Expert: David Bidwell - 4/19/2003

Question
Hi, I'm doing a research paper for my spanish class and I would like you
to answer the following questions:
1. Describe your work briefly.
2. What do you like about your work?
3. Are there any disadvantages?
4. What academic preparation did you need?
5. How could i use my foreign language knowledge in this job?
6.What is the average salary?
7. Is there any possibility to advance?
8. Is there any possbility of transfer to another location without losing
benefits or status?
9. what would you advise me about this career?
10. In what university should i study aviation?
11. Is it better to join the airforce?
12. How difficult is it to find a job in an airline?
Thanks.  

Answer
Hello Javier,
You sure are asking a lot.  I'll do my best to answer your Questions

1. I write and implement curriculum for my flight school.  I oversee all instruction and give stage checks to our students.  I also teach ground school classes such as meteorology, flight physiology etc.
2. Sharing my knowledge and helping others to realize a dream
3.  Oh yeah!  money, Govt. regulations, high costs etc.
4.  Although I have a BS degree in aeronautics,  all it takes is the appropriate FAA ratings to CFII and LOTs of experience
5.  By working in a location where there are many foreign students.  Many flight schools specialize in training foreign students.
6.  Anywhere from minimum wage to 60,000 dollars a year.  It depends upon where in the country you are teaching.  The average wage for a fight instructor is about 12.00 per hr.
7. It depends on where you teach and your education.  Many aviation colleges hire the instructors and you could possibly advance to a senior instructor or even an adjunct professor.  Most flight schools also have a Chief Flight Instructor (that's what I am)
8.  I doubt it
Attend an aviation college and get the best preparation poosible
9.  You have to love it to continue.  It is a great stepping stone, however, to the airlines
10. There are many.  I attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (www,erau.edu)
11. They will not guarantee flight status.  You must have a college degree to fly.  The military education cannot be beat!
12. Very!  Many are laying off right now.
You are welcome,
Dave Bidwell