Comments on: How much for a CFI?

By: Mark McCormick

Mark McCormick — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:31:28 +0000

The basic problem that has been alluded to is that CFI’s are paid in two different systems: cash and flight time. They need to realize that airline pay is so low now that the flight time they accrue has very little value. I am not saying that they should be paid a low wage, just the opposite. The individuals who say “take it or leave it” should be recognized as the bottom feeders that they are. Question for Bruce: does the FAA count of 94000 instructors only include unexpired certificates? 94000 instructors for 15000 PPL certificates issued in 2010. Not a good ratio.

By: Alan Kittelman

Alan Kittelman — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:30:42 +0000

Bruce——Thanks for a good article on flight instruction——-I am from a family of educators and none of them were paid what they were worth——Education is a labor of love———-That is why I went into business so I would be the chief pilot for my company and I have enjoyed every moment of that time—–Now that I am retired I am really enjoying what love to do——FLY——–BTW—-I reall enjoyed meeting Craig in Santa Rosa——-Alan

By: Earl Kessler

Earl Kessler — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:16:17 +0000

Another rule of thumb to keep up with inflation and cost of living would be to charge whatever the first class stamp costs for VFR training. If the stamp costs 44 cents, my fee is $44 per hour.

By: Herb Ludgewait

Herb Ludgewait — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 02:50:34 +0000

Hey, John-Nothing noble about it-Treat students right, and live on what you can make or find a different job. Students don’t need to be a sacrifice to instructer’s “needs”-And we wonder why flight training is in trouble!

By: L Weaver

L Weaver — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:36:39 +0000

As I see it, the biggest obstacle and decline of aviation in the U.S. Is due to excessive cost and regulation. Thank you, Mr. Hall, for pointing out the obvious.

By: john proctor

john proctor — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 05:29:44 +0000

Deanna King makes sense! But Rodney Hall hits the nail on the head. Over regulated AND Over torted is an understatement. What ever happened to being responsible for your actions?? Herb Ludgewait, although very noble, doesn’t put the bacon on the table. Good instructors need to eat too!!

By: Herb Ludgewait

Herb Ludgewait — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:08:35 +0000

What is everyone crying about? If you don’t like the pay, and aren,t instructing for the love of it, get out. You aren’t doing yourself or your studens any good. I’m sick of watching CFI”s riding the Hobbs to build time or milk the student’s pocket book. The studentis the reason for instruction, not the instructor.

By: Eric L

Eric L — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:35:50 +0000

A national school at ADS charges $85/ hr for a CFI but only pays them $20-30.
I have a price list from another school at ADS from 2000. A C-172 was $66-$88/hr. A CFI was $25-35/hr. Its now $155/hr for the plane and $35-50 for the CFI. Should I pay $200 for an hour in a plane with a CFI or the same amount will get me an all day paintball adventure?

By: Rodney Hall

Rodney Hall — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:58:16 +0000

I think this is just part of a larger picture. Why is it so expensive? If we break down the costs of flying the instructor cost, even if you pay 40-50hr is one of the smaller items. Lets look at some things we can change such as lobbying for tort reform to lower insurance costs, changing regulations or finding alternate fuels to lower fuel costs, changing the way airplane certification and parts are handled to reduce the cost of airplanes and replacement parts. Maybe setting up or changing regulations to make it less expensive for a new company to make parts for airplanes.
A few examples would be that a marine band radio cost approx 200 dollars but the same aviation band radio is over $1000 from the same manufacturer and all they have to do is change the frequency band. Parts for certificated aircraft, even those nonessential for flight, are excruciatingly expensive. If a student breaks a part or a seat wears out potentially thousands in cost. These costs have to be absorbed along with insurance and fuel by the school. If we can reduce the costs of these items by reducing the regulatory requirements and influencing the costs of insurance through legislative means the costs will go down reducing the schools overhead, reducing the costs for instruction, allowing instructors a larger part of the funds available. It may be hard and take awhile but could be accomplished.

By: Mark E. Jones

Mark E. Jones — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:25:11 +0000

I charge the same amount for instruction as my 172 burns in fuel per hour… tends to keep my ego in check and the chiselers at bay.