Flying Instructors & ExaminersA place for instructors to communicate with one another because some of them get a bit tired of the attitude that instructing is the lowest form of aviation, as seems to prevail on some of the other forums!
After trailing through and emailing various organisations from the CAAs approved FI providers list, (thank you to those who posted the link), I'm really unsure of where I'd like to go - they all sound good on paper!
I will probably need to do the course on a part-time basis, (work commitments, etc), and looking to <hopefully> start in around 4 - 6 weeks.
Does anybody have any good recommendations on where to go, from personal experience?
I know that On-Track Aviation at Wellesbourne specialise in part-time FI courses. They also have a good reputation, both in the industry and from ex-students (myself included)
Problem with 4-6 weeks is you are seriously limiting your options . At the moment most Fi courses are over subscribed and there is a waiting list at most.
I would try Mike Wood at Aviation South west at Exeter very good did mine in 5 weeks , busy course , hard but good well recommended
If traveling distances are reasonable, I would definitely suggest Captain Lance Plews at BCFT, Bournemouth. Now that I started instructing I can see the thought behind every word he said. Also, once he's done with you, you will be able to pass any exam!
If you want a course tailored to fit around your other commitments and could get to Cranfield, I would recommend you get in touch with David Coulson (Tel: 01234 752272) at Cranfield Flight Training.
Almost certainly the one nearest you will be the best bet, given you want to do it part-time. I have a strong suspicion most FI courses will be full-time or nearly so and given the nature of flying training (weather, tech cancellations etc.) you will be on a hiding to nothing trying to do it part-time any distance from home.
Before you consider plews , go and meet him and speak to students there, myself and others included went elsewhere for training due to his unprofessional and downright arrogant persona, but then some people think he's great ,
Beware - a restricted FI needs to be supervised - so being 'freelance' (working for many schools) isn't always a good choice. Being freelance (one school calls you when they need you) isn't probably going to work too well at the moment either.
Was an instructor full and part time up until 33 years ago but seriously thinking of going back to it when, or if I retire from my present line of work. Obviously have to start at the bottom again, if I become qualified again and manage to get a job.
Most enjoyable flying I ever did in my respects, in fact I loved it. Unfortunately there was no money in it!. Am aware also, it is a "calling".
Funny old world is it not? Here I was teaching (trying) people to begin to learn to fly and sending them solo etc., but knew damn all about flying myself then and still don't.
Carol Cooper at Andrewsfield would be happy to take you on a part time FIC course and she is as good an instructor as you can get. Just talk to anyone who has been trained by her and they will say the same.
According to FTN this month, there are now a surplus of CPL qualified instructors for the first time in a long time, this means very poor job prospects for new instructors. Best advice is don't spent the £7k as you won't get a return.
Linear Mode
