Trying to get CFI and running out of money. Are there scholarships for pilots beyond PPL?
Posted by Lukecv1@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 11 comments
I am a (25M) commercial multi pilot flying aerial survey for work. I've been grinding out my cfi training and was hoping to find a scholarship to help me finish this program. If possible I'd even continue into CFII and MEI as these ratings would be most useful in my current position. If funds weren't an issue I feel like I could finish this rating in a matter of weeks, but cost of flight time is beginning to be prohibitive.
minfremi@reddit
Maybe… find a (non-flying) job?
Lukecv1@reddit (OP)
As a side gig or as a full time job? Either way is a no go. I won't leave my flying job, and I also don't have time to take on another job.
minfremi@reddit
Woops missed that you had a flying job. Why do you want to get CFI? Seems like once the season is over you could find a non-CFI job easier than someone looking for their first gig.
Lukecv1@reddit (OP)
Well I'm not planning on going anywhere for work right now, but the CFI privileges are extremely nice for my position. It's kind of a long story but basically I'd be able to give BFRs and help with currency/proficiency of our pilots. The additional thing that motivates me is the goal to just legally be capable to teach someone to fly. It's a mixture of career opportunities and personal motivation.
BandicootNo4431@reddit
If you want to stay with the company for a little while, see if they'll chip in for some of the training.
They'd be getting the benefit of an instructor on staff so unless they pay CFIs more, they may be willing to throw you $2-3000
minfremi@reddit
Gotcha. As long as you’re in the location to be receiving training, money will come somehow. Like I said, find a PT job that’s overnight or something if you’re able to stay in a single location. If not, gotta reduce that spending. But you probably know that by now.
Lukecv1@reddit (OP)
Much appreciated advice. Thanks!
ltcterry@reddit
Why didn’t you do CFI while doing Commercial in the right seat? It would have been essentially free.
Too late, I know.
Scholarships exist, but not many and mostly for high school age pilots.
Lukecv1@reddit (OP)
That's what I've come to realize. So many of the scholarships are age limited
No_Diver_2133@reddit
Join the club. There are thousands in your shoes, no such thing as a free lunch. Roll the dice and get a loan (don’t), or keep working and try and save.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I am a (25M) commercial multi pilot flying aerial survey for work. I've been grinding out my cfi training and was hoping to find a scholarship to help me finish this program. If possible I'd even continue into CFII and MEI as these ratings would be most useful in my current position. If funds weren't an issue I feel like I could finish this rating in a matter of weeks, but cost of flight time is beginning to be prohibitive.
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