FI(H) employment chances during summer

[romeodelta]

So, first post! :)

I did quite some research on this topic but didn't find any recent postings. (I stand to be corrected)

I hold FAA CPL/IR/CFI and since a little while a JAA CPL. I'm thinking about doing the JAA FI course. (requirements are halved because of the FAA CFI) I enjoyed instructing in the US and converting to a JAA FI it is a lot cheaper then converting my FAA IR. But is this a wise decision, is there any chance of making a living during the summer months? Or, even more important, are there any openings for FI's. I found lots of posts that spoke about an instructor shortage on the fixed wing side.. but is it the same on the helicopter side?

All info appreciated!

romeodelta

[jeepys]

There is usually a shortage of F.I.s about this time of the year but if you are going to do it then do it now because you need to be ready now. It,s no use being finished in September, you may as well wait until next year if that's going to be the case.
To answer your question you can earn enough money during the summer months but not enough to tied you over the winter months, however what with global warming and my snowman melting early winter (depending on your location) seems to be short lived at the moment. Most schools will pay you for what you fly, not salary.
Try not to accept anything less than £30/35 per hour for an F.I. (R). Get the restriction lifted and the rate should go up a tenner. I know people say you are doing injustice to the rest of the F.I. world if you sell your soul for £20 an hour or so but needs sometimes must.
Hope this helps.
Regards.

[romeodelta]

Thanks for the reply! I could be done within a month. That will put me on the market somewere mid may. Seems to me fairly in the beginning of the season, right?

Cheers!

[Camp Freddie]

romeodelta,

jeepys makes a good point about timing, if your were already "in" with a training organisation then the timing is less critical, if you are going to be walking in off the street asking for work then now is the time to be doing that.

I disagree however that mid may is fairly in the beginning of the season, also I dont believe you will be done in month either. unless you already have your course and test booked, I think you are being too optimistic, this is after all the UK.

I completely disagree that you should work for £20 an hour, an organisation that will not pay £35 per hour in 2007 is not worth working for, I was getting £35 as a new AFI(H) in 1997. you most definitely are doing an injustice to every other FI(H) and you would be exploited yourself.

however, good luck

CF

[romeodelta]

Why would it take that long to fly 15hrs? I know the CAA can be slow at times but it would be strange to fly less then 15hrs a month when attending full time.

Ofcourse it would be great to apply for jobs right now, so let's call this the season start. But in a month it's still not the end of the season :p I guess you never know when a rating will lead to employment. It all depends on when a requirement exists at a school and who else applies at that moment. I've seen openings advertised in magazines last winter so I guess you never know.

[noblades]

romeodelta,

PM me if you want some tips, I know of places looking for instructors but I know pprune will remove any job ads placed by schools. Good luck in career regardless
NB