Mmmm……weird one this! If this post seems a little bitter,I can assure you it’s not intended,as I’m very happy with the the school that I’m instructing at,happy with my instructional skills,and happy with the number of hours flown,well in excess of my colleagues who went to other schools.
I attended an interview with CAC the DAY after passing my FI test.I was happy with the situation,and had an interview and a flight with the manager.I was invited back for a test flight with Marshals chief test pilot,a very nice guy.The flight was very wooden from my point of view,teach S & L to a guy with a zillion hours,me with zero instructing hours,but don’t worry,it’s NOT A TEST.
A few days later was told “Sorry,we’re looking for someone with more instructional experience” ??????
Now I understand that I am not automatically entitled to a job,and I know CAC must be doing something right,as I think it’s the oldest flying club in the UK.I also know that they maybe simply didn’t like me,which is fine,( great quote “What others think of me, is none of my business”),but why ask me down again, and then decide you need an experienced instructor?
Two trips to Cambridge,one overnight stay,two hours looking at accommodation?
FI shortage? Probably,but not at many of the schools that I deal with.
I have to say that I found the school friendly, professional,and efficient,and I was told that they pay well,but I would suggest that they look at wether they like the person based on gut instinct,because we all know that an instructors flying skills develop out of all proportion within a couple of weeks.
I am very proud of a comment made to me by one of my students,a head teacher with 35 years experience “You’re not just an instructor,you’re a true teacher,and I should know”,and I am sure that there are many,many more just like me, prepared to travel,relocate and give their best,usually on a pittance of a wage (as I said,I don’t think pay is a negative in the case of CAC)
After my experiences,I did a search and found a few comments regarding CAC’s attitude to recruitment similar to my own experiences.
In a nutshell I would say that I was ready and willing to do a good job,I was happy with the club,and I am a good instructor.If they didn’t like me,fine,but maybe their FI shortage.................
isn’t all it seems.!!!!