Category Archives: Flight Instructing

Aviation Maintenance Technician, Flight Instructing, Flight Instructor, Part Time Aviation Career, Pilot, Podcast, Politics

Episode 008 – Combining a Flying Career with Another Career Interview with Jamie Beckett, Publisher of Flight Monkeys

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Pilots are fascinating people because they are goal oriented and have many interests. If you find you have a passion for flying but have other interests in life, a career in aviation can still be for you.

One of the wonderful things about flying for the airlines are my days off. Some months I have 20 days off which affords me the opportunity to pursue other endeavors. Can you think of a career you might enjoy part time while having a career in aviation?

I have friends with successful careers in aviation while also having a career in many other fields such as dentistry, law, real estate, accounting, and medicine just to name a few. If you have a passion for aviation and a passion for other endeavors don’t fret, flying might be the perfect career for you.

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A person who has designed a lifestyle which includes a career in aviation is Jamie Beckett. Jamie is the publisher of FlightMonkeys.com, an author, flight instructor, and City Commissioner in Winter Haven, Florida. Jamie is a busy individual and you can tell by speaking with him for only a few moments that he lives life to the fullest.

Jamie Beckett and I discuss:

  • How you can define a career in aviation that fits your personality.
  • Advice for people looking towards instructing part time.
  • The advantages of being both a pilot and mechanic.
  • Melding of Politics and Aviation.
  • Jamie’s varied career path and the fears many of us have in pursuing a career in aviation.
  • FlightMonkeys.com.

Recommendations:

Jamie Beckett produced an outstanding video The Value of Aviation. Jamie eloquently describes the benefit of aviation in the lives of those at the airport but more importantly the community as a whole. This is one of those videos you should save to give to your friends when they ask you the “real” value of aviation.

Watch The Value Of Aviation:

Politics for Pilots (The Loose Cannon View – 2011) – Jamie Beckett’s Politics for Pilots is a weekly column that appears as a popular blog posting on GeneralAviationNews.com and has been used to collect the stories for The Loose Canon View. The column is described as “irreverent, casual, highly optimistic, and at least occasionally inspirational. It also tends to be uniquely insightful and written with a high degree of professionalism. It’s actually fun to read, too.”

For those wanting to read something beyond how to fly and learn how to navigate the world of politics and aviation this e-book is for you.

Thanks for listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. If you have any questions comments or suggestions please contact me at AviationCareersPodcast.com, ITunes, Twitter, Facebook, or by e-mail. Until next time please keep in mind the path to an aviation career is varied, challenging, and exciting.

Keep your eye on your aviation goal and fly safe!

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Flight Instructing, Flight Instructor, Part Time Aviation Career, Podcast

Episode 003 – How to be a Successful Part Time Flight Instructor

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Thinking of flight instructing part time? Today we will address the many benefits and challenges you will face. There are many reasons why you might choose to flight instruct part time which include:

  • You have a career you enjoy but want to share your passion for flying in a more profound way.
  • You are an experienced pilot who feels you can give back to the aviation community by passing along your knowledge.
  • You are thinking of a career as a pilot but don’t wish to make a full time commitment.
  • You are retired and are looking for another challenge in life.

Whatever your reason we will discuss becoming a successful part time flight instructor. I will discuss some of the aspects of being a flight instructor if you are currently a professional pilot including:

  • Getting permission from your employer.
  • Fight time and how it affects your full time flying position.
  • Violations and other risks that could affect your career as a professional pilot.

Today’s guest is Tom Halvorson. Tom has a challenging career unrelated to aviation and has been doing an outstanding job as a part time flight instructor. Tom and I will discuss:

  • Why he became a flight instructor. Tom’s story of how he changed a child’s life is truly inspirational and may bring tears to your eyes.
  • What he finds are the most rewarding aspects of being a flight instructor.
  • How to market yourself and obtain students.
  • Should you teach at more than one airport.
  • Insurance.
  • How to balance your full time job, family, and your instructing.

Recommendation:

Professional Pilot’s Career Guide by Rob Mark. If you are considering a career in aviation this should be the first book you read. You will discover what it is like to be a professional pilot and understand all aspects of the job including pay, work hours, lifestyle, and the not so glamorous side of flying. This is the book that was instrumental in my decision to become a professional pilot. To read more about the Professional Pilot’s Career Guide and discover what others have to say about this book go to Amazon.com.

Thanks for listening to the Aviation Careers Podcast. If you have any comments or questions for me or my guests feel free to contact me on facebook, twitter, or by e-mail.

Links:

Flight Instructor Non-owned Aircraft Liability Insurance Plan – Air-Pros Insurance Company

CFI Insurance – Avemco Insurance