Instructor Rating - 15k - 17k Oh my...

[ScarabofRa]

Like many other CPL students out there, I have been carefully considering my career path into the world of commercial aviation. I have read a number of posts on PPRuNe on such topics as 'Charter vs Instructing' etc. I've read some very thought-provoking posts, and I really appreciate the time that you all take out of your busy schedules to share your experiences. So far, I've set my sites on becoming an instructor as a long term goal, as I generally enjoy teaching and training and working closely with people (I find it to be very rewarding).

However, I've started to second-guess my career aspirations in light of some recent research into the costs involved (thank you google Australia!) I've checked out some of the instructor rating training programs on offer from various flight training providers around the country, including my current aeroclub. All of them have one thing in common - a price tag of between 15 and 17 thousand dollars! Wow. Needless to say, I'm speechless! Adding that cost to the cost of the CPL - well, perhaps this path may now be out of reach afterall. So sad. :ugh:

I'm actually quite curious as to why this cost is so high. Perhaps it's simply supply and demand - there are too many instructors on the market, so the market is priced higher to increase the barrier to entry. Or maybe I'm reading into it too much :}

What are your thoughts?

[TeeTail]

ScarabofRa,

I don't believe it's a supply and demand thing or a culling process. Its simply that hire rates for a C172, C152 or PA28 these days are somewhere between $250 to $300 an hour dual.

For an instructor rating you require a minimum of 30 hours dual instruction, with an additional 20 hours Mutual with another trainee. Add briefing time, landing fees etc and it is an expensive course.

Having said that it is a fantastic course and something I will never regret doing!

[Rich-Fine-Green]

An Instructor Rating (if done properly) requires huge amounts of a Grade 1 Instructors time in a classroom.
Add 50 hours of flight time.
30-50 hours dual Instruction.
Flight Test (all day affair!)
Landing fees etc.
It's expensive but really worth while doing. An Instructor Rating (again, if done properly) brings you up to another level after a CPL.

[Tilster]

Hangarage /office /classroom/equipment rental
Oil
Fuel
Maintenance both scheduled and unscheduled (don’t forget engine overhalls and propeller replacements)
Insurance
Registration costs
Landing fees /airways charges
Instructor wages (super/holiday pay/etc etc)
Advertising /marketing
I am not sure on the exact cost of each item but im sure there is not a whole lot left over after your $250 you pay for an hour dual in a C172. As they say if you want to make a million dollars in aviation you have to start with two. If you want to spend 30-50 hours in a C172/C152 and a S#!t load of time with your personal instructor start with $15,000 - $17,000.

[The Green Goblin]

I paid 8k :ok: (earlier last decade)

[urkidnme]

A structured fulltime course is usually around the 7 weeks in duration.
Take away the 50 hours of flight time necessary, the Grade 1 instructor is still needed and dedicated to your course for a further 215 hours of class/briefing time.
Break that down, it equates to $20 per hour for each student on the course. Some schools run a maximum number of 3-4 students and need to fill those to run profitably at these current prices.

[das Uber Soldat]

Cmon its great, you get to pay 15-17K for the privilege of having a bunch of muppet light twin drivers who look at you blankly when you say 'critical engine' tell you you're not a proper pilot ;)

Jokes aside its worth doing as the difference in your flying and approach as a professional is night and day. Just make sure that once you finish your rating, you dont just sit on your hands. Keep reading, keep learning, listen to the more experienced guys and always deliver your best to your students. You may be 'over it' in 2 years from now, but from the perspective of your student, he/she is going through this for the first time, and is paying you a lot more than 15-17K for the privilege.

[ScarabofRa]

Hey guys,

Thanks for your input. I certainly agree with the rising cost of air time. I'm dreading the next increase (which will probably occur July this year :}) Interestingly, my current instructors for the CPL course I'm enrolled in got their ratings not too long ago and paid around 10k (they are now grade II's).

Ultimately, I think that if this is the path one wants to take, one will find a way to make it so. I'll probably feel better about the cost once I've reached the 'acceptance' stage :ok: hehehe

I'm actually quite excited about instructing. I have some very good mentors at my local aeroclub - they are very inspiring.