Instructing as a 2nd career(?)
 

Presently in the RAF (techie) with 8 years to do and a rusty PPL. Considering working towards instructor rating to move into that area when I hang up my uniform. Looks expensive to get there, CPL written, CPL and FIC. Anybody know of ways to cut costs? With a pension I am hoping the salary might work out ok but what salary is the 'norm'. I have no doubt the CPL studies are going to be hard, what sort of prep do you advise. Any recommendatios for schools etc?:confused:

Hi Bob,
You should talk to some of your aircrew chums about this. When I was doing DL via PPSC I used to bump into a lot of RAF chaps who all used to share the same theory books, I think perhaps there was one set per camp. Many of these guys didnt actually bother doing a DL course and just learnt the questions did a consolidation course and jumped straight into the exams. I dont know whether you could do this now under JAR. Basically I dont think there are any short cuts to getting your CPL and FI rating.

Currently an FI earns £12 - £15k a year, this isn't a salary so if you dont fly you dont get paid. You may earn a little more with commercial instruction and if you aspire to be a PPL/IMC/170a examiner you can actually make a living, providing you dont live in Severn Oaks with a £350k mortgage, 6 kids and a Lambourghini.

Presently instructor jobs are scarce but by the time you finish your sentance with the RAF things may have changed

Hope this helps
cheers

MJR