Class 4 Flight Instructor with a newborn baby

[jlone23]

Hello,

I would like to get some advise from experts who currently work in the industry or used to work in the industry.
I graduated from a college with aviation diploma last year and am working on a instructor rating and expect to be done soon. I heard a new that my wife got pregnant last December and expect to have a baby in this July. It is exciting news but also it scares me due to my financial situation. The main problem is my wife is currently living in a different city with her parents and told me she won't move in with me until I get enough income to support her and a baby. I understand I have full responsibility for that, however I would like to find a solution, so I can live with my family. Fortunately, I had some phone calls from different flight schools that they are interested hiring me when I finish my rating, but the pay is main thing I concern at this moment. One company told me they will pay about 1900-2000 bucks per month salary with living in a small city, one company told me $500 base and $25 per hour with also living in a small city, and the others told me $25-30 per hour but living in a major city. I had an amazing opportunity to get into a flight school that pays good enough salary for my family, however I couldn't pass the interview, and now I got into a difficult situation. I am ready to work as hard as I can to live with my family, but I don't know which choice above will be the best choice for me. It would be great if I can get some other people's opinions. Thank you.

[cxchd]

I had 2 kids and wife and a mortgage. I was a licensed Millwright (industrial mechanic) when I decided to teach flying. I already had a commercial license. It took a while, but I was able to get a job close to home teaching part time.. I was able to still make the money as a full time Millwright and build my flight time. Although this was a slow route, I made very valuable contacts while teaching. Today I fly a 767 and haven't looked back. Its not easy, but can be done. You will need some kind of a second job while instructing especially during the lean winter months to support mother and child. Good luck.

[marakii]

I had 2 kids and wife and a mortgage. I was a licensed Millwright (industrial mechanic) when I decided to teach flying. I already had a commercial license. It took a while, but I was able to get a job close to home teaching part time.. I was able to still make the money as a full time Millwright and build my flight time. Although this was a slow route, I made very valuable contacts while teaching. Today I fly a 767 and haven't looked back. Its not easy, but can be done. You will need some kind of a second job while instructing especially during the lean winter months to support mother and child. Good luck.

Great story!

What did you fly in between instructing and the 767?

Thanks

[flyingsti]

It's going to be hard, I work as a lifeguard and class 3 instructor as of this week. I'm working almost all the time, when I'm not I'm looking after the baby or sleeping. My wife is doing daycare so it makes it a little bit easier when it comes to finances and not having to also afford daycare ontop of everything else.

[xsbank]

Spring is around the corner, maybe you should jump in with both feet and get a charter job...I don't know what your quals are but instructing is a very meagre living. Life is what happens to you while you are making plans...

[jlone23]

Thank you everyone for good advice. I know it will be hard for next couple years, but I will be okay as long as I can stay with my wife and a baby.
I want to find a best option that I can possibly work with another job.

Spring is around the corner, maybe you should jump in with both feet and get a charter job...I don't know what your quals are but instructing is a very meagre living. Life is what happens to you while you are making plans...

Do you know any charter that I can work at the same time as instructing? Since I am a low time pilot (about 300hours), I think it will be hard to find an charter job.

[Gorazing]

Hey jbone23,

I made an account just to discuss an opportunity with you.

PM me if you want more info on a decent instructing gig with room for advancement.