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2 Answers

Looking for ex-military CFIs

Asked by: 1512 views , , ,
Flight Instructor, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

Hi there. I'm eager to start my career in professional flight and hopefully get to commercial. I haven't started my PPL yet

 

 I think my best route at this point is a part 61 school.

I'm looking for ideally instructors who were military pilots. How would I go about finding them? 

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2 Answers



  1. LTCTerry on Sep 02, 2021

    I’m curious why you’re looking for someone who was a military flight instructor. Most of them are likely still on active duty, flying Part 121, or contract instructing for real wages – all too busy to work for $25/hour at a local FBO.

    I have a friend who’s an active duty C-12 instructor pilot who also instructs for CAP, but not the public. I have a friend who’s a retired two-star former IP whose daily rate as a consultant is $3000, but he instructs free in CAP. I have another CAP friend who was a T-37 instructor, so became an MEI then added glider to that; he can’t instruct single-engine. I knew a guy who instructed (only) in USAF 747s…

    The vast majority of people getting airline jobs in the last decade get a commercial certificate at 250 hours and a CFI at 251, then turn around and teach at the diploma mill they just “graduated” from until they get to 1499 hours…

    There’s “Viper Aviation” in SC, owned by a former F-16 pilot. CRAFT in Charleston, SC, is owned by a retired Navy officer and his wife, but neither was a military pilot. I’m retired Army and an FAA CFII/MEI/G.

    I live in Georgia’s second largest city. Not one of the five local FBOs/Flight Schools has anyone who ever instructed in military aircraft.

    Less than a year ago I did single-engine commercial and instructor add-ons. I flew with a 24-year old Navy veteran recent ATP grad. He did a great job preparing me for the two checkrides.

    But, to answer your question – how to find someone? Just pick up the telephone and start asking. Just don’t alienate the person you end up flying with.

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  2. skdrolsmelly on Sep 20, 2021

    Hi,
    I have a different experience than the LTC in that I have had tons of CFIs who were military pilots ( some Instructor Pilot rated and some not). Some it’s obvious by their demeanor that was their calling and others not at all – there was an overweight good natured guy I worked with a while back and sadly he later passed away. His obit explained he had a gazillion F-4 missions in VN , a former Blue Angel and had the SFC /OLC but never felt he needed to mention this in the 5 yrs I knew him. So some are more obviously ex-mil than others. (Usually in life I noticed the more awesome you are, the less you need to tell people about it)

    Up here in the DC area there’s a lot of guys with military experience and retired and CFI for fun or get some time out of the house from Mrs. (or Mr.) and a lot of guys with strange semi-active status where they fly VIPs for gov’t sometimes and instruct on their free days, plus some regional pilots based in the area who are ex-mil that CFI part time. They are obviously not in it for the $$ or the hour building like some schools, they like to teach and be at the airport and BS with everybody
    All the IPs I worked with are good. Disciplined. As a CFI next to an AFB long time back, I worked with AF guys trying to get checked out in a 172s who never believed in clearances, checklists, preflight, or weather briefings, which almost killed me, so don’t assume every mil pilot is Maverick. But as a whole, USA has the best trained pilot base anywhere and 95/100 you’d be glad to work with
    So I never had an issue finding an ex-mil guy or gal, but like col. says some schools only have the 300-hour wonders, because they accept crap pay. Some will argue with me but some of the best CFIs are these brand new ones (with the right attitude) – they are like religious converts and really enthusiastic. Once I had a great IPC and then he had to find his cert because he did not know his CFI number yet for my logbook. Maybe in year 2 they burn out but the new guys/gals are actually great in my experience and can get you towards your goal pretty quick when some mil older guys might have other life commitments on their schedule.
    As mentioned, is there some reason other than those cool haircuts and milspec sunglasses that you want a mil guy for? My primary CFI was a 104 lb woman who taught sign language and but was a great CFI, so IMO I wouldn’t assume that one personality type or “look” is the best fit for you. You are the apprentice and you need to have someone you like working with as you grow in ability, so make that your top priority. A lot of students call it quits because they did not a CFI to mentor/encourage them. I’d look for someone who likes to explain stuff, is glad to be in the air with you, understands your goals, motivates you when things get challenging, respects your time and money, and brushed his teeth that morning. Those were what I tried to do as a decent CFI…

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