Flight instructing is one of many jobs that low-time pilots can do to build time. Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund.
Many brand-new commercial pilots struggle with finding their first flying gig. Insurance is oftentimes an obstacle because insurance companies want to insure pilots with more experience and time. The following jobs are great options for low-time pilots to get a foot in the door and start building flight time.
Working as a flight instructor
Flight instructing is one of the most common jobs for low-time pilots to build hours. This job has the most schedule flexibility out of the others on this list. The flight instructor certificate is a rigorous certificate to obtain. Instructing is also not for everyone. However, the training that goes into becoming a flight instructor and the skills obtained through instructing will make any pilot a more knowledgeable and safer pilot.
Working in business aviation
Business aviation is a broad name for the many types of operations that happen under it. The larger jets require higher-time pilots; however, there are still some opportunities for low-time pilots flying smaller aircraft in business aviation. In Alaska, there are sightseeing opportunities that low-time commercial pilots can do. Typically, these sightseeing operations are flying Cessna 206s and Cessna 210s, which are good aircraft for new commercial pilots. Another great option is with charter companies that fly island routes. There are companies in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Cape Cod, and the Bahamas that hire low-time pilots to charter passengers from island to island. These opportunities can either be single-pilot or in a crew environment.
Work as an aerial survey pilot
Aerial survey is a great job for low-time pilots. Cessna 172s and Piper Aztecs are commonly flown for surveying. Survey companies receive contracts to take aerial pictures of the client’s needs. This job is a great way to build hours fast and to fly in many various airspaces and topography across the United States. Survey flights are typically single-pilot operations and pilots are oftentimes on the road for weeks at a time. However, it is a great starting job and can pay more than flight instructing.
Fly Banner-towing operations
Banner towing is popular along coastlines. Typically, tailwheel aircraft are flown along popular beaches carrying an advertisement banner. Sometimes banner towers are needed to fly over sporting events too. The summertime is the busy season for towing banners. A pilot can easily knock out several hundred flight hours in a season. Similar to surveying, banner towing is typically a single-pilot operation.
Tailwheel aircraft are used to tow banners behind them. Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund.
Be a skydive pilot
Flying skydivers is a great entry-level job for new commercial pilots. Skydive season is typically in the summer; however, some skydive gigs can be year-round where the winters are mild. Many different aircraft can be used for skydiving. Some of the more popular ones are Cessna 182s and Cessna Caravans. This is a great job for beginners and it might even spark your interest in a skydiving license.
Work as a pipeline patrol pilot
Pipeline patrol pilots fly small piston aircraft over oil and gas pipelines to search for leaks. The government requires gas and petroleum companies to have pipelines inspected every so often. Pipeline pilots are then contracted to fly over and inspect for signs of leaks or anything that could compromise the pipeline.
Similar to survey pilots, pipeline pilots are on the road frequently but can build time fast.
The first 1,500 flight hours are always the hardest to obtain. The possibilities are almost endless after surpassing this benchmark. Every commercial pilot needs a foot in the door to gain experience before moving on to their forever job. These six jobs are a staple in most pilots’ career advancement.
Recent Comments