Striving to Become a Professional Pilot the Airlines are Looking For? Get the Proficiency and Skills While Working as a Flight Instructor!
If you had to describe the word passion, what would it be? Passion is an intense and powerful emotion that drives human behavior, motivation, and the inner urge that propels meaningful thought and action over time. In the realm of aviation, this fervor can be traced back to childhood dreams or can ignite later in life as a quest for an exhilarating career change.
For those captivated by the skies, Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) offers a pathway to professional flying that is built on a foundation of deep-seated passion for aviation.
Phoenix East Aviation has successfully trained thousands of pilots, and luckily enough at the end of a pilot’s training, they have the opportunity to apply and ultimately continue their career as an instructor, at their alma mater.
Introduction to Instructor Ratings
Instructor Ratings are critical certifications for pilots aspiring to teach flight students. Embracing a career in aviation typically begins with obtaining an Instructor Rating. This crucial credential signifies that a pilot possesses the necessary approval, skills, and knowledge to deliver flight training that meets stringent safety and quality standards. The journey is progressive, often starting with a Private Pilot License (PPL), followed by an Instrument Rated (IR), and culminating in a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Flight instructors not only assist other student pilots further their pilot dreams, but further their own by accumulating flight hours which is ultimately a “stepping stone” into their future careers within the aviation industry.
The Pivotal Role of Flight Instructors
Flight instructors are the cornerstone of aviation education, guiding neophyte (novice) pilots towards technical proficiency and instilling a culture of safety. They are armed with Instructor Ratings, licenses that empower them to offer instruction and endorse student pilots for further certifications. PEA does not just teach their students how to fly an airplane, but also how to become a successful pilot. This provides the proficiency, experience, and is highly sought after by all hiring airlines.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Versus Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
The CFI enables pilots to impart knowledge to students aiming for their Private or Commercial Pilot Licenses, focusing on fundamental flight techniques. A CFII augments (enhances) this qualification, allowing for the provision of specialized instruction in instrument flight rules (IFR)—a necessity for navigating through challenging visibility conditions. Most pilots at Phoenix East Aviation will complete both instructor ratings as this opens up the opportunity to work with students at all different training levels, but also because many flight schools, if not all, require new hires to hold both instructor ratings. At PEA, the newly rated instructor can apply and go through the hiring process to become a flight instructor. This gives them the opportunity to gain flight hours that are needed for the airlines.
Advancing with a Multi-Engine Instructor Rating
For those determined to broaden their instructional capabilities, the Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) Rating is a natural progression. While not a prerequisite for initial employment with regional airlines, the MEI is a highly-regarded certification that equips instructors to train pilots in multi-engine aircraft operations, further enhancing their employability.
Financial and Career Advantages of Flight Instruction
Becoming a flight instructor is not just a career milestone; it’s a strategic financial decision. Instructors at PEA can gain the requisite 1500 flight hours for an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) more economically, as they earn while instructing, thereby bypassing the significant costs of accumulating flight hours independently. Having a career an individual absolutely loves is important, because it will never feel like work. Ultimately that’s what happens with pilots – they choose aviation not just for a career, but also because of the passion they have for flying.
Phoenix East Aviation: A Launchpad for Aspiring Pilots
PEA prides itself on a legacy of producing skilled pilots and watching their pilot dreams take flight. The institution offers an array of courses, from comprehensive training programs aimed at beginners to specialized courses for seasoned aviators. Graduates of PEA have the unique chance to transition into teaching roles within the academy, allowing them to impart their newfound knowledge and continue their flight hours accumulation. As a flight school, having partnerships with airlines is important because it offers the opportunity to network with potential employers, get questions answered directly from a recruiter and stay in touch with those recruiters as they continue to accumulate flight hours.
The Commitment to Aviation Education
The commitment to becoming a pilot involves a substantial investment. However, the rewards of an aviation career are unparalleled. With a robust Instructor Rating, pilots are certified to deliver effective and, most importantly, safe flight instruction. For those who have always dreamed of soaring, the role of a flight instructor is not just a job—it’s a stepping stone to the ultimate goal of flying with commercial airlines.
The Journey from Student to Teacher
At PEA, the journey from student to teacher is seamless. Aspiring aviators can transform their passion into expertise, and then share that expertise as instructors. This full-circle experience not only enhances their ability to secure positions with airlines but also enriches the aviation community with dedicated and knowledgeable professionals. The path to becoming a pilot with PEA is a testament to the enduring passion for flight. By becoming flight instructors, pilots refine their skills, mentor the next generation, and prepare for the future with a sense of purpose and dedication. To explore the comprehensive training offerings and begin the journey from the passion of flight to the profession of piloting, visit www.pea.com.
