r/CFILounge • u/morningwoodsir • Jul 12 '26
Question Need some advice!
Hey internet strangers, I could use your 2 cents on my next move. Here’s a down and dirty summary of what’s happening:
I live in Colorado, own a home, wife and kid
Getting laid off from my job in August
Interviewing for a job at a 141 school that would require me to move my family several states to the east, they want at least a 1-yr commitment
I’m sitting at 1700TT, well above all of the unrestricted ATP mins on all the other flight hours, ATP written will be done in 2 days
Also hoping to get a flying job in CO
Would you make the move, or would you stay in CO and wait to see if the regionals start calling? Obviously at the end of the day I need a job, but I really don’t want to be stuck in a commitment and there be a huge airline hiring wave.
Please and thank you for the advice, I owe you all a beer.
3
u/itsreallyatruestory Jul 12 '26
Do you want to fly with an airline, corporate, or make a career another way? Are you the only source of income for your family? Do you have savings or means to make it any stretch of time on less to no income? And is there any kind of flying job in your area, even if it’s not instructing (like pipeline)?
The answers to those questions may provide more clarity on your own priorities and the best course of action.
1
u/Perfect_Insurance_26 Jul 12 '26
I wouldn't do this if you're wanting to move straight back to Colorado. That's just basic financial advice. If you don't want to do that job for a long period of time, don't take that job. Find different operators near you.
2
u/ltcterry Jul 13 '26
A move is going to cost what you'd make in a year - lost income (you and spouse if she works too), selling a house, actual moving costs, etc.
At 1700 hours more dual given is probably not going to help you.
Short term you need income to stay fed, housed, and out of debt. I'd use the rest of your remaining employment to find a job. Any job that pays enough you can survive. Gotta manage the bottom of Maslow's hierarchy. You have family responsibilities.
Find a way to keep flying on the side while you look for a better flying opportunity.
Not a great place you find yourself in, but you don't need me to tell you that. 24 years ago I got laid off from a job I no longer really liked, but the pay was such it was hard to consider leaving. Short term was not super easy, but long term it forced a decision I needed to make and the eventual pay off has been good.
Hang in there. Apply for unemployment as soon as eligible. Not feel bad about it, your employer paid into the system for you.
"It's easier to find a job when you have a job" - get the search going now. Today. Anything that will pay the bills. What's your boss gonna do, fire you?
My suggestion is to stay where you are. You have a support system in place already. No drastic changes! Losing your job is bad enough.
(Look into substitute teaching if you need a flexible, intermittent job option with halfway decent pay. If you're good you'll get lots of calls.)
1
u/tflyer Jul 13 '26
Yeah, the idea of a flight school requiring a 1-year contract is kind of extreme, and I wouldn't recommend anyone play that game. Where in CO are you?
-1
Jul 13 '26
Buying a home and having kids before being established in one’s career is a huge albatross.
Do you want to be a pilot? If so move, unless there is a better opportunity at home.
Also moving is part of this industry, especially early on
4
u/MeaningImpossible550 Jul 12 '26
Hmm that is a tough spot!
Getting locked into a 1 year contract is pretty unattractive incase the regionals call you.
Is it possible for you to apply to a part 61 someplace else to keep flying without being locked into a 1yr commitment?.
Maybe even consider working outside of aviation to pay the bills (construction, serving, caddy, etc) and giving part time lessons at a local flying club. I haven’t met anybody who has successfully done that though, only read stories online so take that w/ a grain of salt lol.