All posts by Terry Pitts

Terry is a retired school teacher, retired Army Reservist, and retired civilian Department of the Army Civilian working about half the time as a pilot and flight instructor. He has been flying since age 19, adding gliders in 2011. He's been an FAA certificated flight instructor since 2013.
Flying, Training

“What can I do to increase my chances of landing a job post cfi…?”

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A reddit poster asked:

“I’m starting at a part 61 school in NJ in January. I have a lot of anxiety surrounding finding a job once i get my licenses. I don’t have a college degree (almost have enough credits for associates) and have no instruction experience. I’ve worked plenty of jobs and currently work at costco. At this point, the only thing i’ll have on my resume are my hours and endorsements.”

I wrote the following reply which seemed to be well received by those who read it (edited slightly):

A great start would be to be part of the 20% that finishes Private.

Don’t fly faster than your money.

Be part of the 50% of Private Pilots who get an instrument rating.

The pass rate for checkrides is around 80%. Simple math says about 50% of pilots will get to CFI with no failures. Strive to be one of them. Or at least minimize failures.

If you fail you’ll pay for remedial training and a repeat checkride. “Pre-mediation” is better than remediation.

“Amateurs train until they get it right.
Professionals train until they cannot get it wrong.”

Find a CFI who has at least 2-3 successful clients. Don’t be the first.

Be wary of anyone claiming “instruct to 1,500 and get a job.” Don’t pin your hopes on “1,500” or “mins.” This is a setup for disappointment.

Flying is expensive. Really expensive. You can save a lot by genuinely showing up prepared. Insist your CFI use a syllabus and keep records. You use the syllabus to show up prepared.

Select an online ground school with your CFI. Use the matching syllabus.

Print the ACS and spiral bind it. Buy a PHAK and AFH. Have the spines cut off. When you watch the video, highlight the key info in the “text books.” Look at the ACS to find broad topics.

Buy a Gleim Private Pilot test prep guide. After each broad lesson category highlight the right answers for that category. This becomes your rote memory test prep to augment actual learning.

These suggestions address the three four biggest reasons people fail to become Private Pilots:

-Running out of money; this is totally on you.

-An experienced instructor who’s not burned out will help you avoid a crappy CFI.

-Forcing a syllabus and record keeping provides broader structure that is often missing.

-Poor academic prep. (OK, that’s four).

Good luck.

Me and N4304B about to head back to Peachtree Dekalb Airport north of Atlanta

Fantastic write up, I appreciate you taking the time out of your day 🙂

Flying, History

B-25 Copilot Training

I’ve long been intrigued by the possibility of doing a B-25 second in command (copilot) course. Now that I’ve done it, I’m super glad I took the opportunity. There are not many left flying, so not easy to find a chance to get in one, let alone fly it.

The B-25 served the US and allied air forces around the world during World War II. The one I flew was built in 1945 and managed to survive the war and and peace time (mis)use until being lovingly restored some years ago. This particular example is owned by Larry Kelley and operated by the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation. The operation is meticulous and thorough. It’s as well run as any airplane I’ve had formal training in. It was very rewarding to be one of the three people in the class; I think the smile on my face in the pictures gives it away!

Although I’m unlikely to stumble across a job as a B-25 SIC, I’d like to think I’d do as good of a job as the young men and women who flew them 1939-1945. I recall my dad telling me once he had a cousin who flew B-25s in North Africa during the war. This gives me a tiny connection to my family back then.

This is the 34th airplane I have flown. Enjoy the pictures!