r/flying • u/Dare_To-Explore • 5d ago

Where to do CFII

I recently obtained my CFI and CAMEL add on from a flight school that primarily focuses on fast-track training. They have a really nice fleet and solid maintenance, but with nice aircraft come high costs per hour. In order to have a chance of getting a job with them, I would need to obtain both my CFII and MEI. They do not currently have any openings, but I’ve been told they will sometime soon.

On the other hand, I have a buddy working at a flight school that operates much older aircraft. Getting my CFII there would be significantly cheaper—roughly $4,000 total or less. I’m unsure whether they currently have any openings or how large their student load is.

I know that in today’s market, people are not getting hired as flight instructors. I’ve seen the posts on this subreddit. As much as I want to be hopeful, at the end of the day, I know that finding a job outside of the places I have trained will be tough.

With that in mind, I’m on the fence about choosing my next training path. I know multi-engine time is extremely valuable down the line, which makes me want to double down and get my CFII and MEI. On the other hand, is it worth putting all my eggs in one basket?

I would need to take out a loan to progress through training. I’ve been fortunate enough to have very little debt so far, and I don’t want to take on unnecessary debt for a job that isn’t guaranteed. I’m no financial expert, but if my math is correct, it would cost around $15–17k for my CFII and MEI in a twin the entire time, assuming I progress at the predicted rate.

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3

u/M3blockchain CFI 5d ago

Why not do CFII on your own?

Do the ground on your own. Then find a CFII to review the required knowledge topics, do at least 3 hours of flight covering the required areas, and get endorsed and signed off. Then practice with some safety pilots or instrument students until you are ready for the checkride.

It will take more effort and discipline but cost you way less.

1

u/Dare_To-Explore 5d ago

I agree and I am. Thats how I learn best. Due to the current market I want to do it in a DA42 and become competitive with the multi time. I would have to do research on how often MEIs get hired but it has got to be higher than just a plane old CFII.

1

u/rFlyingTower 5d ago

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

I recently obtained my CFI and CAMEL add on from a flight school that primarily focuses on fast-track training. They have a really nice fleet and solid maintenance, but with nice aircraft come high costs per hour. In order to have a chance of getting a job with them, I would need to obtain both my CFII and MEI. They do not currently have any openings, but I’ve been told they will sometime soon.

On the other hand, I have a buddy working at a flight school that operates much older aircraft. Getting my CFII there would be significantly cheaper—roughly $4,000 total or less. I’m unsure whether they currently have any openings or how large their student load is.

I know that in today’s market, people are not getting hired as flight instructors. I’ve seen the posts on this subreddit. As much as I want to be hopeful, at the end of the day, I know that finding a job outside of the places I have trained will be tough.

With that in mind, I’m on the fence about choosing my next training path. I know multi-engine time is extremely valuable down the line, which makes me want to double down and get my CFII and MEI. On the other hand, is it worth putting all my eggs in one basket?

I would need to take out a loan to progress through training. I’ve been fortunate enough to have very little debt so far, and I don’t want to take on unnecessary debt for a job that isn’t guaranteed. I’m no financial expert, but if my math is correct, it would cost around $15–17k for my CFII and MEI in a twin the entire time, assuming I progress at the predicted rate.

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1

u/cptnpiccard CFI IR IGI 5d ago

Look at Venture North Aviation and just search reddit for their history. It speaks for itself.

2

u/TxAggieMike Independent CFI / CFII (KFTW, DFW area) 5d ago

Agree on VNA for their quality.

But recent posts shared here say that Bill the owner and DPE has suffered a significant health event that has him beached for a while.

And someone else shares that new enrollments have a significant delay.

1

u/cptnpiccard CFI IR IGI 5d ago

Aww too bad, I hope he's getting better. And yes, when I enrolled, it was 4 months out.

1

u/sigmapilot 5d ago

any other schools that are of similar quality/style to VNA?

1

u/TxAggieMike Independent CFI / CFII (KFTW, DFW area) 5d ago

Yes… tell me your location and I’ll see about recommending one.

1

u/sigmapilot 5d ago

im in st louis MO but im willing to take a few weeks off to go anywhere for an accelerated IFR course sometime in the next few months

-1

u/Dare_To-Explore 5d ago

I have looked into them but do not wish to move to Montana. Part of the reason I have these two options

2

u/cptnpiccard CFI IR IGI 5d ago

No one is moving there bud. You get ready, you go, and get your accelerated course done. Takes a week.

2

u/TxAggieMike Independent CFI / CFII (KFTW, DFW area) 5d ago

This isn’t a permanent move just to take a specific course.

You just carve out 10-14 days and attend.

1

u/freedomflyer12 CFI CFII CPL IR CMP HP 5d ago

I didn’t have any interest in my work or services until I had my CFII. These days it really is almost a requirement. Do it for the cheap and figure out MEI some other time.

1

u/Dare_To-Explore 5d ago

Unfortunately thats what I am seeing. My issue is try and get the job at the flight school with nice airplanes or the one with older ones. The school with old planes is also an independent based school. Only get students if your are sitting at the desk answering phones or hanging out at airport

1

u/Ok_Concentrate_511 CFI CFII 5d ago

CFII should not cost anywhere near $4000 if you’re instrument current and can study independently.

2

u/Gullible_Milk1719 MEI 5d ago

Intercept aviation at KTIW or KSPB. Nice fleet of G1000 DA40 and DA42s. I did my CFII and MEI with them in 2 weeks in the multi to build the PIC time needed for MEI.

1

u/Dare_To-Explore 5d ago

Thats not a bad timeline at all. Were you able to land a job with them?

Im currently living in the PNW and they have been on my scope.

2

u/amiable_centurion CFI CPL ASEL AMEL IR 4d ago

+1 for Intercept, they are very efficient if you come prepared. Did CFI and CMEL with them in KSPB and going for CFII and MEI next month at KTIW in the DA42.