Expert: David Bidwell - 2/21/2010

Question
I AM A 51 YR OLD PILOT WITH 500HR TT IS THERE ANY DEMAND FOR FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS ? I AM LIVING IN TAMPA BAY FL. NOW . THINKING OF GETTING MY CFI IF THERE IS ANY DEMAND . BACK IN THE 70'S WHEN I STARTED FLYING THERE WAS ALLOT OF INSTRUCTION GOING ON AT EVERY FBO I FLEW INTO. SEEMS LIKE WITH THE ECONOMY NOW THAT STUDENTS WOULD BE HARD TO FIND ?

Answer
Tom,
Student starts are down.  Some schools have closed and some are struggling.  That's the bad news.  You must consider the fact that aviation will not, and for that matter, cannot die. Our economy depends on it.  As you must have witnessed, many CFIs have left and gone to the airlines.  They have to be replaced.  Aviation colleges are still in existence.  They need instructors.  You get the idea. You live in FL.  The training capital! I say that if you want to share your love of aviation, go for it!  I'm optimistic that it will improve.
Good luck.  Stay in touch and let me know how you make out.
Dave