Multi-Ifr or Flight Instructor Rating

[j031782c]

Hi there,

I need your input of deciding which one of those two I should pursue at this stage of my training.
Just to give a little bit of my background, I have about 160 hours and already passed my comm written and flight test.
I also have a university degree. Now, I'm kinda tight on budget so I can't do both.
So the first option is to build my time upto 200 hrs and start the instructor rating OR get M-IFR towards my commerical.
Both options will cost my approx. $10000-12000.

I think both options has pros and cons. I have many years of experience in teaching/tutoring and volunteering work. What I'm trying to say is that I enjoy teaching and I won't just work as an instructor to build hours. On the other hand, I don't mind driving across Canada to look for right seat or even a ramp job to get it started after getting M-IFR.

I know the economy plays a hugh roll right now and it's tough to find a job.

What would YOU do if you were in my shoe?

Thanks in advance for your input

[767]

Well it depends on you. I mean, you have to set goals for yourself.

[B-rad]

Hey, personally I would do the instructor rating.

If you really do like teaching you will really enjoy being able to share something you love to do while flying. Also it's a great chance to hone your flying skills and get some basic experience during your first 1000 hrs. The big benefit is you most likely can start flying right away as there haven't been as many instructors in that last while and it seams easier to land a job then working the ramp and the right seat. So you start flying sooner and are actually doing something with your career rather then ramping. Also, when the markets drop like we are seeing right now. It's a good feeling to have an instructor rating in your pocket and have more opportunities. You don't need to rush thru your career. Everything comes with time so Eeeenjoy it. Then when you do get your MIFR, you will have more time behind you and look a lot more marketable for that right seat spot. You won't be one of those desperate guys who are forced to accept the standards (pay etc.) that lay out for new Pilots (actually you still will be but you will be number 1 on that list and have a bit more negotiating power that might even raise the standards! imagine that) Forget what people say about instructing not being worth anything as your only flying circuits or whatever. Reality is you are flying, constantly reviewing emergencies, practicing glides (so you can be the next Sully!) and you'll be surprised how much better your flying gets when you can demonstrate and analyze other peoples landings,take offs, and turns for example. For these reasons, I would do the instructor rating.

How does that sound to you?

[Tim]

the only problem with doing the instructor rating without the IFR is the loss of job opportunities. with an IFR you don't have a lot of options. if you're happy instructing though, then you can do without the IFR.

[AUGER9]

Many flight schools offer discounts on rentals for their instructors. So a MIFR is still an option while instructing.

[Doc]

Instructor. Multi IFR is a closed shop right now. Me thinks, it's going to stay that way for a couple of years. During that time, you can have 1500-2000 hours PIC. Or, two years of ramp time. Pretty obvious choice. I'd keep your wallet in your pocket for now regarding MEIFR.

[Hedley]

To save on bucks, get your instructor rating at a busy school
which will hire you when you are done. Most schools like to
hire their own instructor trainees, if they have a choice.

Now, when you get your commercial, you will have 25 hours
of hood time. Up to 20 of the 40 hours hood time for the
IFR can be sim time, so if your school has a sim, maybe you
can use it for your IFR training for free. Get one of your fellow
instructors to teach you IFR for pretty much free.

Then, get your single-IFR. You will save $$$ and learn plenty.

When you are flush with cash, do your multi-VFR and multi-IFR.
If you upgrading from a single-IFR, you can almost do the above
two in a weekend.

[Cap'n P8]

If I were you I would at least try to finish off a single engine IFR in the time that you have left towards the 200, it really won't cost you any more. Ideally you should have planned to complete a multi-IFR in the 200 hours to be most cost effective. If I were to go back and do it again, I would also have done a float rating somewhere in the 200 hours (instead of doing it afterwards.)

[j031782c]

thanks guys,

those are all really good advices. Doing float rating towards my 200hr is really good idea too. Thanks Cap'n P8.
Now, I live in Toronto but I'm willing to move elsewhere to kick off my career.
I heard of good things about places such as Pro-IFR, Harv's Air, Canadian Flight Centre...
Seems like the cost for training is bit cheaper in the west. Any advices?
I know the living cost is much higher in Vancity but I have a family member there so it isn't a problem for me.

thanks again!