Trainee then Instructor?

[darrel_s]

Hi folks,

 

I am currently trying to compile information about some perspective flight schools. Been studying these forums for quite a while but there are still a few questions I'd like to find some answers to.

 

How many of you out there have actually acquired work as pilot instructors from the schools you trained at?

 

What school did you attend? Size of school in regards to # of aircraft and # of fellow students?

 

How long were you a student and for what ratings?

 

Number of fellow students that were competing for that same instructor position?

 

How long as a trainer did it take you to reach the 1000hr/2000hr mark?

 

Did that school have ties to firms like Air Logistics that helped you in your career development??

 

I’d appreciate any information you could share. Thanks in advance

[flingwing206]

Hi folks,

 

I am currently trying to compile information about some perspective flight schools. Been studying these forums for quite a while but there are still a few questions I'd like to find some answers to. How many of you out there have actually acquired work as pilot instructors from the schools you trained at?

I could have, chose to go to a different part of the country.

What school did you attend? Size of school in regards to # of aircraft and # of fellow students?

Helicopter Adventures - at the time about 18 300CB, 6 R22, 2 206 and I'd guess somewhere around 50 students in a similar program, 100 or so students overall.

How long were you a student and for what ratings?

About a year, from no experience to CFII

Number of fellow students that were competing for that same instructor position?

There really wasn't competition in the common sense of the word. If the school needs instructors, they hire as many as they need - if that's all available, so be it. If there is only one position and ten recent graduates, one gets hired, even if all ten are excellent. That's generally how all businesses conduct hiring.

How long as a trainer did it take you to reach the 1000hr/2000hr mark?

About 20 months, but I was at a small school/FBO - I had a salary position with responsibilities beyond flying. If I had just flown, probably around 14 months.

Did that school have ties to firms like Air Logistics that helped you in your career development??

Helicopter Adventures has a LOT of graduates spread throughout the industry, and hence a lot of connections. However, to the best of my knowledge, they have no formal ties with any large operators like Air Log. There are a lot of HAI folks at Era.

[pasbonsimon]

sent pm

[darrel_s]

Thank you both. The insight really helps.

[Mag]

Hi ,

 

@pasbonsimon: could you pleeaase PM me the information to ?

 

I´m 24 and didn`t pass my University exam, i feel like sh.. right now , it would be great to get a second chance with a childhood dream , but the cost of the Training would destroy me completely if i didn`t get an instructors job afterwards to get hours fo better employment chances .

 

 

Thank you all very much

 

Mario

[jehh]

How many of you out there have actually acquired work as pilot instructors from the schools you trained at?

 

I didn't, however it only took about 2 weeks to find a job, because I was willing to move anywhere to get it. The key is to be aggressive with your search, and send a resume to everyone, not just those advertising. My two job offers (including the school I went to work for) came from schools that were not advertising for CFIs.

 

What school did you attend? Size of school in regards to # of aircraft and # of fellow students?

 

Summit Helicopters and Sky Helicopters, in the Dallas area. I split my ratings between them. Both are 3 to 4 helicopter flight schools with a dozen or so students.

 

How long were you a student and for what ratings?

 

18 months, however it took me that long because I also did my airplane ratings at the same time.

 

Number of fellow students that were competing for that same instructor position?

 

It isn't a matter of competing, sometimes a school needs CFIs, sometimes it doesn't.

 

How long as a trainer did it take you to reach the 1000hr/2000hr mark?

 

6 months... However, I started with 350 hours of helicopter time, so if you start with 200 hours, count on 8-9 months.

 

Did that school have ties to firms like Air Logistics that helped you in your career development??

 

Every school has its pluses and minuses... You first have to be comfortable doing business with them, then you have to be comfortable with their CFIs, those are the people who will actually train you. Then there is the type of aircraft they fly, you must have time in type to teach in an aircraft, usually 50+ hours.

[darrel_s]

Thanks for your reply Jehh.