like 10 hours flying time.. Haha..

The problem is I'm getting older, I have a gf of a few years now and soon I know she'll be wantin to settle down, and then I dont even know how I'm gonna support myself, how on earth could I start a family and I don't know the correct way to go through all this training and such to be able to get a job flying as soon as possible that will help me get a decent paying job alot later down the road... Ahhh...

I'm sure I sound like a teenager girl right now.. haha

Anyway thanks for the reply and for all advice/experience given by all.

[surreal1221]

Originally Posted by falconvalley

It took me a good month of flying the line before I could hand fly an approach clean after 12 hours of duty.

You guys have autopilots? Nice!!

[falconvalley]

Some of the Barons I flew had autopilots, but I think I used one for 3 of my approaches in 8 months. I hand flew the rest, but the first few were a "sword fight".

[T_Hudson]

Thank you falcon for your post. I know I really shouldn't worry so much until later on in my training, and by then I'll probably have alot figured out already.. My own instructor has said he never wanted to teach and stuff and then it just worked itself out. I really hope if I absolutely HAVE to do it, then it'll work itself out...

I love reading the posts, thanks again,

[falconvalley]

Just remember, don't forget to have fun. That's the most important part.

[Doug Taylor]

I'd say take a peek at the main website and see how people got to where they are today. Those are real stories and almost more of a 'standard' of what to expect on your career path. JMHO.

[DE727UPS]

"It really speaks volumes to be an instructor pilot. I'd highly adivse you to become a CFI even if you dont plan on being an instructor "full time""

Merit, weren't you the guy that used to jump up and down when folks suggested building time as a CFI was a good idea? That CFI time was over rated and not the greatest experience?

Maybe I'm thinking of somebody else...

T Hudson, Merit makes bank as a pharmaceutical rep. Welcome to JC and good luck with your flying. I think when you get more experience as a pilot, the thought of being an instructor will seem more sensible.

[Ian J]

I wish I could go back and do my CFI practical again. I flew like crap that day, and my oral knowledge was pretty weak. (I still passed... just my perception in hindsight). After X amount of dual given, my airplane flying has improved exponentially, and my oral knowledge improves daily. Being a CFII has been worth so much in experience, and I highly recommend it.

[meritflyer]

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

"It really speaks volumes to be an instructor pilot. I'd highly adivse you to become a CFI even if you dont plan on being an instructor "full time""

Merit, weren't you the guy that used to jump up and down when folks suggested building time as a CFI was a good idea? That CFI time was over rated and not the greatest experience?

Maybe I'm thinking of somebody else...

T Hudson, Merit makes bank as a pharmaceutical rep. Welcome to JC and good luck with your flying. I think when you get more experience as a pilot, the thought of being an instructor will seem more sensible.

Hey, I've had a change of heart about being a CFI. I still believe that there are quality ways to build time. IMO, if you're going to be in the airline business, a CFI is a solid asset. I dont think anyone knows how valuable it is until you have the certificate in your hand.

Also that was a real mature comment Don!

Grow up dude!! Atleast you're showing the new guys your true colors.

[DE727UPS]

What? The part about you making bank? It wasn't meant to be the slightest bit derogatory but meant as a compliment. Sorry if you saw it differently.

[meritflyer]

Regardless of how you meant it, it was inappropriate and irrelevant to the thread.

[scramjet]

Originally Posted by falconvalley

Just remember, don't forget to have fun. That's the most important part.

[zmiller4]

Originally Posted by meritflyer

Regardless of how you meant it, it was inappropriate and irrelevant to the thread.

It's completely appropriate and relevant. Someone asked what your other job was, and Don replied because you didn't. You've talked about it plenty here. Thicker skin, me bredren.

On topic:

I really don't see myself as a good flight instructor, and the thought of doing that kind of scares me LOL.. I absolutely do not want to do that.

Instructing isn't the only way to build time, but it's a truly great experience. Don't think that you couldn't be a good instructor--I think most of what it takes is patience, understanding, and the ability to realize that you don't know everything.

[JEP]

Originally Posted by T_Hudson

Thanks for the reply.

As for your other career, is it flying? I could probably do CFI as part-time if I could find another job as well to build time. That would probably never work though if the other job is flying. There is not enough time in a day =)

......

Originally Posted by meritflyer

Regardless of how you meant it, it was inappropriate and irrelevant to the thread.

Sounds relevant to me......

[XLR99]

Tyler, don't be afraid of instructing- I know several other people who said "I don't want to be a CFI" and they do very well at it. I think the biggest thing is attitude- if you just act like you hate every second of it, you will get minimal benefit and you'll do a crappy job as a CFI (plus you won't get many students). If you look at it as a license to learn, and focus on being the best possible CFI, even if only for a year or so, you'll get more out of it. With all the not-so-good CFIs out there just trying to build time, giving a s^&* about your students and showing good customer service skills (and common sense) will go a long way for you.
All that stuff about teaching people and providing good customer service will help you in other aspects of life as well. My 'money maker' job is being a nurse, for the last 12 years, and I'll be honest-I would have done a far better job at training new nurses if I had been a CFI first. The human factors stuff applies no matter what you do.

[SeanD]

I have a buddy who built time flying banners in Ocean City,MD/Rehoboth,DE area. The only down side is that its seasonal.

[T_Hudson]

Thanks folks. "Most" of the replies were what i was looking for. They really help in trying to show some light in a tunnel I didn't really want to travel down.. =)

[PGA07]

Most folks touched on the subject with their above posts. The truth of the matter is you need to do what YOU think is best for you. That being said, aviation is like an octopus (I know very bad analogy) in that there is a central hub. That hub is your training. Once you have your tickets, there are numerous directions you can go (like tenticles, I know VERY BAD analogy).

However, when you look at this site and around the airport, pay attention to just how respected CFI/CFII are. This is due to the training and skill they posses. Earning those tickets may just in fact open doors you never knew existed, just because you went through the training.

But despite everything you are contemplating, remember the most important thing (which has already been stated, but heed the advice)........................................... ...................................

HAVE FUN ALONG THE WAY!!!

[towhook]

Towing banners is a great way to go. I had the same feelings as you coming through training, and I did get my CFI, CFII, and MEI. I have only given ~30 hrs dual. I thought the instructor ratings were my easiest checkrides... fly in the right seat and just regurgitate everything you have learned so far. Not that hard (the ride that is, now getting it into a student's skull is a different matter).

I found the time I did instruct fairly annoying. You don't get to fly and you have done it all before. The one part of instructing I didn't find totally boring was giving out tailwheel ratings for my banner tow company. The flare was terrifying and eveything else was boring. I don't look forward to ever having to do that again.

Banner towing does have many boring moments too. It sucks to fly 13 hours straight, with only a coule 20 minute breaks thrown in the middle. On the other hand you can build time very quickly. At least half my hours have been xc - we often pick and drop in different locations. I have flown a super cub all over the east coast, from FL to NY, and many states in between. I have been completely responsible for running my own operation: working with airport managers, getting on location, hotels, rentals, upkeep of equipment, getting equipment in position, maitenance on the a/c, expense preports, etc - all in a constantly changing enviorment. As I have gained more experience I have become responsible for others working with me. This I find very gratifying.

I consistantly deal with ATC in some of the busiest airspace. I doubt my exact experiences will be replayed in my future flying career, but I have become good at getting what I want. I get to fly formation all the time, sometimes work out of beautiful grass strips, and hang out with like minded people. Nothing like landing just before sundown after 10 long hours in the seat and having a good bud hand you a cold beer through the door before you can even unbuckle your seatbelt.

The work isn't seasonal at my company. Do well after your first summer and go on salary for quite a bit more then first year regional pilots. That will pull you through the slow months of Jan-Mar. Things have slowed down a little this fall, but I am still flying 30 hrs a week, and will through Dec. The money/benefits are *way* better then what you will get as a CFI.


You are going to get most people on here saying the CFI route is the way to go. No suprise - most on here are/were CFI's. It does have its obvious advantages, but that is only one side of the coin.

Don't stress over not wanting to instruct. Yes there are other options. Once you get ~500hrs even more options will be available. Be a good pilot, be yourself, and have a good time along the way.

[SeanD]

Originally Posted by towhook

Towing banners is a great way to go. I had the same feelings as you coming through training, and I did get my CFI, CFII, and MEI. I have only given ~30 hrs dual. I thought the instructor ratings were my easiest checkrides... fly in the right seat and just regurgitate everything you have learned so far. Not that hard (the ride that is, now getting it into a student's skull is a different matter).

I found the time I did instruct fairly annoying. You don't get to fly and you have done it all before. The one part of instructing I didn't find totally boring was giving out tailwheel ratings for my banner tow company. The flare was terrifying and eveything else was boring. I don't look forward to ever having to do that again.

Banner towing does have many boring moments too. It sucks to fly 13 hours straight, with only a coule 20 minute breaks thrown in the middle. On the other hand you can build time very quickly. At least half my hours have been xc - we often pick and drop in different locations. I have flown a super cub all over the east coast, from FL to NY, and many states in between. I have been completely responsible for running my own operation: working with airport managers, getting on location, hotels, rentals, upkeep of equipment, getting equipment in position, maitenance on the a/c, expense preports, etc - all in a constantly changing enviorment. As I have gained more experience I have become responsible for others working with me. This I find very gratifying.

I consistantly deal with ATC in some of the busiest airspace. I doubt my exact experiences will be replayed in my future flying career, but I have become good at getting what I want. I get to fly formation all the time, sometimes work out of beautiful grass strips, and hang out with like minded people. Nothing like landing just before sundown after 10 long hours in the seat and having a good bud hand you a cold beer through the door before you can even unbuckle your seatbelt.

The work isn't seasonal at my company. Do well after your first summer and go on salary for quite a bit more then first year regional pilots. That will pull you through the slow months of Jan-Mar. Things have slowed down a little this fall, but I am still flying 30 hrs a week, and will through Dec. The money/benefits are *way* better then what you will get as a CFI.


You are going to get most people on here saying the CFI route is the way to go. No suprise - most on here are/were CFI's. It does have its obvious advantages, but that is only one side of the coin.

Don't stress over not wanting to instruct. Yes there are other options. Once you get ~500hrs even more options will be available. Be a good pilot, be yourself, and have a good time along the way.

Where are you mainly based out of. Im an interested in banner towing next summer if all goes well. What are your requirement as far as hours/ratings go?

[Livestrongcjm]

I did get my CFI and MEI but I do traffic watch and get 100hr/mo