Hello! I am looking into changing careers and becoming a commercial pilot. How long did it take to complete the 1500 hours? Are any hours from class counted towards that? Is there honestly a livable wage working as a flight instructor?
Thanks for your help!
April,
Most people that go to ATP and then instruct there build their 1,500 hours in about two years. Class time is not counted towards the requirement, only flight time.
Here is information on ATP’s instructor pay rates: https://atpflightschool.com/airline-career-pilot-program/guaranteed-cfi-job.html I would plan on about 80 hours per month.
Also, don’t forget the Tuition Reimbursement program, which can be a huge help in making those monthly payments: https://atpflightschool.com/airline-career-pilot-program/tuition-reimbursement.html
Chris
There are a lot of variables that go into how quickly you can reach 1,500 hours. I think the biggest one of them is weather/seasons. As a CFI, our job is to provide quality instruction and making sure that the flight conditions are conducive to fulfilling the requirements of the flight. It’s not productive to take a lower hour private student up in strong gusty winds for example. Another variable to keep in mind is fatigue, and to a lesser extent—motivation. Everyone aims to fly 100-120 hours as a CFI. My ATP CFI for private and instrument phases averaged 120 and up to 140 hours a month. That being said, that amount of flying can be extremely fatiguing and 80-100 hours a month is a healthier estimate. Once again, you’re not doing your best job if you’re not there, present in mind and body, to give quality instruction but first and foremost—to ensure the safety of the flight.
That being said, yes you absolutely can have a livable wage as a CFI. It’s lean, but possible. Whatever you do, do NOT bypass the MEI training. I don’t know if ATP will hire you after without one, and you will not be nearly as marketable to other schools without one.
Hello guys,
I just came across this as I was reading the forums.
So my question is when you guys mention an average of 85 hours a month does that mean flying time only?
So as a CFI would fly 85 hours and instruct let’s say another 25+ hours a month? Meaning you’d get paid for more than just the hours you fly? Am I correct?
Thanks in advance for your help,
Randy
Randy,
That is correct. Flight time is a requirement for your ATP license. Ground instruction is extra but depending on the flight school you instruct for you may or may not be paid for it.
Adam
Adam,
Oh ok got it, so in this case I see ATP lists how much they pay an hour of flying and of ground school, etc.
That means you can fly 85 hours a month, instruct some X number hours on the ground and you’ll get paid for everything not just for the hours you actually fly.
After all, the CFI salary doesn’t look terrible for the time being while you build up your hours.
Exactly
Adam
The pay rates for ATP CFIs can be found here: https://atpflightschool.com/airline-career-pilot-program/certificated-flight-instructor-job.html