Howdy y’all!
Figured it was time to check in, since I’m now 6 months out from finishing the program. I’ve been instructing out of Tacoma, WA (TIW) since February, and as of last week have had 2 students pass checkrides (one commercial, one instrument), and move along in the program. My third student is in the Private phase, and we’re planning on his solos this weekend.
Just wanted to check in, and give a look at we’re up to in the Pacific Northwest!
-Bennett
Hey Bennett,
Thanks for checking in. Far too often people come on prior to the program with questions, give us status reports during training, but then disappear into the ether. Good to hear you’re doing well, building you time and honing your skills. Sounds like your timing might be perfect as the Regionals have begun accepting applications again.
Thanks again and keep us posted!
Adam
Bennett,
Thank you for checking back in with us and letting us know how you are doing. It is great to hear from people like yourself that have been successful and are well on their way to accomplishing their dreams. Please continue to check back in with us.
Chris
Hey Bennett!
Hello from the other side of the Sound! I haven’t flown into TIW personally, but I can imagine the approaches over the water are spectacular. You couldn’t ask for better weather this week too.
2 for 2! Your first private student is typically the student that really tests your abilities as a CFI. The questions a student pilot asks will surprise you and the things they struggle with will challenge you for the better.
Best of luck,
Tory
Hey, it’s me, checking in again. Facebook reminded me that 1 year ago today, I passed my Multi-Engine Instructor checkride and officially finished the program. Feb 17, 2020 to Oct 2, 2020 (You’ll notice, less than 9 months… It’s possible!).
Since then (after a slight delay in hiring due to Covid), I’ve flown 310 hours, signed off 7 students (5 first-time passes), and taken on a Training Support position to help our instructors and students. I can’t wait to see where the next 12 months will take me!
Nice work, Bennett! Good for you!
Tell me more about this Training Support position. I haven’t heard of it until now.
Tory
It’s a hybrid CFI position for smaller training centers like TIW and PAE.
A selection of what I get to do during my week:
Keeps me plenty busy… I can’t believe it’s October already!
Bennett,
Wow good for you! You’ve really taken on a lot but sounds like you’re thriving! The TSS position sounds like some of the lead instructor duties. Do you have a separate lead position or do you take on that role doing eval flights as well? Just curious… either way, that’s great resume building experience. Plus it’s great to get more involved with your position at ATP! You learn a lot.
-Hannah
Bennett,
I agree with Hannah. This is a great opportunity for you and I am glad to see you step up to take on the responsibilities.
Tory
We actually have two lead instructors here, so I mostly pick up the eval flights that their schedules won’t cover, as well any flights that line instructors need covered. As TIW grows, I’ll be taking more eval flights and mock checkrides as well!
Awesome! Well congratulations on being selected for that leadership role. Those eval flights push your CFI experience to the next level. Please continue to keep us updated on your journey!
-Hannah
Bennett,
Thank you for checking back in with us, time sure does fly. I am glad to hear that you are building time and taking on additional responsibilities at the company. Keep up the good work.
Chris
Well, I guess it’s as good a time as any to check back in. Almost 2 years since I started the program (Feb 14), I’m at 670 hours. I finished my Training Support Specialist position at TIW, and was able to transfer back to Ogden.
Ogden is my favorite training center, hands down. We have awesome controllers, pretty good weather, but still challenging flying. I’ve already signed off a commercial student (up to 6/8 first time passes!), have a private student soloing this week, and have an instrument student with a checkride next week. Staying busy, I’m around 60-65 hours a month so far.
Bennett,
Thanks for the update. Always good to hear from grads and how they’re doing. Sounds like things are moving along nicely. Keep is posted.
Adam
Bennett,
Thank you for the update. I am glad it is going well, those hours will start racking up quickly now.
Chris
Keep up the good work, Bennett! Almost half way there!
Tory
Is this a more realistic expectation of hours acquired after finishing the program? I thought ATP pushes that you’ll be flying Regional in two years and you are 2 years out of the program and aren’t even half way to 1500. I’m not dogging on you or anything I’m just interested in the ATP program and trying to figure out and forecast as much as I can how much money I’ll be making over the first few years out of the program.
Hey Raffaele,
I had a couple factors working against me. The Training Support position that I was in at TIW did not involve much flying (more dealing with student issues, pilot examiners, and the like). The Pacific Northwest is also famous for its weather, which definitely poses delays to both students in the program and the instructors. Most other locations don’t have those problems!
Raffaele,
Flight time varies based on student load. However the average for most instructors is about 70 hours a month. On the high side, 80-100 hrs. While the low side 40-60 hrs. If you fly 80 hrs a month, you would be at 1500 in 15 months which is 22 months from starting zero time.
-Hannah
Thanks for the reply Hannah.