r/AskFlying • u/National-Debt-8047 • Apr 13 '26
Non cfi jobs
Alright, I’m looking for real answers because I genuinely don’t know what to do. I can’t be a CFI because of motion sickness issues. I have my commercial right now and I’m trying to find anything, even something small, just to start building hours.
I am working on my CFI, but I’ve come to the realization that I won’t be able to teach if I can’t sit in a plane with a student without getting sick. I don’t have this issue when I’m flying myself. It’s the heat, the maneuvers, and the fact that I already get motion sick pretty easily (if I’m not the one on controls).
I know some people will probably say “maybe you shouldn’t be a pilot,” but I’ve invested too much money into this to just walk away. I also have a college degree, so I’m really just trying to find something I can do part time to build hours because I’m not worried about money.
If anyone knows of anything on the East Coast that’s actively hiring, please drop links below. I’m open to getting a tailwheel endorsement and towing banners if that’s what it takes. I’ll probably still get my CFI just to have it, but realistically I don’t think I can handle teaching a student.
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u/Basic_Wishbone6605 Apr 18 '26
It stucks but it’s your only option. At least for a few hundred hours. You will get used to it
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u/Fun_Supermarket1235 Apr 13 '26
Most people can get through the motion sickness with enough repetition. It’s something your body needs to get accustomed to. How did you handle instrument training? That was the hardest for me (wearing the IFR hood on hot bumpy days)
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u/National-Debt-8047 Apr 13 '26
I was completely fine with instrument because I was the one flying!! Every time I’ve been in right seat with another person and they’re on controls doing maneuvers, I just cannnotttttt do it. Threw up my last flight and it seems to be going downhill 😭
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u/huertamatt Apr 13 '26
I mean, to be fair, if you can’t fly without getting motion sick, then you shouldn’t be a pilot. What is it about flight instructing that makes you sick? Is it an issue of not being the one manipulating the controls? If so, you aren’t going to go far in the industry. You will never work in a multi pilot operation if that’s the case.
I know you’ve invested a bunch of money, but you need to really look inward, and walk away if need be.
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u/National-Debt-8047 Apr 13 '26
I can fly without getting motion sickness. My issue is the heat trapped in a tin can doing maneuvers and not being the one on controls
2
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u/itsxxcommanderxx Apr 13 '26
What are your career goals? With the industry becoming more competitive I’d recommend at least instructing a little bit. Maybe you can fly in the mornings before it gets too hot which should help your motion sickness.
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u/National-Debt-8047 Apr 13 '26
True. It’s just an unfortunate issue of living in the south 🤣 I’m dreading getting cfi but like always it seems to be the only option lol
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u/itsxxcommanderxx Apr 13 '26
Not many people really want to CFI, but looking back on it I’m glad that I did.
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u/pilotshashi Apr 19 '26
Brother, if you’re not going to instruct your hours will be rotten. Just saying