CFIs Still In Demand?

While the aviation industry continues to recover, some unemployed CFIs may wonder when things will turn around for them. Perhaps they should be checking in with the folks at Daniel Webster College. The Nashua, N.H.-based institution recently began training 13 new flight instructors in preparation for the arrival of the incoming 2007 graduating class. Doug Joyce, director of flight operations for Daniel Webster, says the college is acting on hiring plans set in motion about three years ago. To date, the school has 50 instructors on staff. Other organizations, including some specialized Part 61/141 flight schools, are hiring instructors on a limited basis. A quick search revealed Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is hiring instructors for its Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses, while Lewis University, the University of North Dakota and Parks College don’t have any openings. So, finding that CFI job may be difficult but some opportunities are popping up if you know where to look. Joyce recommends finding an institution with a proven track record of placing graduates with flying jobs. “You’ll find a constant turnover rate and some job openings at these schools,” he said.