Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/28/2007

Question
David
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns. I am in a confusing
situation and I'm not sure what to do. I am a commercial pilot with over 250
hrs working on my CFI at UVSC. Right now UVSC is having a hard time
providing the complex aircraft we need for working on the CFI.
We have two complex aircrafts (arrows 11 & 111) between 15-30 CFI and
Commercial students. This only allows me to schedule the plane once or even
twice a week, resulting in 1 to 2 hours a week. At this rate it's going take a
very long time to finish my aviation career. If UVSC does not make some
changes quick I need to go somewhere else. I have one full semester left
before I graduate, but I need to continue working on my hours and flying. My
instructor told me about ATP in Phoenix where I can get my CFI ratings a lot
faster if I have the money and time to do it. I would have to get my multi
comm add-on but that should not be a problem, UVSC has plenty of DA42
Twinstars. I don't know much about the ATP school and how it works. Also I
am wondering if there are any other schools you would recommend to me in
the Phoenix area (I have a place to live in Phoenix). Or should I hold out at
UVSC and see what happens. I don't have much time left and I need to get
busy. I am 28 with a wife and 2 kids so I don't have much more time to waste.
Please help if you can.

Answer
Hi,

This is a tough question....one key thing to ask is:  Can you get a refund from UVSC for the class you are now enrolled in?

I have generally heard good things about ATP, but, they are generally into selling a package to you.  Not sure how they would approach someone who only wants the CFI....but, check with them.

Also, Pan Am International Flight Academy....I think that they are at both Scottsdale and at Deer Valley Airports.  They have a good reputation, too, but, they also like to sell the full package of flight training.

Also in Phoenix:

Westwind School of Aeronautics

Accelerated Flight Training

Angel Air Flight Training

RAA Flight Schools/Western US Flight School

I am sure that you can find a reasonable accommodation at one of these schools.

I wish you the best and good luck with finishing up and getting on with your dream job in the industry.

If you need a lead on a CFI job, we are hiring at SIU Carbondale once you have 40 hours of dual given.  We live in a low cost of living area and pay a $2400 a month salary along with providing state of Illinois health, dental and vision benefits.  So, it is a pretty good deal.  Contact John Voges at jvoges@siu.edu for more information.

Take care,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu