and can begin to close some 3rd level doors and can influence the CP to think, umm... too late for that guy.
500 ?
750 ?
1000 ?
1500 ?
more... ?

well, when does it become urgent to find a right seat ?...

Depends on if you're instructing on a multi or not... but I would say after your ATPL if you're primarily on singles.

Perhaps the question should be re-worded "When does instructing itself become a handicap?" When you are prevented from teaching the multi rating or multi-IFR. I don't think there's anything wrong with instructing time itself. Although, keep in mind it has its limitations. However, if favoritism, nepotism or company politics blocks you from expanding your instructional repertoire then it's time to redirect your career and look elsewhere.

Never Mind

When your attitude changes and you no longer want to be an instructor but you keep doing the job anyways. That's when it becomes a handicap.

I wonder if pilots outside of flight instruction ever get tired of the type of flying they do... Seems it is somehow wrong to have a bad day teaching.

Capt: Gee I'm sick of the security checks and mindless cruising in the flight levels.

Copilot: You should quit your job if you don't love it anymore, you are doing everyone an injustice.

Capt: Yes that is true, I'll go work as a firefighter now, it will be new and exciting, good thing I have no financial responsibilities to go home to after work. Gotta quit if it ain't fun anymore!


"I shouldn't have to pay an instructor to teach me to fly, it is a fun job, you guys should do it for free"
A former student of mine.


The reason there is a shortage of instructors is that the pay sucks, the a/c suck, the employers and some students treat you like shit. You deal more with TC then in most other parts of the industry.

Yes the job can be rewarding and fun when you have a dedicated student, a modern working aircraft and a paycheck that meets your bills. Good luck finding all 3 in one spot.

I'm cranky now, end of rant...

You deal more with TC then in most other parts of the industry.

That is probably the biggest problem in flight instructing.

If you are unfortunate enough to get one of TC's real knuckle draggers you have to be subservient to him /her no matter how stupid they are.

That in it's self is reason enough to not get my instructors rating renewed.