Reality Check!
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Yorkshire
Reality Check!
I finished uni a year ago and have sat behind a desk since, wishing I was sat in an aeroplane.
I’ve been an instructor on an Air Cadet VGS for quite a few years and really enjoy it. I would love to do it full time and have been seriously thinking about topping up a PPL and doing an instructors rating, with the view of making a career out of it.
However, I’ve seen quite a few negative comments on this forum about the working conditions and prospects for career instructors. Is this the case for an unlucky few, or is it the norm for the whole of the industry?
I know that no job is secure in this world, especially in the aviation world. But I guess the question is, am I in a dream world thinking I can make a career as an instructor, as well as supporting a family (some years down the line) and living a comfortable life style? If not, it would be great to hear some encouraging stories that ended happily ever after.
I’ve been an instructor on an Air Cadet VGS for quite a few years and really enjoy it. I would love to do it full time and have been seriously thinking about topping up a PPL and doing an instructors rating, with the view of making a career out of it.
However, I’ve seen quite a few negative comments on this forum about the working conditions and prospects for career instructors. Is this the case for an unlucky few, or is it the norm for the whole of the industry?
I know that no job is secure in this world, especially in the aviation world. But I guess the question is, am I in a dream world thinking I can make a career as an instructor, as well as supporting a family (some years down the line) and living a comfortable life style? If not, it would be great to hear some encouraging stories that ended happily ever after.
Rotate on this!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 403
Likes: 4
From: Aberdeen
I know that no job is secure in this world, especially in the aviation world. But I guess the question is, am I in a dream world thinking I can make a career as an instructor, as well as supporting a family (some years down the line) and living a comfortable life style?
You can very easily turn your dream into reality - just take your obvious desire, couple it to your talent and work hard.
Good luck.
Beacon Outbound
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 710
Likes: 22
From: "Home is were the answer machine is"
YES.
Good luck whatever you decide.
Gerard
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: NZ
Whats the worse that could happen
(shudder) awful fate...!!!
The point is, an instructing career will almost certainly result in poverty. Not necessarily... but probably.
Of course, if you never try...
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 680
Likes: 3
From: Who cares? ;-)
@SLFguy
and what's keeping you from going for it now? at least becoming a pilot, if not an instructor? I know lots of "older" people that start flying... some after retiring (they have more time then). Unless, of course, you have medical (or financial) reasons, go for it!
Westy (doing instructing part-time and less and less due to lack of students
)
I'm not a pilot but I am 45 and was unfortunate enough not not 'go for it' when I was younger
Westy (doing instructing part-time and less and less due to lack of students
)
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: West Midlands UK
I worked full time as an instructor 2001-2003 and had to make myself available 7 days a week in order to average 600 hours annually. That makes for a lot of drinking tea between students or waiting on the weather.
Whilst not thinking about the financial implications I enjoyed every minute of it and would not turn the clock back. However as I only earnt when I flew (block to block) even a £10,000 salary would have been manna from heaven!!!!! Things were just getting desperate when the first commercial job came along. 12 months on I can look back with fond memories but I know the reality was far less romantic.
If you are serious about making a career from instructing then aim high and find a position with one of the bigger commercial schools where a salary is paid. Otherwise the advice about instructing on the weekend or after the day job should be given serious consideration.
Best of Luck...............
Whilst not thinking about the financial implications I enjoyed every minute of it and would not turn the clock back. However as I only earnt when I flew (block to block) even a £10,000 salary would have been manna from heaven!!!!! Things were just getting desperate when the first commercial job came along. 12 months on I can look back with fond memories but I know the reality was far less romantic.
If you are serious about making a career from instructing then aim high and find a position with one of the bigger commercial schools where a salary is paid. Otherwise the advice about instructing on the weekend or after the day job should be given serious consideration.
Best of Luck...............
