Hi,
I’m a PPL(A) holder with an IR(R), I’ve got about 110hrs total of which about 50% is PIC.
I’m looking at next steps in my aviation journey - I’ve already ruled out ATPL (sadly) due to lifestyle commitments that mean I simply couldn’t make being an airline pilot work, so I’m trying to decide what to do instead.
I’m thinking I’ll start the CPL exams soon and spend 12 months doing them, during which time I’ll try to build up another 50-100 hours PIC. On that basis in 12-24 months time I’d have enough hours to meet both the FI and CPL entry requirements.
At this point I’m unsure which route to take - do I go for the FI rating and build up more hours whilst teaching others, and hold down my full time non-aviation career. Or do I go for the CPL, then either do the FI course afterwards.
Ultimately i want to fly, as much as I can, but to do that I need my well paid non-aviation career. And the likelihood is I’ll never be able to earn what I earn now from flying commercially. So maybe the FI route is best for me? Maybe CPL would be pointless if I’m going to stick with my main career to fund CPL? I don’t know, I’m a bit stuck on where to go next!
I imagine lots of people have similar quandaries so I thought I’d ask the questions and see what other people’s experiences have been.
PS - with the CPL exams, are these valid “for life” once passed or do they expire if you don’t use them for either FI rating or a full CPL?
And finally (sorry), what class of medical is required for FI rating? Can’t find anything online about this - is a Class 2 sufficient?
I’m a PPL(A) holder with an IR(R), I’ve got about 110hrs total of which about 50% is PIC.
I’m looking at next steps in my aviation journey - I’ve already ruled out ATPL (sadly) due to lifestyle commitments that mean I simply couldn’t make being an airline pilot work, so I’m trying to decide what to do instead.
I’m thinking I’ll start the CPL exams soon and spend 12 months doing them, during which time I’ll try to build up another 50-100 hours PIC. On that basis in 12-24 months time I’d have enough hours to meet both the FI and CPL entry requirements.
At this point I’m unsure which route to take - do I go for the FI rating and build up more hours whilst teaching others, and hold down my full time non-aviation career. Or do I go for the CPL, then either do the FI course afterwards.
Ultimately i want to fly, as much as I can, but to do that I need my well paid non-aviation career. And the likelihood is I’ll never be able to earn what I earn now from flying commercially. So maybe the FI route is best for me? Maybe CPL would be pointless if I’m going to stick with my main career to fund CPL? I don’t know, I’m a bit stuck on where to go next!
I imagine lots of people have similar quandaries so I thought I’d ask the questions and see what other people’s experiences have been.
PS - with the CPL exams, are these valid “for life” once passed or do they expire if you don’t use them for either FI rating or a full CPL?
And finally (sorry), what class of medical is required for FI rating? Can’t find anything online about this - is a Class 2 sufficient?
This topic has 22 replies
You must be a registered member and logged in to view the replies in this topic.
Already have an account?
LoginNot got an account?
Sign up here.