KE5BM
Pre-takeoff checklist
23 years ago when I initially began my flight training, most professional pilots I came in contact with had been trained by some very experienced, older CFIs from day 1 to ATP. Many times on the flight line I was encouraged by the pros to enjoy the days of basic flight training. The academies back then seemed to be widely disliked by the pros. I stepped away from my training for about 20 years and when I returned to finish up my PPL, I was surprised to see the training world seemed to have been turned around. Amid all the pilot shortages of the 2010s it seemed every pro out there now had gone through one of the "factories" that had been so disliked before. It's so rare now, it seems to find an instructor who is content with instructing. Everyone is pushing for 1500 then *poof*! Even my finish-up instructor who I really liked and worked well with vanished to Brickyard shortly after crossing 1500. (I'm pretty sure he hit 1500 on an instrument training flight with me)
I've been in the military for 24 years next week and am seriously considering retiring in 2026. I've always loved aviation and would really like to pursue a professional career...but not necessarily the airlines. In fact, unlike most low-time, professional wannabes I have almost zero desire to be an airline pilot. I'd much prefer corporate or similar. Anyway, given my limited budget and limited time available I've been giving thought to taking on a different path. Part of my job with the Coast Guard entails a ton of instruction. After driving boats for 20 years, I'm expected to pass that experience and knowledge down to the people behind me. And I love it! I love watching junior people start with nothing and guide them to their first rescue. It's the best job I've ever had. That being said, is it a viable career choice in this day and age to simply be a CFI? I haven't yet asked my two local FBOs what they pay but that conversation will happen soon. I suspect it ain't much because they always seem to get graduates from Broadwater to come out and build to 1500.
Edit: Currently ASEL PPL, slowly building time and experience for Instrument and Commercial. About 115 hours on the books so far.
I've been in the military for 24 years next week and am seriously considering retiring in 2026. I've always loved aviation and would really like to pursue a professional career...but not necessarily the airlines. In fact, unlike most low-time, professional wannabes I have almost zero desire to be an airline pilot. I'd much prefer corporate or similar. Anyway, given my limited budget and limited time available I've been giving thought to taking on a different path. Part of my job with the Coast Guard entails a ton of instruction. After driving boats for 20 years, I'm expected to pass that experience and knowledge down to the people behind me. And I love it! I love watching junior people start with nothing and guide them to their first rescue. It's the best job I've ever had. That being said, is it a viable career choice in this day and age to simply be a CFI? I haven't yet asked my two local FBOs what they pay but that conversation will happen soon. I suspect it ain't much because they always seem to get graduates from Broadwater to come out and build to 1500.
Edit: Currently ASEL PPL, slowly building time and experience for Instrument and Commercial. About 115 hours on the books so far.