I spent seven years as a part-time CFI and three years as a full-timer,
starting at $8 an hour and "topping out" at $25 an hour.

As a part-time CFI, I usually worked with no more than five or six students at
a time, most of whom were flying twice a week. I generally averaged 300 - 500
hours of flight time per year. During the winter months, I'd be lucky to fly 20
hours a month. Summer was all the flying you could stand, and then some. (This
was in addition to my full-time job as a computer programmer, so I spent all of
my time either at work or at the airport.)

In 1997 I quit my full-time job and began instructing full time, working at a
couple of schools in Florida. During my "best" year, I flew 1170 hours and
signed off 42 students for checkrides. My gross pay that year came to about
$16,700. It was pretty common for me to spend 90-100 hours a week at the
airport. A day off was a rare luxury.

Personally, I found the part-time work to be more enjoyable. My computer job
paid the bills, so there wasn't any pressure to fly in marginal weather or to
try to see how many students I could cram into my schedule. Most of my students
at that time also worked full-time, so our schedules were compatible - we
simply flew after work or on weekends.

From a financial standpoint, the best places to work for are flying clubs and
the smaller FBO's. These generally pay the best, and you will probably have
more control over your schedule. Avoid the big "academy-style" schools.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most CFI jobs do NOT provide any type of
benefits, such as medical insurance. This can be a major consideration if you
have a family.

E. Roberts, CFI