SkyHigh

I disagree. By my survey at least 40% are either out of work, in college or trying to gather information on this profession as a career choice. Not to mention all the silent readers who ghost the forum and never make a single post.

Only here can people read well developed arguments written by experienced industry professionals.

SkyHigh

mcartier713

just my 2 cents, i got my private, instrument, commercial, and cfi all for under $15,000 total... its all about knowing what you want and working the system.

but i'm one of the retards that didn't finish college, although it wouldn't be too expensive to pick up some cheap jr college credits to work on a B.S. in Business... (which is the plan sometime down the road). i'm only about 20 hours away from an associates, so right now thats my goal.

de727ups

"By my survey at least 40% are either out of work, in college or trying to gather information on this profession as a career choice."

Are they all 18, too? Just trying to keep you honest. You say stuff and then back peddle....

emsgoof

Sky, how about comparing oranges and lemons (they're both citrus fruit...)
High School Teacher -
Towson University (local school, about average for tuition from what I understand) 4 year degree (includes tuition, room, board, various fees) in education - $56,650 / year. This is based on current costs, and does not include cost increases that the university says to plan for (5% again sounds about right per year)... so, the corrected total is $244,167 for a 4 year degree to be a teacher
(I'm never having kids... although the wife and I had determined that years ago, this just confirms it!!!)

All ATP 90 day CFI crash course (zero to hero route) to be able to teach new pilots (see the reason for the comparison with teachers?) - $54,995, and I'm assuming you have to pay flight examiner fees, so add a couple hundred dollars to it.

First year salary for teachers (in the MD / DC area): $35,000 - $37,000. Subtract out the average $1100 / mo in rent in the area for a 1-2 bedroom apartment (this is on the low end too... come on, they have $1,000,000 TOWNHOMES around the DC area!!!) - $21,800 / year.

First year ATP CFI salary (minus the $300 / mo in rent) - $24,000 / year (based on the ATP web site figures including "average bonus", furnished housing, etc, and includes the $1600 / $2000 salary change at month 4)

So, in the more direct comparison (since its entirely possible for someone to be a career CFI and not require a college degree, whereas you need a college degree to be a high school teacher) the CFI ends up making more money!

de727ups

Holy crapola. I had no idea it was so expensive to become a teacher. And they make far less than a pilot would.

emsgoof

You're right, I'll tell you flat out. The reason they're in high demand is twofold. One, the current ones are getting out, primarily because of rising insurance costs and / or age. Doubt it? Do a search about "Medical Liability Insurance". You'll find some disturbing figures about areas where EVERY PHYSICIAN of certain specialties quit leaving areas with no coverage due to 350% insurance premium increases. All medical professionals should have (most are required by law to have it) liability insurance... doctors, nurses, even us paramedics (since I'm still at the private / instrument stage, and am not a professional pilot yet)
Second, there is a drastic increase in the amount of people requiring medical intervention, be it due to age, illness, or their "midlife oil change" as I like to call it (cardiac catheterization) plus the advances of medicine. People are simply living longer and surviving things now that even 5 years ago would have been fatal.
You want to see an industry meltdown? Look at nursing. Not enough schools, everyone needs more, and the current ones don't want to leave their jobs (normally because of family or facility). Proof of point - nurses many times get offered ridiculous bonuses to work for a facility. The most extreme I ever saw was $25,000 bonus, full moving expenses paid, PLUS a year's worth of mortgage payments. Nobody took that offer, either, and it wasn't because of the money. The salaries aren't crazy high, but nursing is a lot like being an airline pilot regarding schedules. The newer you are, the crappier your schedule. New nurse fresh out of school? Great! Nights, weekends, and holidays for you! Thing is, most nurses I know are more interested in quality of life rather than just money.
Again, the grass isn't always greener.

By the way, how do you figure "comm/multi" minimums (at more than one place!) equaling "industry free fall"? Seems the opposite to me.

FlyerJosh

You tell me. Thousands of liberal arts majors do it every year...

SkyHigh

There is no way to really know what the average age of ghost forum visitors are. However my assessment is that most who venture here on any level of participation are seeking career information.

No back peddling here.

SkyHigh

SkyHigh

I agree with you there and they are just about as employable too. To me the difference is that the liberal arts major knows on the first day of class that they are not going to be able to support themselves on their education.

SkyHigh

SkyHigh

Just wait.

SkyHigh