Industry outlook for Instructors????
 

Hi guys,

I'm due to walk away from my non- flying job early next year in order to train full time and qualify as a Grade 3 Instructor. Currently saving like mad as I'll be doing it debt free, plus getting all of the ATPL's out of the way in the meantime.

With all of the econimic doom and gloom facing the industry at Airline level right now, is this filtering down to entry level GA?

I'm worried that I may need to alter the timing of my plans, and would be interested in hearing your opinions.

One argument suggests that an economic slowdown will lead to less local (Australian) students taking up flying training. However, another argument can be made for the fact that India/ China/ Vietnam etc etc still need their new Pilots to be trained to CPL/IR level here in Australia.

In your experiences, what is the demand like presently for Grade 3 Instructors? Do you see this being adversely affected within the next 6 months because of the economy? I'll be close to 35 by the time I qualify- would potential Employers take me seriously as an applicant?

Thanks in advance for your replies,

Cheers,
Gearup.

"One argument suggests that an economic slowdown will lead to less local (Australian) students taking up flying training."

Gidday Gearup', That's already happened in a big way. lots of foreign students however, and doubtful that will change. Get amongst it and good luck.

Krusty.

The most common pilot job ads on afap.org.au are flying instructor positions. Many of the organisations advertising are not schools who train overseas pilots.

Grade 1 and 2 instructors are in high demand, however junior grade 3s are not in such demand.

Speak to the school you'll be training with and ask what the job prospects are after you 'graduate'. You should already have an idea about how they work and whether this is possible. It is unlikely you will have a guaranteed job at the end though.

Dont worry, your're in good hands with good old CASA in charge.

Went to a a briefing on their new Flight Training and Testing Office. Looks like you might end up doing your initial G3 test with one of them. That might not be a big deal but they did flash up a slide of what I think were estimates of testing fees.. from memory (someone please correct me if I'm wrong... the slide dissappeared very quickly) they were suggesting testing fees that went something like $800 for GFPT, $1000 for a PPL, $480 for a CIR renewal - dread to think what it might be for an initial G3 or CIR. There were of course large gasps from the audience, but CASA seemed to think that they'd looked into this and these fees are all very reasonable.

When things get tight in GA, as they probably will, this kind of cost burden will do not much to encourage young Aussie lads and lasses to lean to fly - or for struggling G3's.

Best of luck Gearup - maybe a brave move, but one thing is for sure. If you don't give it a go, you've got no chance - so go for it!

Demand for instructors
 

Gearup,

Was in a similar position. To jump, or not to jump.. Currently working as an instuctor, have been doing this for 18 months or so now.

In my observation age is not a problem for instructors. In fact a little more age can definitely work to your advantage. I found myself in this situation - started instructing at 30: Plenty of older students dont want to be taught by a fresh 19y.o. CPL.

Yes there has been a slowdown in local students taking it up, particularly in the last 6 months or so.

Yes india / china will still need to have their students trained (maybe here or elsewhere).

Bottom line is that no-one will have a crystal ball to give you a definitive answer. There is certainly more finger-crossing involved in aviation that my former job, when it comes to hoping that there will be enough work in 12 months time.

IMHO there is demand there for new instructors who can behave in a mature, professional manner, who are committed to teaching (both the flying and the groundwork), and who are seeking to improve their skills. I personally dont think this demand will go away any time soon.

RR.

Be sod to let the facts get inthe way but these would seem to be a far cry from those posted earlier!!!!:}

Flight test fees
In accordance with cost recovery guidelines, standard estimates have been set for flight
tests conducted by CASA. These estimates are:
• GFPT $400
• PPL $560
• NVFR $560
• CPL $720
• FIR initial $640
• FIR renewal $480
• CIR initial $560
• CIR renewal $480
• META $640
• CIRTA $480
Additionally, travel time from the nearest CASA office may also be applicable.

Do it. There is defiantely no shortage of students. In fact, if you find a school linked with a Graduate Dip or Bachelors Degree, students can get a HECS style loan now to cover their training costs. Surely this will encourage even more new starters.

We need more career instructors. Even if you take some time finding hours at a G3 level, once you get G2 you'll be laughing. Employers will probably look favourably at your age - certainly puts you at an advantage I think. Picture a flying school with the choice of employing a 19yo, 22yo or a 36yo G3 instructor. I think the choice would be easy.

Good luck.