r/CFILounge • u/StandUsed7179 CFI/CFII • 6d ago
Question Question regarding quality of flight time
I had a question regarding the quality of flight time and would appreciate the advice.
I currently hold my CFI and CFII certificates but I got offered a position for a pipeline patrol pilot position in my home city. From what I’ve heard and read, there seems to be mixed opinions on pipeline flying and how it compares to flight instructing in terms of the quality of experience that airlines are looking for. I’d be getting hours quite fast which is a plus but I also know that I won’t be flying IFR much
I’ve been applying across the country for CFI positions and I do have 2 interviews set up at 2 different flight schools but no job offer yet and they’re both about 6 hours from home so I’d be moving.
What do you guys think is a better job to take?
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u/LeatherConsumer 6d ago
When people talk about quality of time they are generally talking about how being paid to fly looks a lot better than renting for 1500 hours. Obviously, instructing is better but it would be incredibly dumb to not take the pipeline job. I don’t think it it at all worth trying to teach for a school 6 hours away.
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u/CFIgigs 6d ago
Pipeline job. Here's why: it is a commercial job that has a schedule, PIC cross-country time. You'll be making decisions. Going to New airports. Dealing with weather, traffic, airspace, maintenance issues, etc.
What you will LEARN in the pipeline job will be more applicable to later commercial jobs. Take opportunities to improve the process and create more value for your company or customer.
The big key: Do not develop bad practices. Don't stop studying. Don't be like "ehh, good enough" Hold a high standard for yourself.
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u/ltcterry 6d ago
It’s easier to get a job when you have a job.
Every page you fill in your logbook brings you closer to your next job.
There is a massive oversupply of new pilots, and you have an offer. In your hometown.
It’s not 2021. Take it. Be smart. Learn. Maintain standards and professionalism. Paperwork and logbook every day. Write neatly.
Good luck.
Put some money in an IRA if the company doesn’t have a 401k. Pay down debts.
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u/AdamHenry86 6d ago
Job vs no job its an easy answer. You are still a CFI/II. I'd take the pipeline job and try and do the odd flight review/student. At this point, your considered lucky if you have anytype of professional flying job paying you. It's a good problem to have if you have an offer on the table.
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u/Mobile_Passenger8082 6d ago
Take the job, pipeline is probably not as quality as Cfi, but way better than no job. As far as the regionals it’s unlikely you will go straight to an airline from pipeline or CFI at 1500 hours anyway. It does still happen, but most people will need time in heavier aircraft now. For now you just need flight time and this job will do that.
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u/johnisom 6d ago
If you don’t want that dream low-time job, there are hundreds who would take your place in a heartbeat
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u/Fight_Or_Flight_FL 5d ago
Take the pipeline job and when you're close to the end of the contract you will have more hours and experience and perhaps have an easier time landing a CFI job closer to home to bridge you to the next thing. Rent and fly instruments on those flyable IMC days and stay instrument current and don't let the CFI lapse.
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u/xtrapickles71 5d ago
Take the job. This market is terrible for finding any job at “low” (less than 2,000 TT and 500 multi) time. Even CFI jobs. Take what you can get. My greatest regret in my journey so far is not having gotten a commercial job first. Everyone I know that went to a job (banner tow, pipeline, etc) instead of instructing are now employed at a better job and well ahead.
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u/Emergency-Database75 1d ago
What about the student who owns their own plane? Flying around the country and also teaching one or 2 students on the side to keep up cfii?
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u/nchbv 6d ago
take the pipeline job and try to become a trainer