PPRuNe Forums - Finding the first instructing job

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Finding the first instructing job

Hi all,

I am a 22 year old currently studying towards my ATPL theory exams with 130hrs.
My goal is to be an instructor, so I am going to skip MCC and going straight into an FI course.

However I have not been able to find that many entry level instructor positions being advertised since I started my training. Therefore I am still not sure how one would land the first instructing job.

I happened to know a bit about the Canadian aviation market, and each school seems to hire graduates of their own FI courses there. My questions are:

1. Is it also the case in the UK?

2. What's the best way to find the best school for an FI course in terms of maximising the chance of finding a job? Do you recommend simply visiting the school, speak to an instructor and ask if they would interview students for FI positions?

3. I understand pay won't be great at least when you are just starting out. Will it be financially viable if I committed to the instructing job full-time from the beginning, or will doing it part-time along with another job be the only way to survive?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Sausage Dog

Please send me a PM and I'll willingly meet you at Elstree to talk you through the options, pros and cons with no bias. No obligation or charge either.

Sausage_Dog,

I'm also in the same boat - where are you based? There seems to be quite a few London/South East ATO's looking for instructors on UKGA Classifieds...

Mr_Average, I would also be interested in hearing your thoughts, I assume you are or have been an instructor? Is it feasible to be a career flight instructor any more or has the race to the RHS carved it out as a stepping stone?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrAverage (Post 10380751)

Sausage Dog

Please send me a PM and I'll willingly meet you at Elstree to talk you through the options, pros and cons with no bias. No obligation or charge either.

Thank you for your help MrAverage. PM sent.

DoltForTheThrill: Good to see someone else in the same boat! I am based in the South east at the moment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sausage_dog (Post 10380485)

1. Yes
2. Do your homework = even if the school offers you work, what level of custom does it have? Definitely visit the school. Talk to graduates of the FI course at that school.
3. Whether being a low hours FI is financially viable depends entirely on your financial circumstances. It won’t pay well unless you are teaching advanced courses so if you have no other income or support, it will be tough.

There is a fair bit of work out there, even for LAPL/PPL. Is your 130 hrs TT? Make sure you have all the flying requirements met for starting the FI course and good luck.

Sausage Dog

I tried to reply to your PM but, apparently, your message box is full. Please ring 0208 953 6868, leave a message there if you get the ansaphone.

DIFTT

Feel free to PM or ring as above.