Low-time CFI market feels impossible
Posted by jacobmufska628@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 65 comments
I know the CFI market is atrocious right now, but I’m honestly getting discouraged. I’m sitting around 280 hours total time, have sent out 100+ applications, and most places don’t even respond. I haven't flown in 6 months
I did everything “right.” Got my certs, built time, applied everywhere, and still can’t get a foot in the door.
At this point I’m wondering what the smartest move is from here. Are there any legit programs/jobs that can help get me to the airlines with my current hours? Even if I have to pay. Pipeline patrol, survey, banner tow, jump pilot, anything?
Just looking for real advice. What would you do if you were at 300 hours in today’s market?
Arkin3375@reddit
Are you looking across the country or just in state?
TopTop5370@reddit
There are people out there who are just building time. They buy a plane and looking to split the cost with someone. If you want to at least keep flying and make it a little cheaper you may want to do that.
Can’t you be an independent instructor? There rich guys out there (my boss) who buy a plane and can’t even fly it. They’ll find an independent instructor to help them learn.
Downside is, my boss atleast, has money to the point where he mainly is looking for someone with a ton of experience.
Nonetheless I’m sure you might find someone who just needs someone with the time. A downside to these schools with CFIs is you gotta build your schedule around there and vice versa. And it’s a pain in the ass.
-current student pilot
85inchweener@reddit
I feel you. I paid for multiple flights at a flight school and still didn’t get hired and got ghosted. Im contemplating everything honestly. Hoping another place decides to hire and my skills transfer over
AdWide4768@reddit
Gotta fly at least 1-2 times a week man
jacobmufska628@reddit (OP)
Since it's been so long, would a discovery flight be a good idea? I'd like to go up with another person just to get back into the swing of things. What about renting a plane with another person?
RichardInaTreeFort@reddit
It’s honestly slightly concerning that you are a certified CFI and don’t know a way to keep honing your skills in the plane…. Are you sure it’s been 6 months and not 6 years?
Flying4Pizza@reddit
Could just be super young.
Ambitious-Amount-592@reddit
ya really, reading this is insane....
EezyBake@reddit
What do you mean by discovery flight? Like pay a school 250 for one hour of flight time? Find a rental club and get checked out, then you can rent at their rates like once a week. Median price should be 155-160 an hour or so
Messyfingers@reddit
As a student pilot I'd be sympathetic of, but uncomfortable flying with a CFI with less time in the last half year than I. Even if you're paying out of your own pocket for flight time, anything less than at least a few times a month seems like you'd be losing all that hard earned experience.
cptnpiccard@reddit
>sent out 100+ applications
You didn't apply anywhere. You sent out 100+ emails. Did you print copies of your resume in good quality paper? Did you put it in an envelope, and put a label on it addressed to the school and the chief flight instructor (which you found by doing research on their website or calling and asking)? Did you take the time to personalize a cover letter with at least the name of the flight school you're applying? Also, what did you write on the cover letter to let them know what makes you different from the other 50 resumes they're getting that week? Then, did you dress nice and drove to the schools in your area to hand deliver the envelope? Did you ask to see the chief pilot when you got there?
If you're not doing these things mate, you're not in any way different than the other million CFIs with 300 hours. If you're putting the absolute bare minimum effort into telling the school "you cannot AFFORD to not hire me", why would they possible even waste their time talking to you? I am sorry if it sound harsh but you asked for real advice. This is real advice. Doing what I just told you got me a CFI job, at 360h, less than a month after I got my cert; shit, I had to show them the paper temporary one because the FAA hadn't even mailed my card.
tl;dr: sending an email with a PDF resume is NOT applying to a job. I can't say this enough.
x4457@reddit
How many of these places have you showed up to in person?
Rangeexpert3@reddit
Showing up in person doesn't do anything. Many places get dozens of visits per week. There's no time to drop what you are doing to talk to everybody that comes in randomly.
x4457@reddit
You are incredibly incorrect.
Signed,
Someone who hires instructors.
Rangeexpert3@reddit
I couldn't be somebody that hires instructors either? Nor talks to others at surrounding schools that also hire instructors? If it was one or two that came in every once in a while then sure. But if there are at least a dozens of visits weeks then it gets old fast. There really isn't time to drop everything to chat everytime somebody walks in at that point.
EezyBake@reddit
Seconding this. Every school gets 10 people a day through their front door, let alone emails
HateJobLoveManU@reddit
Probably 10 people and 10000 emails if what we’re hearing lately anecdotally is true
rudiiiiiii@reddit
Go to pipeline. Pay is atrocious but the hours are great and I had some good ole fun during my year there. But you need to get very proficient in a 172 before you show up there
120SR@reddit
I wish the public knew that everyone trying to be a CFI to get to 1500 is a pyramid scheme and it’s grown to 4-7x larger than what the airlines are gonna hire thus the pipeline is gonna collapse and we have thousands of guys like aren’t going to get a seat. Instead they think there’s a “pilot shortage”
Physical-Program-509@reddit
Noooo basic math is being a doomer
Anyone who wants a job will make it to a major 121, just ask me I’ve helped hundred of pilots through my flight school and career consulting
I do it for way less than the other guys and have zero ulterior motives
/s
120SR@reddit
When did those guys get hired? What % of CFIs are getting hired today? How many qualified apps do regionals have on file?
Physical-Program-509@reddit
No no no, don’t pay attention to any of that doom and gloom it’s just going to distract you. In fact anybody who notices that will be doing your walk around when you’re hired at a major before them
None of those things matter if you really want it, just let me coach you for another $250 about which tie color you should wear
/s
Several-Village5814@reddit
Dude you’re too optimistic
/s
CombOdd2117@reddit
Dude, every available morning go to the local municipal airport and walk around. Talk to every pilot you see. If a hangar is open, go introduce yourself. Tell them you’re just looking to fly. There’s plenty of hobby pilots out there. My son was once in the same situation as you …and he picked up some great (free) rides. His logbook during that time is always an amusing conversation. The bonus is you might meet a gatekeeper that can open a new path you never expected. Good luck!
AntoineEx@reddit
This is solid advice. I have a CFI but I haven’t instructed in a long time so I’m not comfortable actually using it. When I hang out at the airport and it comes up that I have an instructor certificate instantly people want / need some form of CFI assistance. There is definitely a need at most local small airports for a CFI. It is probably not enough to be lucrative but it is enough to go flying.
VFRintoIMC@reddit
CFI in Alaska. If you’re not a complete weirdo you’ll get a job. You gotta apply in person though.
MangledX@reddit
The not flying for six months part is doing you a huge disservice. If an owner called you tomorrow to come in and do a flight interview, you'd probably look like shit and he'd pass on you. I had this exact thing happen last week when a prospective CFI came in and said he hadn't flown in 18 months. No one wants to retrain you on how to be a CFI on their dime. I know it's not cheap, but if you're trying to stand out, you gotta be someone that is hirable. Coming in the door flying worse than a 50 hour student pilot is not a good look.
waveslikemoses@reddit
18 months with NO flying and looking to instruct?? Jeez…
mr_d31ightfu1@reddit
Hey im 50hrs I dont think im that bad lol
Human-Iron9265@reddit
I also feel like many will also have very rusty ground knowledge as well. It takes effort to stay sharp and hitting the books is important if you have ti step away from aviation for one reason or another.
Source: Getting back into the book after nearly three years away due to health issues. Its amazing how rusty my ground knowledge is currently.
sandalsabsentsocks@reddit
American patrols is hiring.
https://theapplicantmanager.com/careers?co=pa
Mustafa506@reddit
Network as much as you can. Talk to anyone in aviation. It’s mostly who you know now, not what you know
YesterdaySad303@reddit
I was exactly in your position. It feels impossible don’t give up go to places and hand in your resume. Also apply to American patrols they will take anyone especially if you have 172 time
SierraHotel84@reddit
$23/hr and a 15-month commitment is wild.
aftcg@reddit
If I was at 300 hrs with this market, I'd work at my backup career and buy flying time. Or, like I did in the olden days, work at my backup career which afforded me to buy my own 7ECA to fly. Had to sell it when I got back to CFIing
Braulissim0@reddit
What if you don’t have a backup career? Go back to school?
aftcg@reddit
Yes. I used my geology degree for a few years before getting hired in 121. And then again during a furlough, and again when I was downgraded. And last time after losing my medical for a year.
Braulissim0@reddit
Nice. Although I’m not in the same position as the OP, I am yet to apply to flight schools, I was thinking of going back to school for something a little bit more in demand to at least make some cash if I have to (nursing, engineering, real estate, etc.). Thanks for the reply.
ltcterry@reddit
Get a job. A non-flying job that will pay the bills.
Be aware that sending an email is not applying for a job. If you have not replied to an announcement of a vacancy you are not applying for a job. You are hoping for something. And "hope is not a course of action."
Work on establishing yourself locally - CAP, EAA, FAASTeam, flying club(s), and so on. Local FB groups. If you have a local glider club look there. Instructors are always needed though you won't be flying 500 hours a year. Any dual given, from any of the above sources, will slowly make you more marketable.
I know you don't want to hear it, but probably half of the Commercial Pilots trained in the last/next three years will never find a flying job. 2025 saw over 20,000 new Commercial Pilots but less than 8,000 new ATPs. And not all those ATPs are 121 pilots - some foreign, some 135 like me.
You need a job for your mental well being, for your bills, and to afford to fly once in a while. Eventually wherever you rent will have some opportunity for a CFI and if you're not seen as a jerk you might have a chance. They will have seen you as a customer for some time - almost like an extended interview.
Square_Ad8756@reddit
Second on CAP, you loose your skills quickly. I joined my local wing and my leadership has been really helpful getting me back on track. Yes the paperwork is a hassle and the hours aren’t going to stack up quickly but the networking opportunities are good and it keeps you proficient.
Physical-Program-509@reddit
This is good advice
However hope/hoping that things will work out on an individual basis with little regard to the actual risks is the most common advice to new/low time pilots
thatswhatshesaid316@reddit
Yes, that’s why my husband became a skydive pilot to gain hours.
ltcterry@reddit
The US Parachute Association says there are 285 drop zones in the US. 2025 saw over 20,000 new Commercial Pilots. Many of them use twin engine turboprop airplanes. Not ASEL for low timers.
So 1% of new pilots can fly at a drop zone. What do they fly? Three hours on a weekend day?
0621Hertz@reddit
The skydive pilot market would be even worse then CFI, because it’s an avenue to skip getting your CFI rating.
For every skydive opening online there would be a lot more applications.
thatswhatshesaid316@reddit
That wasn’t our experience. But you’ll have more of a chance getting a job if you call directly to a skydiving business instead of applying online even if they don’t have a posting. It’s usually a small business and operates from word to mouth so it’s been our experience to call directly. A lot of them are looking for back up pilots which often leads to being their main pilot.
0621Hertz@reddit
I agree, applying directly helps.
But one DZ I used to live by got more phone calls a day from those looking to be a “backup pilot” than people actually looking to skydive lol.
Bowzy228@reddit
Apply for a bunch of credit cards and keep flying. Your credit score my tank though. Welcome to the club. 😁
chonky348@reddit
I am asking for me. What age did you start and how old are you now?
jacobmufska628@reddit (OP)
I started at 18. I'm 25 now
BravoCharlieZulu@reddit
What were you doing 3 years ago when flight schools were hiring anyone who would walk through the door?
If I were in your situation, I would 1) secure a decent paying full-time job that left time to fly. An idea job, especially if you don't have a degree, is firefighting. 2) I would reach out to every flying club, aircraft partnership, etc., and offer to provide flight instruction. 3) I would walk every airport within a days drive and strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone, especially an open hangar. There are plenty of older GA pilots who are happy to let a younger person tag along on flights and build hours. Maybe that seems awkward to you but that's how this business works. You'd be surprised what you'll find. But you've got to pound the pavement.
Gulag_For_Brits@reddit
What was he doing 3 years ago? Probably flight training, you guys advocate for part 61 and paying as you go. If you don't have a ton of money already it takes a while to pay for that amount of training, especially at only 18 years old. There's no winning no matter what path you choose apparently
mirassou3416@reddit
Where are you? I'm in central VA and you're welcome to fly with me
Individual-Elk-6759@reddit
I would look on Facebook to find a plane to rent and ask the owner if they allowed flight instruction. Then timebuild and advise on Facebook your instructional services. You’ll get experience giving dual and build time.
CFIgigs@reddit
I second this. Look at local / regional Facebook groups (not just in your area), to find people looking for "safety pilots" and find the cheapest plane possible. Literally anything. C152, Cherokee, whatever.
I'd look for $50-60/ an hour. It's possible to find this. And then make a list of places you want to visit. Go build time and enjoy the flying experience. See cool places. If you can afford it, build 50 hours or so.
And while you're flying places, go visit every school and part 135 you can at each field.
TxAggieMike@reddit
Reasonable plan. But it may require reviewing increase in insurance and possibly 100 hour inspections.
JumboTrijet@reddit
Never pay to get a job. All you’d be doing is undercutting the profession.
JT-Av8or@reddit
Check out this YouTube video on the subject. You’re not alone my man Career path (civilian) to where I am
Several-Village5814@reddit
Doing everything right? Getting the bare minimum certificates that we all have?
GrouchyHippopotamus@reddit
You're saying you built time but only have 280 hours? Gotta go fly more.
YugeWaterBottle@reddit
If I was at 300 hours I'd keep doing my engineering job.
m4a785m@reddit
You need to stay proficient no matter what my friend, that is going to hurt you a lot when you get called eventually
AlbiMappaMundi@reddit
Fly more. You have low total time, presumably no dual given, and haven't flown in 6 months. Nothing about that is competitive. You need to find a way to get in the air to at least stay sharp and gradually build more time.
Don't assume that getting hired at a flight school is the only viable pathway. Plenty of folks out there are independent instructors -- for example, if you're at a flying club you can get authorized to be a club CFI, giving training, flight reviews, aircraft checkouts, etc to members.
EezyBake@reddit
If you’re working, save up a little money and take like a 2 day road trip visiting all the schools in the next state, but also visit something cool and try the enjoy the trip in and of itself. Yeah it gets discouraging but you need to keep your head together.
Second, if you’re working, is it a linemen job or a job at the airport? If not, start applying to those. You wanna be around people who’ll call you when a spot at their school opens up
Guysmiley777@reddit
You can either dig in and keep trying or quit and find a different career. The oversupply of low time pilots right now is biblical: https://youtu.be/yepvhknoGyk
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I know the CFI market is atrocious right now, but I’m honestly getting discouraged. I’m sitting around 280 hours total time, have sent out 100+ applications, and most places don’t even respond. I haven't flown in 6 months
I did everything “right.” Got my certs, built time, applied everywhere, and still can’t get a foot in the door.
At this point I’m wondering what the smartest move is from here. Are there any legit programs/jobs that can help get me to the airlines with my current hours? Even if I have to pay. Pipeline patrol, survey, banner tow, jump pilot, anything?
Just looking for real advice. What would you do if you were at 300 hours in today’s market?
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