Q on Fast Track Completion to Income Earning Time Frame

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

Hello all and good evening,

I greatly appreciate this forum as there is so much valuable and insightful information for people like myself.

I’ve taken an introductory flight at the local PTC Falcon Field with ATP and really enjoyed the experience. I’ve successfully passed my physical and will be receiving my first class medical in the mail soon.

My question is regarding income, how soon can I expect to begin earning some type of income and what does that look like, on average, once out of the program (Fast Track)? Be it through CFI program… when do you start seeing income. I’m open to taking a spot where ever that may be in order to secure a spot and begin accruing flight hours.

I’m trying to gather whether 8-10 months of financial savings is sufficient or 15+ months may be needed because my initial income once completing will be so low. Of course, side on the later than just 7-8 months savings.

What does the average earnings looking for someone who is going through the 1500 hr journey? Do you usually need a part time job to go along with CFI in order to make a decent living?

Thanks,
Tyler

2

Tyler,

If you’re flexible as to locations you should be able to start instructing pretty quickly (usually within 4-6 weeks). The average ATP instructor earns $25-30k so that’s what you’d be looking at.

Obviously we don’t know your expenses or whether that would cover them or not? What you do need to know is you cannot work (part-time or full) while instructing for ATP. It’s a full time commitment and just as you should expect your instructors to be available for you, your students should expect the same.

Adam