Flying Instruction - Part Time
Hi all,
As a PPL holder who loves flying for the sake of flying I am thinking of adding to my licence the ratings necessary to allow me to give flying instruction (PPL). I presently have quite a good job and do not see myself using instruction as an hours building exercise, rather I would quite simply like to be more involved in flying. I feel that I would gain great satisfaction from being able to pass on my knowledge etc, to others. My hope would be that I could give flying instruction on a part time basis - ie still keep my "normal" job.
I have done the basic research into what I would need to do - it would appear that for paid instruction (which from the impression I get from the other discussions here I should be aiming at) I need to do: CPL, ATPL ground exams (preferable over CPL ones) and a FI rating. The likely cost is around the £15k mark (at present I have PPL+IMC and about 280hrs total time).
I am interested in gaining as much feedback as possible, particularly with respect to the following considerations:
1. Would a fully qualified FI who is part time (ie - who is doing it purely for pleasure rather than as a means to make a living) be likely to be resented amongst the full time staff at a flying school?
2. I would expect that extra instructors are required at the times when I would be available (weekends etc) and therefore that my availability would tend to fall in line with what is required by the schools. Is this correct in practice?
3. Are the ratings which I am proposing sufficient as far as what prospective employers expect? Do I need to maybe consider an IR or multi, etc? (I will be doing night rating soon)
4. How do the schools tend to view an individual who is instructing out of the desire to instruct rather than using it as a means to 1500hrs? Myself, I can see that each example has its own strengths and weaknesses.
5. If I was to do some of the ratings abroad (USA or SA for example) would this be detrimental to my ability to get work in the UK?
I have read the majority of postings on PPRuNe which relate to this topic and are well aware of the state of the market. However I would find it most useful to hear from members who feel they can give relevant advice.
Thanks,
Fuji