It is indeed true that we have an instructor shortage. I am an FIC instructor and I cannot train enough instructors to satisfy my airfield! I usually average 40 hours a month flying because of the amount of ground school on the course but this month (despite the awful weather) I have done 70 hours. I am tired! I need instructors who want to stay in the career and qualify as FIC instructors - every time I identify someone suitable he goes and joins an airline. It is reasonably well paid compared to PPL instructing and you get paid for ground school so consider staying in the job and progressing - this is where the career instructors should be.