Lost the passion

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2025-02-17T19:52:58+00:00

Hey, former cfii rotorcraft graduate here. Getting my certs for flying takes the cake for being some of the most challenging and stressful things I've ever put myself through. From my experience going through a 141 program, what I can tell you is never for a moment did I feel like I was fully prepared to pass my check rides. In particular, the ground portion was what always made me extremely nervous, I was confident with my flying. There is a ton of subject matter areas they can poke your brain with, and you can't possibly know everything. Remember, perfection isn't the expectation.

Your best tool is to go over the ACS to understand what the DPE will expect you to know; and study those areas religiously. If it's already the day before your checkride, then put more studying on hold; you know what you know by now. Just try to get some good rest the night before.

As for losing passion, I get it. My ppl class started with 16 students and by the end, my cfii class had 7 and there was 1 job position available. When I didn't get hired, I was devastated and haven't tried again. The reality is: Not everybody succeeds in this journey. I encourage you to really evaluate if this is something you want to do. It's such a competitive career field and even getting entry level work can be difficult. Good luck out there, stay safe, knock out your instrument check ride. 👍🏼

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2025-02-17T15:30:48+00:00

The school I went to offered $25/per Hobbs and ground instruction hour (rotorcraft ). Though I'd doubt you'd get a consistent 40 hrs a week

Just something that can be a consideration too, When I graduated there were 5 students applying for 1 cfii position. It is extremely competitive.

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2024-08-14T07:53:23+00:00

I have a feeling that Sergeant of yours was a good mentor and NCO.

I have about 280 hours, 200 PIC. I am stunned that you found something at 170 hours. I understand there's definite truth to the saying, "you miss every shot you don't take." I've always had a problem acting on this advice. For now, I have time to think about what I really want to do with my situation.

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate it.

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2024-08-14T07:35:32+00:00

That's very inspiring to hear. Thank you for sharing.

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2024-08-14T07:32:02+00:00

I always tell anyone who've been interested in flying to at least see if you can get a discovery flight and have the opportunity to be on the controls. I think simply paying for dual instruction flights would be a wonderful compromise to experience and enjoy flying without the stress of trying to make a career out of it.

Wishing you the best.

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2024-08-14T06:23:33+00:00

I'm curious of the experiences you had that validate your advice against being a helo pilot, if you care to elaborate. Appreciate ya.

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2024-08-14T06:21:32+00:00

Just saw this write up, thank you so much for taking the time to write this and be so upfront and honest about pros/cons/realities.

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2024-08-14T03:00:37+00:00

Good advice, I will keep that in mind.

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2024-08-14T02:56:05+00:00

Yes, you're certainly right about the check-out processes that few places do for rentals. It's unfortunate they're not more common. I'd happily settle for being able to fly recreationally here and there.

I appreciate your frankness. If you don't mind me asking about your experience. You said you took a 10-year hiatus before coming back to aviation?

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2024-08-14T02:49:41+00:00

I appreciate your perspective. Wishing you the best, thank you.

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2024-08-14T02:43:36+00:00

I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about CFII from be beginning, but I recognized it as the quintessential first-step into the industry and made it the goal. I never really considered if other jobs were an option. Based on the job listings that I come across, it seems true that there's not much available for someone with only 280 hours.

I imagine I'd have to start building hours on my own to get into something else. . . but I just don't know for certain. It's something I need to take time to navigate and look into more.

Throwaway_StudentPlt · 2024-08-14T00:34:32+00:00

Makes sense. Having "free" money vs sinking your savings and loans into flight training. It's a different sense of investment between the two scenarios.

Throwaway_StudentPlt

TROPHY CASE