Expert: D. Norkus - 1/3/2005

Question
Hello Dottie!

My name is Jason and I'm writing for a little advice in my recent decision to make a career move.  Let me start off by giving you a little background on my situation.  About three years ago I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Instructional Technology & Telecommunications.  I then started a career in software training and system conversions, and have worked my way into a Supervisor position.  

I've always been interested in Aviation or at least as long as I can remember. I was talked out of pursuing it in college and now I'm starting to regret it.  About a year a go I took an intro flight and with out a doubt, it turned my world upside down. I truly fell in love!  I'm currently about three flights (and of course the practical tests!) away from my private certificate.

Now that you know a little about my past and know that you are asleep on to my goals and my question.  

I want to fly!  But... I don't just want to fly I want to teach others about it as well.  The only part of my job I actually enjoy now is the teaching aspect. My question to you is what should I do?  Am I crazy?  Should I get my masters on top of certificates and ratings?  Also, I would like to find a good job with an airline or large FBO so that I can start to network and learn about the industry.  Do you think there are any jobs in the industry (outside of flying and teaching) at this time that I may qualify for?

Well... that's it for now.  Sorry to make this so long I'm just extremely driven towards this transition and I love to talk about it.  I hope I didn't put you to sleep and I truly appreciate any advice you can lend.

Thanks again and Have a great day!

Be safe!

Jason


Answer
Jason

You are about to make a big career jump, so you should arm yourself with as much information as possible. Unfortunately, via this limited forum, it's not possible to relay all that you need to know. I can start you off in the right direction though.

"I don't just want to fly I want to teach others about it as well."

Sounds as if you could make a great CFI, if teaching is your passion. You don't need a masters for that and if you intend to pursue those additional ratings you'd have precious little money left for a masters anyway. A full time CFI job isn't the most glamorous job in aviation, nor is it the best paid (I am not sure if you want to jump ship entirely from your old job if you were to instruct). However finding a CFI who truly enjoys teaching is hard to find in a world of young instructors looking to get the minimums to get hired by an airline. Students are a means to an end: time building for an airline job. The vast majority of CFIs are eeking out a living just to build hours until they can get to the next job (freight, airline, corporate). As a potential career changer DO NOT underestimate the amount of sacrifice, especially financially, you will need to make to get into this industry. As a CFI or a new hire regional First Officer you will be lucky to make over $20K/yr for several years. I personally made the change at age 32 and after two years still don't bring home more than $2,000/mo. Be sure your have your debt squared away or have a very supportive family if you embark on this path. Luckily for me, I had been flying for years and I had zero debt when I made the career switch, so such low wages are a little more tolerable. I have created a webpage about the common questions people want anwsered about training and getting into the airlines. At the bottom I have listed every website that I think any aspiring aviator should visit for more info. Between my site and all it's links, you should have plenty to help you make informed decisions.

www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html

In peticular the message boards at www.Jetcareers.com (linked at bottom too) offers a section for career changers to post. There are many, many stories such as yours there now.

"Also, I would like to find a good job with an airline or large FBO so that I can start to network and learn about the industry. Do you think there are any jobs in the industry (outside of flying and teaching) at this time that I may qualify for?"

I know that some airlines are now switching to 'professional ground instructors' to teach their aircraft systems classes. The exact requirements needed, I am not sure but perhaps you might find a position in the training department at some airline. If you want any job, not just a teaching type position, then look to the employment sections on the websites of airlines like Southwest, Jet Blue, Alaska, Continental and most of the regional carriers as they are the ones still hiring. You can also check into www.airjobsdigest.com to see what kinds of jobs are available. (It's subscription based and not very cheap but you might find a copy at a FBO.) There
are also sites like www.climbto350.com or www.findapilot.com that list available aviation positions.

As far as the FBO side & networking, that would be the GA (or corporate side) of the industry and I am not too into that much anymore.  The best way to find out about jobs would be to start networking now. Ask around and see what is available where you are. Often employers will chose a familiar face over a nameless resume, even if the other candidate is more qualified on paper.

This should be enough to get you started. Let me know if you need more.

Dottie