Career as a Flight Instructor

[youhavecontrol]

I instructed for about 5 years and made about 50k a year as a Class 2, teaching everything. I would have loved to continue doing it as a career if the work wasn't so ridiculously stressful. It took me a while to realize it, but I was absolutely chained to a schedule and the stress seriously took its toll. We had to constantly monitor our student's progress and book them for flights and lessons, even on our days off. I remember being on vacation, searching for a local library with a computer so I could build my damn schedule for the next day before coming back to work. We were never paid to schedule our students, even though we often did it after work or on our days off. It even took a toll on my family. I would work long hours and regularly come home in no mood whatsoever to talk about anything with my poor wife, because I spent all day talking at work and was totally spent. I was constantly exhausted, feeling like all my energy went into work... causing me to have no motivation to do anything around the house.

I love to teach and still do, but I was constantly nagged to work longer hours, do more and take on more students than I would have liked to. I was so tired of saying "no," knowing that a few more flights also meant more money in the bank and some people off my back. After a while, I recognized that I needed to get out and it was the best thing I've done yet. My pay is about the same, but WAY, WAY less stress just flying as a basic 703 pilot. I really feel I got my life back when I left instructing behind.

I am grateful for the experience and career advancement that instructing gave me, but the only way I would go back to instructing is probably as a voluntary mentor or for a casual flight club.

[DHC-1 Jockey]

Thanks for all the great replies. I guess unless you're instructing the RCAF pilots at YPG, teaching SIM at CAE or are "faculty" at one of the aviation colleges, pay really hasn't progressed in the past 10 years.

[RedAndWhiteBaron]

I am grateful for the experience and career advancement that instructing gave me, but the only way I would go back to instructing is probably as a voluntary mentor or for a casual flight club.

Joining a soaring club and getting trained up as an instructor could provide that. You may be pleasantly surprised.

[Heavy Rayn]

I made $1800 salary per month plus $33/per billable hour as a class 3 instructor in 2019. The student load wasn’t as good as some other schools, hence the better pay we received to keep us around.

[Squaretail]

I saw a plane the other day that made me happy, then sad. Happy that it was still around, because when I think about it, lots of them aren’t anymore.

What kind of plane was it?

A 182A, fastback, straight tail. It was a good plane. I think I would buy that one if it was for sale.