Good timing to get Instructor Rating?

[dannyjet]

Hey,

I read the forum employment section a lot. Don't really post much though. I've spoken with several guys here who have helped me very much. Long story short; did my training in Canada, went back to home country, no jobs, came back after a year and a half, now trying to get a job here as well.

I moved to Edmonton last week and I been thinking if I should wait for openings in ramp positions, or luckily a flyong one if this whole thing starts to pick up, and it seems the worst might have passed as I've seen tiny signs of recovery... or to get the instructor rating now. I asked at a school and they were pretty honest and didn't really think it was a good time. I would think it is, as when it picks up I could get an instructor job. But then, I am also waiting for some opportunities to work ramp up north. It looks like I COULD get something if I wait for a couple of months.

I enjoy teaching, I wouldn't mind being an instructor. It is something I would like to do sometime in my career. But I also think that the experience I could get up north, even if I worked ramp for a while, it's second to none.

What do you guys think? I am able to relocate if I find an Instructor job by the way, so don't answer me with only Alberta in mind.

Thanks in advance,

Danny.

[AUGER9]

There's really not many instructing positions right now either. Add to that, the time you finish your rating, it'll be fall/winter- VERY slow for instructing in most parts. I would say no.

[notthereyet]

Although now is the slow time one argument is that now is the time to get ready with any training waiting for the market to pick up. But as always there is no guarantee.

[pw308]

I am in the same boat. I have been applying to places for ramp positions with no luck. I have 256TT Multi IFR. Have decided to get my instructor rating as well. I am in southern ontario though. For me, it's the best option at the moment. There are so many pilots out of work that when things do pick back up, there won't be too many places that will be looking for pilots off the ramp right away anyways. More like hiring the guys with 1000+ hours that were laid off.