Instructing for Free???
Couldonlyaffordafiver
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'India-Mike,
In order to instruct, you need to have passed the CPL written exams, therefore you may as well do the whole thing. Also:
You may not be receiving any valuable consideration but the club will be, unless it's none profit making (pretty unlikely). Therefore you need a CPL. If there is any money changing hands, you need a commercial licence.
I'm currently finishing my ATPL theory. In Jan. '07 I have a financially-driven choice - pay for an instructor rating; or pay for a CPL.
If I go the former route, two local clubs get the benefit of an instructor next year that they wouldn't have. If I go the latter route I'll have a completely useless piece of paper for a year before I can afford the instructor rating.
Oh, and I won't be instructing for free. The clubs can charge a dual rate as usual - I simply won't be receiving any valuable consideration until CPL in '08.
Oh, and I won't be instructing for free. The clubs can charge a dual rate as usual - I simply won't be receiving any valuable consideration until CPL in '08.
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MFWF,
Have you considered joining the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons ? who also instruct on the Grob 109 (a TMG/SLMG). Given you've already got a services background with flying experience I'd thave thought you'd stand a good chance. The only downside is that I think the nearest unit to you is RAF Odiham, and I think it involves giving up a lot of your weekends.
As its run by the services, they train you (so you don't need a CPL or FI).
I'm sure that there are one or two on these forums who could tell you a lot more.
Brooklands
Have you considered joining the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons ? who also instruct on the Grob 109 (a TMG/SLMG). Given you've already got a services background with flying experience I'd thave thought you'd stand a good chance. The only downside is that I think the nearest unit to you is RAF Odiham, and I think it involves giving up a lot of your weekends.
As its run by the services, they train you (so you don't need a CPL or FI).
I'm sure that there are one or two on these forums who could tell you a lot more.
Brooklands
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Brooklands,
Thanks for that, an interesting idea that I shall pursue right now! I'd happily instruct every weekend going!
Many thanks
Thanks for that, an interesting idea that I shall pursue right now! I'd happily instruct every weekend going!
Many thanks
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A lot of wisdom from say again slowly, IMHO.
It's a pity however that even getting to be a PPL instructor for free (e.g. to teach friends to fly) one needs to sit the JAA CPL exams. That is more or less the whole ATPL ground school, AIUI. Who is going to bother to do that?
It's a pity however that even getting to be a PPL instructor for free (e.g. to teach friends to fly) one needs to sit the JAA CPL exams. That is more or less the whole ATPL ground school, AIUI. Who is going to bother to do that?
The Original Whirly
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Have you considered joining the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons
Yes, if you want to instruct for free, this is the way to go.
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Putting your money where your mouth is?
Say again slowly.
I am a Flying Instructor/Examiner including R/t with 20 years experience. I gave up my old career and bought my flying Club/School 14 years ago. We operate four aeroplanes and fly approximately 1500 hours a year. We have 5 part time Instructors some of whom are paid and one or two that are not but wish to contribute to the well being of the club. Many others do various things for us to keep the club afloat. Over the years we have been able to help many aspiring pilots onroute to their flying careers and give others a lot of pleasure and a sense of achievement.
It is true of course that many stay withing the club environment as full time Instructors and need to earn a living. Quite right that they should receive a living wage but sadly it is not always possible. The wage earners do not have a monopoly on the industry however and many of us that do work for a pittance should be given respect and appreciated and so should mustflywillfly whatever choices he makes. Others should not try to bully him into their own agenda.
I am a Flying Instructor/Examiner including R/t with 20 years experience. I gave up my old career and bought my flying Club/School 14 years ago. We operate four aeroplanes and fly approximately 1500 hours a year. We have 5 part time Instructors some of whom are paid and one or two that are not but wish to contribute to the well being of the club. Many others do various things for us to keep the club afloat. Over the years we have been able to help many aspiring pilots onroute to their flying careers and give others a lot of pleasure and a sense of achievement.
It is true of course that many stay withing the club environment as full time Instructors and need to earn a living. Quite right that they should receive a living wage but sadly it is not always possible. The wage earners do not have a monopoly on the industry however and many of us that do work for a pittance should be given respect and appreciated and so should mustflywillfly whatever choices he makes. Others should not try to bully him into their own agenda.
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homeguard,
I have no problem with what you do provided you are only charging your students a slight premium over your solo rate for the instructing facilities when they are flying with PPL unpaid instructors, or ideally pay the extra to your paid instructors - I suspect though,like most schools you charge a full instructor rate for these guys, and I doubt that you pay a rate to your paid instructors for them to be earning the fortune that you seem to think they get.
I have no problem with what you do provided you are only charging your students a slight premium over your solo rate for the instructing facilities when they are flying with PPL unpaid instructors, or ideally pay the extra to your paid instructors - I suspect though,like most schools you charge a full instructor rate for these guys, and I doubt that you pay a rate to your paid instructors for them to be earning the fortune that you seem to think they get.
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Who pays the Piper?
So now we have to submit our prices to the Instructor gangmasters for approval. Is that what you're saying foxmouth.
One afternoon a flying school owner was riding in his limousine when he saw two men along the roadside eating grass.
Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate.
He asked one man, "Why are you eating grass?"
"We don't have any money for food," the poor man replied. "We have to eat
grass."
"Well, then, you can come with me to my house and I'll feed you," the flying school owner said.
"But sir, I have a wife and two children with me. They are over there, under that tree."
"Bring them along," the flying school owner replied.
Turning to the other poor man he stated, "You come with us, also."
The second man, in a pitiful voice, then said, "But sir, I also have a wife and SIX children with me!"
"Bring them all, as well," the flying school owner answered.
They all entered the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limousine was.
Once underway, one of the poor fellows turned to the flying school owner and said, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you."
The flying school owner replied, "Glad to do it. You'll really love my place. The grass is almost a foot high."
One afternoon a flying school owner was riding in his limousine when he saw two men along the roadside eating grass.
Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate.
He asked one man, "Why are you eating grass?"
"We don't have any money for food," the poor man replied. "We have to eat
grass."
"Well, then, you can come with me to my house and I'll feed you," the flying school owner said.
"But sir, I have a wife and two children with me. They are over there, under that tree."
"Bring them along," the flying school owner replied.
Turning to the other poor man he stated, "You come with us, also."
The second man, in a pitiful voice, then said, "But sir, I also have a wife and SIX children with me!"
"Bring them all, as well," the flying school owner answered.
They all entered the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limousine was.
Once underway, one of the poor fellows turned to the flying school owner and said, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you."
The flying school owner replied, "Glad to do it. You'll really love my place. The grass is almost a foot high."
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Made me laugh out loud. Wasn't a parable was it?
Do we take it, Homeguard, that you charge your students for flying instruction when you are paying nothing to the instructor involved. Sound business decision, I suppose, though hardly philanthropic.
Do your instructors and students know about this? What do your paid instructors think about the dilution of the available work by the unpaid instructors? I'm guessing that they hate it. I'm also guessing that they are "self-employed" flying instructors and don't dare raise an eyebrow for fear of being no longer required. I say this because I'm quite sure that a similar situation at my place would lead to serious unrest amongst the instructional staff.
Of course, you're right to say that you don't have to justify your business practises to us, but I'm intrigued nonetheless.
We had a guy at our place who had no CPL, but did a bit of instruction on Saturdays. Gave his "earnings" to the RAF Benevolent fund...very decent.
SAS has it right, I think. In my opinion, there are too many schools out there who are only trading by virtue of the fact that they are able to take advantage of their flying instructors....SAS says it all so much more eloquently than I can.
bogbeagle
Do we take it, Homeguard, that you charge your students for flying instruction when you are paying nothing to the instructor involved. Sound business decision, I suppose, though hardly philanthropic.
Do your instructors and students know about this? What do your paid instructors think about the dilution of the available work by the unpaid instructors? I'm guessing that they hate it. I'm also guessing that they are "self-employed" flying instructors and don't dare raise an eyebrow for fear of being no longer required. I say this because I'm quite sure that a similar situation at my place would lead to serious unrest amongst the instructional staff.
Of course, you're right to say that you don't have to justify your business practises to us, but I'm intrigued nonetheless.
We had a guy at our place who had no CPL, but did a bit of instruction on Saturdays. Gave his "earnings" to the RAF Benevolent fund...very decent.
SAS has it right, I think. In my opinion, there are too many schools out there who are only trading by virtue of the fact that they are able to take advantage of their flying instructors....SAS says it all so much more eloquently than I can.
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MUSTFLYWILLY
If you can find a non profit driven club that is actually run by members for members then why not work for free. Please don't do it for any club that charges customers for your time and then pockets the money themselves (illegal and unethical)
You will need to pay for your own license renewals and medicals so please factor that in (you may wan't to charge for "expenses").
You mention that you are in the Navy so I would suggest you check out Navy flying clubs or failing that RAF flying clubs. You might like to know that the it is possible to become an RAF Instructor where your customers are air cadets, you do not need a FI rating and can instruct on a PPL (unrenumerated of course) - I didn't know that but if I had I would have investigated opportunities locally.
If you go the FI route you will need to pass the CPL exams and if you do that it would then make sense to complete the CPL training (but it would be more sensible to bite the bullet and sit ATPL exams as they offer more opportunity for career advancement). Either way you would then most likely wish to be paid.
Other countries have non renumerated instructors but they are non profit driven real members clubs. Lets face it if you can log hours for free, avoid expensive and unnecessary extra training and help somebody else at the same time that is a real win win (JUST NOT SO COMMON IN UK THESE DAYS).
If you can find a non profit driven club that is actually run by members for members then why not work for free. Please don't do it for any club that charges customers for your time and then pockets the money themselves (illegal and unethical)
You will need to pay for your own license renewals and medicals so please factor that in (you may wan't to charge for "expenses").
You mention that you are in the Navy so I would suggest you check out Navy flying clubs or failing that RAF flying clubs. You might like to know that the it is possible to become an RAF Instructor where your customers are air cadets, you do not need a FI rating and can instruct on a PPL (unrenumerated of course) - I didn't know that but if I had I would have investigated opportunities locally.
If you go the FI route you will need to pass the CPL exams and if you do that it would then make sense to complete the CPL training (but it would be more sensible to bite the bullet and sit ATPL exams as they offer more opportunity for career advancement). Either way you would then most likely wish to be paid.
Other countries have non renumerated instructors but they are non profit driven real members clubs. Lets face it if you can log hours for free, avoid expensive and unnecessary extra training and help somebody else at the same time that is a real win win (JUST NOT SO COMMON IN UK THESE DAYS).
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Homeguard ( I won't descend to abusing your username, though I can think of a few variations)
I would say you seem to be in the minority here, even amongst other club owners. You are obviously looking at it from an owners/business angle. I am looking at it as someone that has paid out to fly and worked my way up to flying for an airline the hard way and I think it is unfair on those who are stuck in instructing that they get paid a pittance by such as yourself. Yes I know it is hard running a flying school, but so are many other industries and I can think of few where someone with such an expensive qualification works for so little. To then say that people should do it for free whilst you rake in the benefits seems a little mean. There are no "Instructor gangmasters", if there were then fees paid might be a little higher, but I do think instructors should stick together as much as possible to ensure what little they have is not further eroded.
I also think your "parable" shows how you think - Owners rolling in it while the instructors should be gratefull for what little is tossed their way.
n.b. glad to see there are some who run schools that do not seem to think like this.
I would say you seem to be in the minority here, even amongst other club owners. You are obviously looking at it from an owners/business angle. I am looking at it as someone that has paid out to fly and worked my way up to flying for an airline the hard way and I think it is unfair on those who are stuck in instructing that they get paid a pittance by such as yourself. Yes I know it is hard running a flying school, but so are many other industries and I can think of few where someone with such an expensive qualification works for so little. To then say that people should do it for free whilst you rake in the benefits seems a little mean. There are no "Instructor gangmasters", if there were then fees paid might be a little higher, but I do think instructors should stick together as much as possible to ensure what little they have is not further eroded.
I also think your "parable" shows how you think - Owners rolling in it while the instructors should be gratefull for what little is tossed their way.
n.b. glad to see there are some who run schools that do not seem to think like this.
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Homeguard,
I don't mean to offend, but I probably will with these comments, so apologies in advance.
I do not know your club or the ethos behind it, but if you have to rely on unpaid "help" to keep your heads above water, then the long term future isn't exactly rosy.
I would not work with other FI's who cannot get paid. I would also not employ an FI who cannot be paid, as it would rightly cause havoc with the other FI's who would see it as having wages taken from them. I would be annoyed by it myself.
I take great pride in doing things correctly (as I see them), and paying people a decent wage for what can be a very demanding job is one of my goals. I am an Instructor first and foremost. Ripping people off by not paying them is something I find deeply offensive. If a company cannot afford basics like this, then how can you invest in the future?
Our instructors don't actually cost the company anything since they are paid by the hour which is directly paid by the customer. We are always looking to improve this renumeration and it has to be sustainable, but the goal is eventually to have our instructors earning a decent wage (not compared to McDonalds) rather than on an hourly basis.
The only real option is to let all FI rating holders get paid, regardless of licence type, that would stop all of this nonsense straight away.
Phrases such as "instructor gangmasters" are emotive nonsense. There is no malevolent force at work here, only people trying to get paid a fair wage for a job that requires a large amount of expensive training and hard bloody work.
If anything it is attitudes like yours that keep this industry in the Victorian dark ages in terms of staff relations, development and customer retention.
Compare the flight training industry with virtually anyother and you'll see how utterly rubbish it really is. Aviation has always been backward and it's only since the rise of No-Frills carriers that the airline world has changed into something less than a basket case. You may not like O'Leary or Stelios, but they are bloody good businessmen and they keep a lot of people in work and have opened flying up for all. They have done this by keeping costs down, but also by getting more people into their a/c. Again, by spreading the cost over more people, it gets even cheaper. Leading to more and more people. Which further reduces the cost.............
One last thing, do you have a 5 year plan? If so, is it to expand, get better a/c, more facilities and corner a market place, or is it just to survive?
I don't mean to offend, but I probably will with these comments, so apologies in advance.
I do not know your club or the ethos behind it, but if you have to rely on unpaid "help" to keep your heads above water, then the long term future isn't exactly rosy.
I would not work with other FI's who cannot get paid. I would also not employ an FI who cannot be paid, as it would rightly cause havoc with the other FI's who would see it as having wages taken from them. I would be annoyed by it myself.
I take great pride in doing things correctly (as I see them), and paying people a decent wage for what can be a very demanding job is one of my goals. I am an Instructor first and foremost. Ripping people off by not paying them is something I find deeply offensive. If a company cannot afford basics like this, then how can you invest in the future?
Our instructors don't actually cost the company anything since they are paid by the hour which is directly paid by the customer. We are always looking to improve this renumeration and it has to be sustainable, but the goal is eventually to have our instructors earning a decent wage (not compared to McDonalds) rather than on an hourly basis.
The only real option is to let all FI rating holders get paid, regardless of licence type, that would stop all of this nonsense straight away.
Phrases such as "instructor gangmasters" are emotive nonsense. There is no malevolent force at work here, only people trying to get paid a fair wage for a job that requires a large amount of expensive training and hard bloody work.
If anything it is attitudes like yours that keep this industry in the Victorian dark ages in terms of staff relations, development and customer retention.
Compare the flight training industry with virtually anyother and you'll see how utterly rubbish it really is. Aviation has always been backward and it's only since the rise of No-Frills carriers that the airline world has changed into something less than a basket case. You may not like O'Leary or Stelios, but they are bloody good businessmen and they keep a lot of people in work and have opened flying up for all. They have done this by keeping costs down, but also by getting more people into their a/c. Again, by spreading the cost over more people, it gets even cheaper. Leading to more and more people. Which further reduces the cost.............
One last thing, do you have a 5 year plan? If so, is it to expand, get better a/c, more facilities and corner a market place, or is it just to survive?
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Free!!!!
To be fair to you. I will explain. My school is a registered non-profit making concern. I cannot be employed by the school nor receive a dividend nor take profits. The club exists because of my money. I don't enter into a debate with anyone as to whether or how much someon is paid X or Y. I set the prices to pay the bills and they are not subject to debate. Nor do I expect my Instructors to chip in to pay the electricity bill.
I believe differently than some of you. I want to see the return of the flying club as it was. If others want to run a thrusting go get it money making machine then I wish them the best of luck. Cabair for example have done it successfully but there isn't room for many more without philanthropy. Many current UK regulations reflect the financial reality of flying clubs as it has always been. The exemption from operating on an AOC being one example. The introduction of the NPPL being another. We all agree that SEPL PPL training is declining but you should recognise that Microlite flying is booming here and abroad. Not surprising really. If you want to make loads of dosh then perhaps you should change to Microlites. Won't give you the hours toward the right hand seat of course.
I believe differently than some of you. I want to see the return of the flying club as it was. If others want to run a thrusting go get it money making machine then I wish them the best of luck. Cabair for example have done it successfully but there isn't room for many more without philanthropy. Many current UK regulations reflect the financial reality of flying clubs as it has always been. The exemption from operating on an AOC being one example. The introduction of the NPPL being another. We all agree that SEPL PPL training is declining but you should recognise that Microlite flying is booming here and abroad. Not surprising really. If you want to make loads of dosh then perhaps you should change to Microlites. Won't give you the hours toward the right hand seat of course.
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Chaps,
First of all I would like to thank you all for the replies to this thread. It is definately a contentious issue resulting in a huge amount of debate!
The reason I wish to instruct is not to make money as the Navy pay is not bad at all, I wish to instruct to see that wonderful look on peoples faces when they understand something for themselves after a little coaching and to see people develop.
Whilst the Navy pays well I hate my job flying a desk and need more to my life, flying always has been and always will be my passion. I think I am too old to get into the airlines or even TP operators (31) and have too many responsibilities to fork out for the whole modular route. If I can fly for free and get that buzz from instructing then I might just stay sane!
I shall pursue the VGS initially and if that doesn't work invest in a FI rating then go for a not for profit club although I would happily get paid too and donate the money to the full time guys! (flying for free is my payment). Unfortunately the Navy doesn't have any flying clubs!! Although I would dearly love to start one. That's an interesting question! How do you start a club without any capital but bags of enthusiasm??? A whole new thread there!
Cheers Chaps
MFWF
First of all I would like to thank you all for the replies to this thread. It is definately a contentious issue resulting in a huge amount of debate!
The reason I wish to instruct is not to make money as the Navy pay is not bad at all, I wish to instruct to see that wonderful look on peoples faces when they understand something for themselves after a little coaching and to see people develop.
Whilst the Navy pays well I hate my job flying a desk and need more to my life, flying always has been and always will be my passion. I think I am too old to get into the airlines or even TP operators (31) and have too many responsibilities to fork out for the whole modular route. If I can fly for free and get that buzz from instructing then I might just stay sane!
I shall pursue the VGS initially and if that doesn't work invest in a FI rating then go for a not for profit club although I would happily get paid too and donate the money to the full time guys! (flying for free is my payment). Unfortunately the Navy doesn't have any flying clubs!! Although I would dearly love to start one. That's an interesting question! How do you start a club without any capital but bags of enthusiasm??? A whole new thread there!
Cheers Chaps
MFWF
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Are You Free Mr...??
seems that in general there is agreement to differ between the commercial flying school ( JAA FTO ) and the club or flying group (JAA RTF )...and the fact one should charge ( and be paid ) in the former and not ( at discretion ) in the latter...
well done those with that ethos...
i know many who have instructed for 40 years and more and never got a penny..and they never wanted to be paid...i still do the same but i expect to be paid in a commercial venture...thats the difference ....
i can understand those who say we should be paid...but it is our right to use discretion depending on the operation..and you know there is more personal satisfaction ( though it does'nt pay the bills ) instructing in the club or group where you give backto aviation what more likely than not...others gave to you...
so ..is there anything more to be said..??..
i do'nt think so...
dean.
well done those with that ethos...
i know many who have instructed for 40 years and more and never got a penny..and they never wanted to be paid...i still do the same but i expect to be paid in a commercial venture...thats the difference ....
i can understand those who say we should be paid...but it is our right to use discretion depending on the operation..and you know there is more personal satisfaction ( though it does'nt pay the bills ) instructing in the club or group where you give backto aviation what more likely than not...others gave to you...
so ..is there anything more to be said..??..
i do'nt think so...
dean.
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At the end of the day Mustfly was asking for advice about what he should do and if indeed whether it was realistic to be paid as a part time instructor,obviously different people will give advice from different points of view, I am in much the same position as he is aiming for i.e. instructing because I enjoy it but do not need the cash so thought he might find my viewpoint worthwhile-only he can be the one that finally decides what to do and I am sure he will find his own way.
n.b. I would also instruct for free at something like the VGS or other worthwhile causes that were not operating for profit.
Whichever way you go Mustfly I am sure you will enjoy it. At 31 you are certainly not too old for an airline career, if you do a search you will find plenty of posts on this subject but if you are happy in the job you have I would certainly say you will find the instructing great flying and very rewarding.
Good luck and enjoy it.
n.b. I would also instruct for free at something like the VGS or other worthwhile causes that were not operating for profit.
Whichever way you go Mustfly I am sure you will enjoy it. At 31 you are certainly not too old for an airline career, if you do a search you will find plenty of posts on this subject but if you are happy in the job you have I would certainly say you will find the instructing great flying and very rewarding.
Good luck and enjoy it.
Last edited by foxmoth; 13th Oct 2006 at 09:24.
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As a recent ppl student (now looking at ATPL) who had a mixed range of instructors I thought the following points were important
Instructors are keen to get paid a professional rate for a professional job - a fair and valid point.
However, BA pilots (unless I am ill-informed) rarely turn up late, or not at all
, when they have a duty prearranged for them! I know they have a support team looking after them but they do arrange for themselves what THEY are responsible for - not turning up without their maps, asking 'what did we do last time',
etc.
Maybe this is why some instructors will not move on! I think it is reasonable to act PROFESSIONALLY first and be treated as such than the other way about! Paypackets will rise with a more professional attitude across more schools.
FOOTBALLERS - The minority make a fortune while the majority do it for fun. TRAINERS also range from Man U 'paid by the million' to local church 'paid nothing but love it'.
If instructors want to offer their services at a reduced rate WHY NOT?
I am aware of an instructor given a 'hard time'
for offering free night training (he needed it for his own development). The harrassment given by his 'collegues' was embarrassing! So much for team spirit - more like a team of thugs trying to create a Cartel before they lose interest and jump for an airline job!
I hope to be part of this soon. I am sure I am not the only student with this opinion of the industry.
Instructors are keen to get paid a professional rate for a professional job - a fair and valid point.
However, BA pilots (unless I am ill-informed) rarely turn up late, or not at all
, when they have a duty prearranged for them! I know they have a support team looking after them but they do arrange for themselves what THEY are responsible for - not turning up without their maps, asking 'what did we do last time', etc.Maybe this is why some instructors will not move on!
I think it is reasonable to act PROFESSIONALLY first and be treated as such than the other way about! Paypackets will rise with a more professional attitude across more schools. FOOTBALLERS - The minority make a fortune while the majority do it for fun. TRAINERS also range from Man U 'paid by the million' to local church 'paid nothing but love it'.
If instructors want to offer their services at a reduced rate WHY NOT?
I am aware of an instructor given a 'hard time'
for offering free night training (he needed it for his own development). The harrassment given by his 'collegues' was embarrassing! So much for team spirit - more like a team of thugs trying to create a Cartel before they lose interest and jump for an airline job!I hope to be part of this soon. I am sure I am not the only student with this opinion of the industry.
Once upon a time a lot of pilots with instructor ratings DID instruct for free (perhaps a little petrol money) because they enjoyed it and had other full-time occupations perhaps in aviation or perhaps not. Obviously an instructor who has no other means of earning income and is hour-building will have to be paid for his/her services and rightly so. The down side is the loss of the flying 'club' instructor and the dominance of the flying 'school' instructor. Too many schools - not enough clubs in my opinion but each to his or her own I guess.
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: U.K.
Age: 46
Posts: 3,112
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Nonsense, just because an FI is paid, it doesn't make them a better or worse instructor.
The "best" Instructors I have come across have always been the most experienced. There are very few of us who could get to that level without getting paid.
Compared to the cost of an a/c an FI is very cheap. So why begrudge people a wage? So that some ramshackle old "club" can keep going and perpetuating all the same old myths. Most clubs I have seen are beset with politics and ego's and some are the least welcoming places I have ever found myself. Not all clubs are like this. Mine certainly isn't, but they aren't the be all and end all of GA.
Flying training in this country needs to more professional rather than less and keeping it in the dark ages by restricting investment and earning potential is daft. IMHO.
The "best" Instructors I have come across have always been the most experienced. There are very few of us who could get to that level without getting paid.
Compared to the cost of an a/c an FI is very cheap. So why begrudge people a wage? So that some ramshackle old "club" can keep going and perpetuating all the same old myths. Most clubs I have seen are beset with politics and ego's and some are the least welcoming places I have ever found myself. Not all clubs are like this. Mine certainly isn't, but they aren't the be all and end all of GA.
Flying training in this country needs to more professional rather than less and keeping it in the dark ages by restricting investment and earning potential is daft. IMHO.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: uk
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The club exists because of my money
I set the prices to pay the bills
Won't give you the hours toward the right hand seat of course.
The "best" Instructors I have come across have always been the most experienced. There are very few of us who could get to that level without getting paid.
Most clubs I have seen are beset with politics and ego's and some are the least welcoming places I have ever found myself
If you want professional training then pay the man his money! (or woman)
Have a look at the thread about 'career instructors'. It is no surprise to me that there do not seem to be that many around.
