Hey, I was hoping to hear from people who instruct on the side for fun, money or whatever fetish you have! I've been considering it.
How is it viewed by Schools, Instructors, Students? I'm not looking for a career, just some fun once in a while, but regularly, maybe do Fam flights or whatever.
I would have to do it mainly on the weekends and holidays, maybe some late afternoons during summer time.
Anyone with similar experience? I work in an office the rest of the time.
Cheers
Side gig = Stealing jobs...?
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Side gig = Stealing jobs...?
In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield...W. Buffett
In my opinion, as long as you bring something positive to instructing then all the best to you, whether it be a great attitude, extensive experience, excellent skills with teaching, etc......
Currently my job is full time and includes instruction among other things, however when I move onto a non-instructional gig, I'll still most likely try to get my hand in a flight school semi-part time because I like flying, I like working with the people, and I like teaching from the experiences I've gained.
It shouldn't matter too much if you are only going part time, those who are in it as a career will be full time and those who are starting out and attempting full time will make their own success if they work hard enough as well so you own efforts or interests shouldn't conflict with anyone else's.
Cheers
Currently my job is full time and includes instruction among other things, however when I move onto a non-instructional gig, I'll still most likely try to get my hand in a flight school semi-part time because I like flying, I like working with the people, and I like teaching from the experiences I've gained.
It shouldn't matter too much if you are only going part time, those who are in it as a career will be full time and those who are starting out and attempting full time will make their own success if they work hard enough as well so you own efforts or interests shouldn't conflict with anyone else's.
Cheers
Part-Time Instructing
I worked at one place when I was instructing that had a 50/50 mix of part-timers and full-timers. As a full-timer, I really appreciated having the part-timers around for many reasons.
One is the fact that it permitted us to have a day off once in a while which is a luxury that many folks at small operations don't have unless it's pouring rain outside. The part-timers were usually former full-timers who found real jobs (aka non-aviation jobs that paid a lot more than aviation jobs) and wanted to keep their hand in things because they liked it. One of these folks was a Meteorologist with Environment Canada from Monday to Friday....pretty good guy to have around a flying club.
Another good reason is that these part-timers had a wealth of knowledge and experience for those who had an aviation job outside of instructing. It was great to have someone supplementing teaching IFR who did it for real, not just preparing you to pass an IFR ride. I'm not knocking the full-time flight instructors who do a good job teaching a complex subject like IFR, it's just that the guys who work in an IFR environment can compliment the theory with real-life scenerios.
I suppose a third reason is a personal one. I had always enjoyed instructing... the personal interaction with students, the high I always got when I sent someone for their first solo... the real reasons why I instructed in the first place. I always said " I love instructing, I just hate being a Flight Instructor"... this means that I hated the low pay, long hours, working conditions etc... you understand. Working part-time instructing means that you can do what you enjoy and STILL pay your mortgage, feed your family etc...
I don't think you're "stealing a job" but rather "making the job of the full-timers easier" by taking the part-time instructing position.
One is the fact that it permitted us to have a day off once in a while which is a luxury that many folks at small operations don't have unless it's pouring rain outside. The part-timers were usually former full-timers who found real jobs (aka non-aviation jobs that paid a lot more than aviation jobs) and wanted to keep their hand in things because they liked it. One of these folks was a Meteorologist with Environment Canada from Monday to Friday....pretty good guy to have around a flying club.
Another good reason is that these part-timers had a wealth of knowledge and experience for those who had an aviation job outside of instructing. It was great to have someone supplementing teaching IFR who did it for real, not just preparing you to pass an IFR ride. I'm not knocking the full-time flight instructors who do a good job teaching a complex subject like IFR, it's just that the guys who work in an IFR environment can compliment the theory with real-life scenerios.
I suppose a third reason is a personal one. I had always enjoyed instructing... the personal interaction with students, the high I always got when I sent someone for their first solo... the real reasons why I instructed in the first place. I always said " I love instructing, I just hate being a Flight Instructor"... this means that I hated the low pay, long hours, working conditions etc... you understand. Working part-time instructing means that you can do what you enjoy and STILL pay your mortgage, feed your family etc...
I don't think you're "stealing a job" but rather "making the job of the full-timers easier" by taking the part-time instructing position.
Some good insight here, thank you. I definitly can bring in some flying experience as well as Aerospace/Aviation know-how.
What would be the best way to approach it as I do not hold an instructor rating? Should I share my plans with an owner or a CFI and them get the rating there or just obtain one and then look for a school?
I guess it will all depend on location and industry but it will most likely end up being in Ontario or Quebec.
Thanks again,
Cheers
What would be the best way to approach it as I do not hold an instructor rating? Should I share my plans with an owner or a CFI and them get the rating there or just obtain one and then look for a school?
I guess it will all depend on location and industry but it will most likely end up being in Ontario or Quebec.
Thanks again,
Cheers
In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield...W. Buffett
I'd share your plans with the owner or CFI. Let them know that you're not looking for a "stepping stone" but rather looking to make a contribution and bring something valuable to the school. Let them know that it stems from a desire to teach, and a desire to share your knowledge.
If you are ready to teach groundschool as well, and have some additional aerospace knowledge that the "average" instructor doesn't have, you may want to see if you can start by teaching an "advanced" seminar to commercial groundschool students. Great way to get your foot in the door, and also to show the CFI and owner that you're bringing something valuable and marketable to the table. Even if it's just a one time deal, it may be very attractive to the school in question.
I'd approach it that way - and in your "pitch" mention that you'd love to do some flying as well. Again, if you're doing this because you feel you have something additional to bring to the table, I think most schools would love to have the "advanced" input. I can tell you personally that I have maintained a connection with my old school and will be continuing a working relationship with them throughout my career. Currently it will just be comprised of conducting the odd seminar when I'm in town, but my ex-boss has several "consultants" that he regularly employs to teach advanced topics both in and out of the aircraft. These are all ex-instructors who have continued on in their careers (ie: B737 Capts, B727 FO, etc.). It really brings something valuable to the school to have the input of experienced and knowledgable people...
So the long and the short of it - I'd sell yourself to a school before you get the instructor rating - and realize that you may be able to fly (fam flights, sightseeing, IFR & floats if you have the experience) without even obtaining the instructor rating. For sure you don't need it to teach on the ground. Best of luck - I'm not sure how much experience you have, but judging by your previous posts, I'm guessing you've got a fair bit and should be an attractive proposition to the right school.
Cheers,
Pugster
If you are ready to teach groundschool as well, and have some additional aerospace knowledge that the "average" instructor doesn't have, you may want to see if you can start by teaching an "advanced" seminar to commercial groundschool students. Great way to get your foot in the door, and also to show the CFI and owner that you're bringing something valuable and marketable to the table. Even if it's just a one time deal, it may be very attractive to the school in question.
I'd approach it that way - and in your "pitch" mention that you'd love to do some flying as well. Again, if you're doing this because you feel you have something additional to bring to the table, I think most schools would love to have the "advanced" input. I can tell you personally that I have maintained a connection with my old school and will be continuing a working relationship with them throughout my career. Currently it will just be comprised of conducting the odd seminar when I'm in town, but my ex-boss has several "consultants" that he regularly employs to teach advanced topics both in and out of the aircraft. These are all ex-instructors who have continued on in their careers (ie: B737 Capts, B727 FO, etc.). It really brings something valuable to the school to have the input of experienced and knowledgable people...
So the long and the short of it - I'd sell yourself to a school before you get the instructor rating - and realize that you may be able to fly (fam flights, sightseeing, IFR & floats if you have the experience) without even obtaining the instructor rating. For sure you don't need it to teach on the ground. Best of luck - I'm not sure how much experience you have, but judging by your previous posts, I'm guessing you've got a fair bit and should be an attractive proposition to the right school.
Cheers,
Pugster
Some good thoughts Pugster, but the above statement is not entirely true. To do fam flights you do require an instructor rating as it is considered "ab intio" (exercise #1 per TC). If they don't want to log it as dual, it would be sightseeing. Problem is that sightseeing also requires a flight instructor rating:Pugster wrote:and realize that you may be able to fly (fam flights, sightseeing, IFR & floats if you have the experience) without even obtaining the instructor rating.
700.02 (1) No person shall operate an air transport service unless the person holds and complies with the provisions of an air operator certificate that authorizes the person to operate that service.
(4) A person who does not hold an air operator certificate may conduct aerial work involving the carriage of persons other than flight crew members on board a single-engined aircraft if
(a) the person holds a flight training unit operator certificate;
(amended 2004/02/24; previous version)
(b) the pilot-in-command is the holder of a valid flight instructor rating in the appropriate category of aircraft;
(amended 1999/06/01; previous version)
(c) the aircraft is operated in day VFR flight;
(amended 1999/06/01; no previous version)
(d) there are no more than nine passengers on board; and
(amended 1999/06/01; no previous version)
(e) the flight is conducted for the purpose of sightseeing operations.
(amended 1999/06/01; no previous version)
Unless, of course, you do it as a charter pilot if the FTU is also a 703 op. But if you give most flight schools a choice they would sell you an instructor rating instead of paying for the ground and flight training.
As far as the original question, if you have something valuable to bring to the table I think it would be enjoyable for you yoyoma. The only thing that gets my blood boiling is when a private student thinks that they should add an instructor rating onto their PPL (!) so that they can teach part time for fun when they retire from their other job. No aviation experience, and no respect for the commercial license. They think we're just there to hang out.....
Cheers.
