pilot#476398 Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 (edited) I saw an article once on the top ten best paying entry-level jobs. Helicopter pilot was on the list at $25/hr (obviously the author didn't know how entry-level pilots are paid)! Edited August 18, 2012 by pilot#476398
nightsta1ker Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 (obviously the author didn't know how entry-level pilots are paid)! Obviously not.
Helipilot PTK Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 I saw an article once on the top ten best paying entry-level jobs. Helicopter pilot was on the list at $25/hr (obviously the author didn't know how entry-level pilots are paid)! They are probably talking about when the instructor is actually flying maybe? Not all the time he spends on the ground etc, just flight time.
Mikemv Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 I consult at a school where the CFIs are paid $45 per hour for ground and sim time. I think flight time is the same. One of our airplane schools here charges $70 per hour for flight or ground. I am not sure what the CFIs get from that fee.
rotormandan Posted August 21, 2012 Posted August 21, 2012 I was lucky enough to be busy enough to do alright. It only worked out to be 28k-30k/year ($20-23/hr flt/gnd/sim) but that was a huge improvement from my wages in the kitchen before flying. It took a few jobs after that to build any turbine time and make anymore.
Spike Posted August 23, 2012 Posted August 23, 2012 Not only felt I was making a livable wage, but with job security and confidence I could get whatever job I wanted (within reason); 10 years…… Beyond that first 10, my wage doubled....
nightsta1ker Posted August 24, 2012 Posted August 24, 2012 (edited) Standard flight instructor pay in my area is $15/hour. That said, most people around here are lucky if they have a job that pays above min/wage. I currently make almost twice that as a contracted mechanic, so going full time flight instructor will be a huge pay cut. I fully expect to be doing this more as a hobby for the next 2+ years. My current non-flying job pays very well but is very demanding. I want to have a new car (paid for in cash) and a decent savings before I jump into flying full time, though I am confident I can get that full time job when I am ready. I have already figured I can make my mortgage and still feed my family on a flight instructors pay (as long as my wife keeps working too). I just won't be able to save money, so I want it saved ahead of time. I would say, as long as you are at a busy school, flight instructor pay is very liveable, as long as you don't have expectations of eating out all the time, living in a posh place, or driving a beemer. Edited August 24, 2012 by nightsta1ker
aeroscout Posted August 24, 2012 Posted August 24, 2012 What you want is proven in what you are willing to give up. 3
ChprPlt Posted November 28, 2012 Posted November 28, 2012 Many years of sacrifices and moving all around the country due to places closing etc. Took about 5 years before I "made it". Still kind of surprised that I can finally pay the bills comfortably.
zippiesdrainage Posted December 5, 2012 Posted December 5, 2012 (edited) Every school and experience is different. I've heard of some instructor jobs paying as much as 20/hr and as little as 10. You could get on with a busy flight school and have your 1000 in a year or you may work at a slow school and it'll take you 5 years. It'll be tough sometimes and you'll learn a lot about yourself and how much you're willing to sacrifice to fly helicopters in the process Edited December 5, 2012 by zippiesdrainage
pilot#476398 Posted December 5, 2012 Author Posted December 5, 2012 Yeah, 20 bucks an hour,...on the hobbs!
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