DHC-8 Instructor Ground School

[raysalmon]

Been invited to attend DHC-8 Instructor ground school on Thursday. Will probably start out as a part-time sim instructor for a few bids, and then when training picks up will be a full-time instructor.

Ray

[stuckingfk]

[ QUOTE ]
Been invited to attend DHC-8 Instructor ground school on Thursday. Will probably start out as a part-time sim instructor for a few bids, and then when training picks up will be a full-time instructor.

Ray

[/ QUOTE ]

Is this a good thing? And does this mean a better QOL?

[jonnyb]

Doesn't that mean no flying Ray? If so, why would you want to do that? Planning on moving up in the company? Management etc.?

[raysalmon]

There are Pros and Cons, but mostly Pros for someone in my position.

Pros:

- As a full-time instructor you get 96 hr guarantee and minimum of 150 hours per diem.

- You get to "bump" pilots from flights on your days off so you can fly. (They are pay protected). This will work out for both me and my fellow CAs here in GJT. Some of them don't want to fly, so I can take any flying they get and they still get paid for it.

- Good resume builder for future opportunities.

- I've always enjoyed the training side of flying and am looking forward to getting back into it.

- The potential for a little more job security.

Cons:

- Not quite as much flying as a line pilot....but probably not less than a RSV pilot (I alternate between RSV and line holding, per the whims of the more senior Captains and whether they feel like flying a bid or not).

- Away from home more often (all GJT schedules are home every night schedules), but probably only about 7-10 days a month.

The last Con is quite a big issue since I have a family. We'll see how it goes. If I start spending too much time at the sim and no flying, then I'll go back to the line in pretty short order.

Ray

[jonnyb]

The good thing is, you can head straight back to the line if you're not diggin' it.