Search

Notices
Flight Schools and Training Ratings, building hours, airmanship, CFI topics

How CFIs get paid.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-13-2010, 09:11 AM
  #1  
On Reserve Forever
Thread Starter
 
point432's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Sep 2009
Position: Would you like fries with that gear, sir?
Posts: 270
Question How CFIs get paid.

This is a question that a fellow co-worker and I have. We want a rough idea as to about how many CFIs work as an employee versus a independent contractor? (I consider an employee someone who has their employer deducting taxes and an independent contractor is someone who pays self-employment taxes or freelances.) The number of CFIs on this site should be a good sample size. This is not for a school project or research, just fun.

Some people prefer dealing with one type of business method over another. I just was curious about this topic.

What boat are you guys in?


Point
point432 is offline  
Old 01-13-2010, 09:58 AM
  #2  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Mar 2009
Posts: 124
Default re:

I am currently an employee for a part 61 flight school and get paid an hourly wage per instruction hour. I had to fill out a tax form and get taxes, SS, medicare taken out of my checks every month.

I have been in different pay situations in the past and this is by far the best for me. However, I don't do this for a living, just for fun.
pilot1278 is offline  
Old 01-13-2010, 11:24 AM
  #3  
On Reserve
 
Joined APC: Nov 2008
Posts: 15
Default

Independent...
ntbjounin is offline  
Old 01-13-2010, 11:57 AM
  #4  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Rebuilt's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jan 2009
Posts: 124
Default

I have done both, as an employee and as an independent contractor.

I preferred the latter. The guy I worked for withheld government taxes from my paycheck, but I found out later he kept all the money for himself.
Rebuilt is offline  
Old 01-13-2010, 01:35 PM
  #5  
Flying Farmer
 
Ewfflyer's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Turbo-props' and John Deere's
Posts: 3,160
Default

When I worked as a CFI, I was employed as a full-time, but paid contract basis. They did take out taxes and sent me a W2
Ewfflyer is offline  
Old 01-13-2010, 05:29 PM
  #6  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Jan 2009
Position: PA-31/left, LJ31/right
Posts: 350
Default

We get paid poorly, thats how. But it's not a job, it's a hobby you get paid for. When someone pays you to fly them around, then it will be a job.
mshunter is offline  
Old 01-13-2010, 05:55 PM
  #7  
Gets Weekends Off
 
fjetter's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Apr 2008
Position: King Air 200 CA Hawker 800/900 FO
Posts: 810
Default

Originally Posted by mshunter
We get paid poorly, thats how. But it's not a job, it's a hobby you get paid for. When someone pays you to fly them around, then it will be a job.
I very much disagree with this statement. True being a CFI is not the highest paying job around but to state that is a pure hobby is inaccurate. As a full-time flight instructor I do consider myself a professional and conduct myself in that manner. Having had other traditional "real jobs" I could see how some people may consider it a hobby, but remember the student is paying often times good money for you to be there, it is your duty to provide them with quality, efficient instruction.
fjetter is offline  
Old 01-13-2010, 06:03 PM
  #8  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Sep 2009
Posts: 134
Default

plus, most hobbies are almost always fun....it's not always fun 'saving' the student and yourself on occasion!...Flight Instruction is a profession,,,tell your local FSDO its a hobby and see how fast the 709 letter hits your mail box!
doublerjay is offline  
Old 01-13-2010, 07:58 PM
  #9  
Gets Weekends Off
 
inky13's Avatar
 
Joined APC: May 2008
Position: 737
Posts: 268
Default

I work for a Part 141 school as a CFI. Paid for the time I am with a student providing instruction (oral, flight, sim, pre-/post-brief).
inky13 is offline  
Old 01-14-2010, 03:33 AM
  #10  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Nov 2008
Posts: 826
Default

Originally Posted by fjetter
I very much disagree with this statement. True being a CFI is not the highest paying job around but to state that is a pure hobby is inaccurate. As a full-time flight instructor I do consider myself a professional and conduct myself in that manner.
I very much agree. "Professional" refers to an attitude, not a pay scale.
NoyGonnaDoIt is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
vagabond
Money Talk
17
08-29-2009 09:38 AM
mcis987
Flight Schools and Training
25
05-03-2009 06:46 PM
heckler45
Flight Schools and Training
0
02-28-2009 10:42 AM
fdxbusdriver
Cargo
9
12-26-2008 01:48 PM
SWAjet
Major
1
03-17-2005 10:41 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Your Privacy Choices