I am currently studying online and planning on possibly starting my training with ATP in January 2023. When I start I will probably still need like 24 credits to get my degree. I would like to get my degree before heading to the regionals just to make my applications to the regionals more competitive (I know it isn’t required). I know I shouldn’t keep studying while I am a student at ATP nor am I planning to, but I was wondering if it would be a possibility to study part time while I am working as a flight instructor after graduating from ATP?
Also, on a side note, how long do students normally wait after finishing the training before getting a job as a flight instructor? Obviously the goal is to get hired right after but does that normally happen? Or what is a good expectation?
It might be possible to study while instructing but know you’re students must be your priority and know by doing so you’re taking a risk. If say you have a test or paper due and you’re not available to your student you can and should be fired. On the other hand neglect your studies and your grades could suffer and for what reason? The Regionals don’t desire or require a degree so why take the chance?
I am glad to hear that you are planning on finishing your degree, this will serve you well in the industry. That being said, there is no requirement at all to have a degree to get hired at the regionals, not will it do too much to bolster your position in the stack of resumes. You would likely have time to work on your degree while instructing for ATP, but just remember that the job and your students come first. I personally would think of waiting until you are at the regionals to finish the degree as you will have a more predictable schedule at that point.
I do know that if you are flexible with your location choice, there are several ATP locations that currently do not have any wait time at all for a CFI position.
This can change so much and so often that to report on it would not mean much. Last check there twenty nine individual locations that did not have a wait time for new instructor positions.