Instructing as a career, can it work part time?
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Instructing as a career, can it work part time?
As a long time pprune lerker I've finally found the courage to post a question. Apologies for the long post!
I'm coming to the end of a long road towards my CPL (over 5 years!) and am now looking at the next step to switch careers and get a start in aviation, something I have wanted to do for a very long time. I currently work full-time in another non-aviation related profession which is how I have managed to fund all of my training so far, flying on the weekends and holidays from work.
I've been lucky to have met plenty of pilots from different backgrounds during my training so it's been very interesting and insightful to see how many others have done the same as me and how they've progressed in the industry. After lots of thought I've decided that the most realistic option for me is to become an instructor to start my career. Before I endure a wrath of people shooting me down for suggesting this allow me to give a bit of background information.
I actually enjoy teaching people. Before I moved up the ranks of my current profession (production manager from fitter and machinist) I enjoyed teaching many apprentices the trade and I find it quite rewarding. As i'm in my mid thirties I'm in a bit of a different place to most fresh pilots in their early twenties looking for a job (mortgage, kids etc) with a wife who earns good money in the city. It's not possible let alone practical for me to move away up north to try and find a job. Now I'm sure there are plenty of people who have done this and will tell me it a necessary sacrifice but we are all different and it wouldn't be fair on anyone in my family for me to do this, so it's simply not an option.
Luckily though the thought of becoming an instructor for me isn't something I feel is a second choice. Apart from the enjoyment I get from teaching people new skills getting paid to fly rather than sitting in an office is the dream
Whilst I can't honestly say that I expect to make the next 30 years of my working life about instructing and commit to it forever, I do believe I would do it to the best of my abilities and certainly enjoy the journey. I've flown with instructors who couldn't care less about their students and show little interest other than clocking up hours so I know how it feels to be treated like this. It's not what instructing for me is all about.
With all this said (if you're still reading) I have a bit of a dilemma which I would like to hear some feedback on. It's not really going to be financially possible for me to stop earning my current income and survive on the wage of a fresh GR3, at least not initially. So my plan is to carry on working Monday to Friday in my current job and instruct part-time on the weekends. I know this will massively cut down the potential hours I could get if I was hanging around the flight school all week, and will be a tough schedule, but I'm sure there are more people out there like me who can only fly on the weekends.
What's everyone's thoughts about doing this? Has anyone been though a similar situation?
Thanks for your time and sorry for the long first post!!
I'm coming to the end of a long road towards my CPL (over 5 years!) and am now looking at the next step to switch careers and get a start in aviation, something I have wanted to do for a very long time. I currently work full-time in another non-aviation related profession which is how I have managed to fund all of my training so far, flying on the weekends and holidays from work.
I've been lucky to have met plenty of pilots from different backgrounds during my training so it's been very interesting and insightful to see how many others have done the same as me and how they've progressed in the industry. After lots of thought I've decided that the most realistic option for me is to become an instructor to start my career. Before I endure a wrath of people shooting me down for suggesting this allow me to give a bit of background information.
I actually enjoy teaching people. Before I moved up the ranks of my current profession (production manager from fitter and machinist) I enjoyed teaching many apprentices the trade and I find it quite rewarding. As i'm in my mid thirties I'm in a bit of a different place to most fresh pilots in their early twenties looking for a job (mortgage, kids etc) with a wife who earns good money in the city. It's not possible let alone practical for me to move away up north to try and find a job. Now I'm sure there are plenty of people who have done this and will tell me it a necessary sacrifice but we are all different and it wouldn't be fair on anyone in my family for me to do this, so it's simply not an option.
Luckily though the thought of becoming an instructor for me isn't something I feel is a second choice. Apart from the enjoyment I get from teaching people new skills getting paid to fly rather than sitting in an office is the dream
Whilst I can't honestly say that I expect to make the next 30 years of my working life about instructing and commit to it forever, I do believe I would do it to the best of my abilities and certainly enjoy the journey. I've flown with instructors who couldn't care less about their students and show little interest other than clocking up hours so I know how it feels to be treated like this. It's not what instructing for me is all about.With all this said (if you're still reading) I have a bit of a dilemma which I would like to hear some feedback on. It's not really going to be financially possible for me to stop earning my current income and survive on the wage of a fresh GR3, at least not initially. So my plan is to carry on working Monday to Friday in my current job and instruct part-time on the weekends. I know this will massively cut down the potential hours I could get if I was hanging around the flight school all week, and will be a tough schedule, but I'm sure there are more people out there like me who can only fly on the weekends.
What's everyone's thoughts about doing this? Has anyone been though a similar situation?
Thanks for your time and sorry for the long first post!!
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The first thing to look at is, would the school you do your Instructor rating at require a weekend instructor?
What airport are you at? Go and ask all the schools around if there would be demand for such a role.
Good Luck
What airport are you at? Go and ask all the schools around if there would be demand for such a role.
Good Luck
With your maturity, and some real world training background, you might consider some w/e work initially as a ground instructor? Don't be too proud to try this as it sharpens up your briefing skills, and instructing theory, as well.
As to the big choice. Show me the money in full time instructing! Stay in your better paying position and be happy as a part-timer.
I know several professionals, with a love of aviation, who have done the hard yards and paid their way up to G3 - then slowly eased into a modest amount of w/e instructing with an understanding school. You might need to bring in a few students to get started, but once the school can see you're genuinely loving the instructing...you're set.
Of course, there is some antipathy toward part-timers, and sometimes a CFI will lift your bar just a little higher - but get over it if you really want to do this.
The best of both worlds. Good luck!
happy days,
As to the big choice. Show me the money in full time instructing! Stay in your better paying position and be happy as a part-timer.
I know several professionals, with a love of aviation, who have done the hard yards and paid their way up to G3 - then slowly eased into a modest amount of w/e instructing with an understanding school. You might need to bring in a few students to get started, but once the school can see you're genuinely loving the instructing...you're set.
Of course, there is some antipathy toward part-timers, and sometimes a CFI will lift your bar just a little higher - but get over it if you really want to do this.
The best of both worlds. Good luck!
happy days,
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Thanks for the replies guys, I appreciate the feedback.
CharlieCharlie78, I fly out of Jandakot. My particular flight school doesn't offer an instructor rating but others on the strip do with many of them offering people a start as a casual, depending on how you go. Obviously this is something I would bring up with them before I would start the rating as you suggested and do my homework throughly. I know of a few instructors who worked two jobs whilst they were a GR3 to make ends meet but none who only had the weekends to make it happen.
poteroo, I certainly would consider work as a ground instructor provided I knew it would lead to a flying position since my goal is to eventually work full-time as a pilot, something I hope to achieve over the next few years. It's really the next 12 months or so that will prevent me from working full time as an instructor due to financial commitments. Almost every instructor I have spoken to about pay has the same story about how poor it can be at the bottom end of things. I understand that's how it works but hopefully with some hard work I can work up through the ranks into better conditions.
It's great to hear that you know of several people who have worked as part time instructors and managed to make it happen. Gives me some hope!
CharlieCharlie78, I fly out of Jandakot. My particular flight school doesn't offer an instructor rating but others on the strip do with many of them offering people a start as a casual, depending on how you go. Obviously this is something I would bring up with them before I would start the rating as you suggested and do my homework throughly. I know of a few instructors who worked two jobs whilst they were a GR3 to make ends meet but none who only had the weekends to make it happen.
poteroo, I certainly would consider work as a ground instructor provided I knew it would lead to a flying position since my goal is to eventually work full-time as a pilot, something I hope to achieve over the next few years. It's really the next 12 months or so that will prevent me from working full time as an instructor due to financial commitments. Almost every instructor I have spoken to about pay has the same story about how poor it can be at the bottom end of things. I understand that's how it works but hopefully with some hard work I can work up through the ranks into better conditions.
It's great to hear that you know of several people who have worked as part time instructors and managed to make it happen. Gives me some hope!
I'd be the NVFR instructor. You can fly most nights and flying schools generally hate it for the full timers as it screws with their duty and day availability. Even if it's just night circuit training.
I'd be looking at working for an aeroclub rather than a commercial operation as they are generally more accommodating.
Your plan sounds good, don't discount night bank/freight runs either. As long as you can squeeze in a few zzzs before your day job. If you can pick up at least ten night hours a week you should get an okay paying job flying within a couple of years. Plus that will help out with your ATPL in the future.
Once you're full time you fly sometimes 70+ hours a month, so it doesn't take long for the log book to tick over.
It took me 18 months to clock over 1000 hours then my options started to increase.
Enjoy the journey. It's never to late and you will probably end up a 20,000 hour pilot by the time you retire with 30+ years of flying in you.
I'd be looking at working for an aeroclub rather than a commercial operation as they are generally more accommodating.
Your plan sounds good, don't discount night bank/freight runs either. As long as you can squeeze in a few zzzs before your day job. If you can pick up at least ten night hours a week you should get an okay paying job flying within a couple of years. Plus that will help out with your ATPL in the future.
Once you're full time you fly sometimes 70+ hours a month, so it doesn't take long for the log book to tick over.
It took me 18 months to clock over 1000 hours then my options started to increase.
Enjoy the journey. It's never to late and you will probably end up a 20,000 hour pilot by the time you retire with 30+ years of flying in you.
There are definitely schools out there that will take you on under this sort of arrangement- especially if you pay for your line training.
Your story is basically the same as mine (mine is just 3 years further along). I have been working as a part time instructor for 3 years and have gradually reduced the days spent doing my day job down to 2 a week over the last 2 years. If at some point you can make a clean break I'd rate it as a better move than trying to balance two careers. I guess it will appeal as a novelty long enough to become a senior g3, but after that you might tire of the hussel (I work at two flying schools so its even more of a headache). Don't get me wrong, a lot of the flying is very fulfilling and doesn't necessarily pay that badly, but your family relies on you for more than just a paycheck and may tire a bit of never seeing you.
Nvfr instructing and freight runs would be good (although no operators at ypjt spring to mind- I'd be happy to be enlightened if anyone would care to do so), especially if that gives you a solid 3 days off a fortnight (preferably overlapping with your wife for some of them). So, in short, go for it but bear in mind it is not endlessly sustainable.
Your story is basically the same as mine (mine is just 3 years further along). I have been working as a part time instructor for 3 years and have gradually reduced the days spent doing my day job down to 2 a week over the last 2 years. If at some point you can make a clean break I'd rate it as a better move than trying to balance two careers. I guess it will appeal as a novelty long enough to become a senior g3, but after that you might tire of the hussel (I work at two flying schools so its even more of a headache). Don't get me wrong, a lot of the flying is very fulfilling and doesn't necessarily pay that badly, but your family relies on you for more than just a paycheck and may tire a bit of never seeing you.
Nvfr instructing and freight runs would be good (although no operators at ypjt spring to mind- I'd be happy to be enlightened if anyone would care to do so), especially if that gives you a solid 3 days off a fortnight (preferably overlapping with your wife for some of them). So, in short, go for it but bear in mind it is not endlessly sustainable.
Last edited by walesregent; 24th Nov 2013 at 08:06.
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That's how I started as well by instructing on the weekends. You might find yourself getting students from the regular instructors as they sometimes take weekends off.
After you get enough hours, it might be worth applying to some of the larger schools which train cadets where you can get more regular income and students are plenty. The logbook starts filling up pretty quickly at such schools like SFC, China Southern in Jandakot. So yes, it's commonly done.
After you get enough hours, it might be worth applying to some of the larger schools which train cadets where you can get more regular income and students are plenty. The logbook starts filling up pretty quickly at such schools like SFC, China Southern in Jandakot. So yes, it's commonly done.
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walesregent and training wheels, thanks for the responses. It's great to hear how you guys have made a similar situation to mine work out. When I started this thread I didn't really expect to get so much positive feedback!
training wheels, what you mentioned is pretty much exactly what I have been thinking from the start in terms initial career progression. I was planning on getting a start at at either my current flight school or another private school at Jandakot before moving to China Southern once I have enough experience, probably GR2 or higher I'd imagine. My reasoning for this is simply that there is a steady stream of students which means more flying and a greater income potential, exactly as you put it. I have some experience teaching the odd Chinese apprentice so I'm aware of the challenges which can be involved I hear mixed things about working for CSWAFC but everyone I know of who has been through there has gained a lot of experience and gone on to be really successful so it can't be too bad.
As walesregent mentioned I can see how a schedule like this working two jobs could be very demanding and definitely not something I want to or even could do forever but I hope after the next 12 months or so I would have built enough experience from part-time weekend instructing to be in a position to teach full-time and earning a reasonable wage. Luckily I have a fantastic wife and family who are all very supportive
So where do you guys work now? If you don't mind sharing your experiences I'd be very interested how things progressed for you.
Thanks again
training wheels, what you mentioned is pretty much exactly what I have been thinking from the start in terms initial career progression. I was planning on getting a start at at either my current flight school or another private school at Jandakot before moving to China Southern once I have enough experience, probably GR2 or higher I'd imagine. My reasoning for this is simply that there is a steady stream of students which means more flying and a greater income potential, exactly as you put it. I have some experience teaching the odd Chinese apprentice so I'm aware of the challenges which can be involved
I hear mixed things about working for CSWAFC but everyone I know of who has been through there has gained a lot of experience and gone on to be really successful so it can't be too bad. As walesregent mentioned I can see how a schedule like this working two jobs could be very demanding and definitely not something I want to or even could do forever but I hope after the next 12 months or so I would have built enough experience from part-time weekend instructing to be in a position to teach full-time and earning a reasonable wage. Luckily I have a fantastic wife and family who are all very supportive
So where do you guys work now? If you don't mind sharing your experiences I'd be very interested how things progressed for you.
Thanks again
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I did it for a few years on the east coast - I had a very stable student base (most of whom worked during the week and flew weekends) - I was always booked out a couple weeks in advance.
I loved getting away from my Mon to Fri job and enjoying the flying on weekends. I noted the aero club environment a lot more interesting instructing than the commercial schools I started instructing in - there was so much more variety in students - many of whom are now friends. Being able to stop off for fish and chips with the student up the Qld coast in the middle of a nav was just one highlight of that sort of environment.
Unfortunately I gave it all away when I had kids - it gets fatiguing working 7 days a week for a few years and in the end my family came first but if I was in the same position I'd do it all again.
On a side note some others recommended night flying - I use to do a bit of night work but don't underestimate fatigue and also that your mind will likely be on your day job - the last thing you want is to be tired and distracted at 2100 in the pitch black while your student is navigating and landing for the first time in the dark - when you likely have limited night experience yourself. It might work in a charter environment where you're likely IFR with the ability to shoot an approach and land yourself but teaching a student properly in that state is a challenge.
Best of luck with the flying.
I loved getting away from my Mon to Fri job and enjoying the flying on weekends. I noted the aero club environment a lot more interesting instructing than the commercial schools I started instructing in - there was so much more variety in students - many of whom are now friends. Being able to stop off for fish and chips with the student up the Qld coast in the middle of a nav was just one highlight of that sort of environment.
Unfortunately I gave it all away when I had kids - it gets fatiguing working 7 days a week for a few years and in the end my family came first but if I was in the same position I'd do it all again.
On a side note some others recommended night flying - I use to do a bit of night work but don't underestimate fatigue and also that your mind will likely be on your day job - the last thing you want is to be tired and distracted at 2100 in the pitch black while your student is navigating and landing for the first time in the dark - when you likely have limited night experience yourself. It might work in a charter environment where you're likely IFR with the ability to shoot an approach and land yourself but teaching a student properly in that state is a challenge.
Best of luck with the flying.
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overhere, thanks for sharing your story mate. It seems a shame that you had to give it all away after so many years but I know how difficult it can be to juggle life with a family and normal working commitments let alone when you have to work two jobs. Hopefully one day you can pick it up again, maybe when the kids are older?
What you mentioned about a stable student base on the weekends, booked out in advance sounds exactly what I'm looking for. I figure that there must be people out there who are in the same position I was; only able to fly on the weekends around a full time job. From my perspective I would have definitely wanted an instructor who was around both weekend days when I started my training as this was one of the biggest problems I had at the time until I got my PPL, at least as a secondary instructor. Someone also mentioned the weekend overspill from other instructors which could give me a few hours. I hoping to get around 10 hours in over the both weekend days. Does this sound realistic to you?
I'm open to all options including night work around my day job. But as you mentioned I think that it could be a mistake to do any night training after a long day of work with an early start the next day and my very limited 20 hours of NVFR.
As always guys thanks for sharing I appreciate the feedback
What you mentioned about a stable student base on the weekends, booked out in advance sounds exactly what I'm looking for. I figure that there must be people out there who are in the same position I was; only able to fly on the weekends around a full time job. From my perspective I would have definitely wanted an instructor who was around both weekend days when I started my training as this was one of the biggest problems I had at the time until I got my PPL, at least as a secondary instructor. Someone also mentioned the weekend overspill from other instructors which could give me a few hours. I hoping to get around 10 hours in over the both weekend days. Does this sound realistic to you?
I'm open to all options including night work around my day job. But as you mentioned I think that it could be a mistake to do any night training after a long day of work with an early start the next day and my very limited 20 hours of NVFR.
As always guys thanks for sharing I appreciate the feedback
