Oh goody, this has de-generated into one of my fave topics! The rudeness and arrogance being shown is so professional.
Listen boys and girls, If someone wants to instruct for free as a 'hobby' there is nothing wrong with that. The problem isn't that person it's the system (ie many airlines expecting applicants to have magically aquired 1000hrs etc at no cost to the airline, before being accepted - what other industry expects or tolerates this??).
BTW I'm currently studying for my ATPL theory and will do a CPL and FI... just so I can get a part time instructing job, to be able to fly for fun. Let me repeat that phrase in case any of you can't remember what it means... to fly for fun (practice saying it out loud if it helps).
There is no money involved in basic part time instruction because;
ATPL theory £2500
CPL course £5000
FI course £4800
total £12,300 (not inc hours to get past 150hrs P1)
If I earn £12 per hour and do four hrs in a day on average (good!) and instruct for two days a week, deducting £10 per day for travel/expenses and 40% for tax (yes I've also got a real job as well) that means I've got to instruct for approx 2100 hrs before I even pay off my training costs.
The CAA insist on you having done CPL or ATPL theory before the FI course (why the hell so you really need JAR CPL theory to get an FI, god knows?) If it wasn't for that issue, I guess many people definately wouldn't bother doing a CPL and would just get an FI on a PPL (why pay the extra £7500 which will take years to recoup). In a way insisting you do CPL theory before a FI is protecting the path for 'professional' (read ATPL hour build) instructors.... some CAA agenda here methinks?
I don't begrudge anyone a decentliving or a career, I genuinely admire anyone who has the tenacity to become a professional pilot. But please, please, for those who do, stop thinking the rest of us owe you a path to get there.
BTW A few people doing part time instructing for free, ain't going to stop clubs still taking on ATPL hour builders...Remember the glass is half full.
Let the flames begin (pls don't mention my kids, wife or mum cos I'll cry).