As of a few days ago I am finally a class IV instructor, it's been a fun and challenging road, however the biggest challenge seems to be landing that first gig... Unfortunately the schools in my area are absolutely saturated with instructors and lacking students. Bad timing on my part with the usual winter slowdown and economic slump...

Does anybody know of any FTU's (anywhere) willing to take on an eager and enthusiastic class 4?

Thanks in advance!

.....Maylan......

AUGER9 wrote:.....Maylan......

They'll take you... but they will keep your soul...

For future instructor rating candidates: I advise that they do their instructor rating at the school they wish to work for. Or even better, do all their flight training at that school from the beginning.

No, im not enforcing this rule, its just my suggestion.

I remember I mentioned in my previous post, that getting the first job is not easy (such as the case with C172-B744). Maylan is probably your best bet, but Ive heard stuff about them. Some of my friends work there and they wish to leave that place to go somewhere better. I hope you find yours soon, wish you good luck.

Depends where your "area" is man. Have you talked to the CFIs at the FTUs near where you live? I'm assuming you've done your homework, so now you have a couple of options if you really want to instruct.

Option 1: Relocate. You could make phone calls to flight schools elsewhere that you might be interested in. Do a search on MichaelP, he's the CFI of SeaLandAir in BC (I think that's how you spell it) and I think he runs a tight ship. Moncton Flight College usually needs people, but I'm not sure if they only hire grads or not. Just 2 of many places you could try.

Option 2: Air Cadets. Cadet contracts start towards the end of June and run until mid August, flight schools may take on extra instructors to help get 'er done. Which schools in your area have cadet contracts? Check it out and talk to them early about it.

Hope this helps, happy hunting!

joe forty-sixpack wrote:Depends where your "area" is man. Have you talked to the CFIs at the FTUs near where you live? I'm assuming you've done your homework, so now you have a couple of options if you really want to instruct.

Option 1: Relocate. You could make phone calls to flight schools elsewhere that you might be interested in. Do a search on MichaelP, he's the CFI of SeaLandAir in BC (I think that's how you spell it) and I think he runs a tight ship. Moncton Flight College usually needs people, but I'm not sure if they only hire grads or not. Just 2 of many places you could try.

Option 2: Air Cadets. Cadet contracts start towards the end of June and run until mid August, flight schools may take on extra instructors to help get 'er done. Which schools in your area have cadet contracts? Check it out and talk to them early about it.

Hope this helps, happy hunting!

Air Cadets are a great option. Once you are done you can usually get a Class 3 out of the deal too. Though going back to teaching civilians is hard as the cadets are inelegant motivated and you can beat them Well ok throw them out if they are not cutting the cheese.

200hr Wonder wrote:Well ok throw them out if they are not cutting the cheese.

I throw them out if they start cutting the cheese, don't need that stink in my plane!

Yeah but them wool flight suits stank after the first 3 days of sweaty teenage funk in them anyway. Even worse they smell like wet dog when they get there first solo dunk.

In addition to the mail/fax/phonecall/e-mail route, you could also try the good ol' fashioned road trip. This of course would depend on whether you and afford the money, time and piece of mind.

Back in 1998 when the hiring situation was pretty bad, a guy I did my Class IV with did exactly that. He was told there were no jobs and he just simply kept driving eastward until he got a job. That took him from Ontario to his eventual job in Halifax, but at least he got that first gig. I stayed around Southern Ontario and knocked on enough doors until I got something. We both got working, but I think he had a lot more fun trying.

Try Aviation International in Guelph. Ask for Scott Peters, CFI.