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So, if you become a pilot (small planes), what kind of jobs are there?
12/23/2011 3:30:07 PM
There is a small airport near me with a flight school. If I were to get a pilot's license for a small plane, what kind of flying could you do?
Money or training time not being an issue for me.
Commerical passenger flight for the airlines, although interesting, is out of the question because it seems like you need a college degree to qualify for something like that. Not doing that.
Money or training time not being an issue for me.
Commerical passenger flight for the airlines, although interesting, is out of the question because it seems like you need a college degree to qualify for something like that. Not doing that.
12/23/2011 3:39:11 PM
Originally Posted By Screechjet1:
I'm not meaning to kill your dreams, but flight schools spend alot of time implicitly selling people that the airline lifestyle is slutty F/As with big hooters, 26 hour Cozumel layovers with lonely college students and respect and prestige. While such things do undoubtedly exist SOMEWHERE on the planet, that's simply not the reality.
The reality is meager pay, chronic fatigue (one of the biggest issues in aviation), management that sees you as a controllable expense, and significant upfront costs to play what could be described as a sucker's game.
Look at the choice somewhat dispassionately. You are going to spend probably 100k in total cost (excluding opportunity costs) to be employable. What other options are available, that with a 100k investment, give you a better likely ROI? Because, if you're smart enough, healthy enough and motivated to fly well, you're smart enough, motivated enough to do any number of things.
I'm not meaning to kill your dreams, but flight schools spend alot of time implicitly selling people that the airline lifestyle is slutty F/As with big hooters, 26 hour Cozumel layovers with lonely college students and respect and prestige. While such things do undoubtedly exist SOMEWHERE on the planet, that's simply not the reality.
The reality is meager pay, chronic fatigue (one of the biggest issues in aviation), management that sees you as a controllable expense, and significant upfront costs to play what could be described as a sucker's game.
Look at the choice somewhat dispassionately. You are going to spend probably 100k in total cost (excluding opportunity costs) to be employable. What other options are available, that with a 100k investment, give you a better likely ROI? Because, if you're smart enough, healthy enough and motivated to fly well, you're smart enough, motivated enough to do any number of things.
One of the best short answers on the subject I've ever seen.
Also, in before people call for the OP to use the search function.
12/23/2011 4:01:33 PM
Originally Posted By widerstehe:
There is a small airport near me with a flight school. If I were to get a pilot's license for a small plane, what kind of flying could you do?
Money or training time not being an issue for me.
Commerical passenger flight for the airlines, although interesting, is out of the question because it seems like you need a college degree to qualify for something like that. Not doing that.
There is a small airport near me with a flight school. If I were to get a pilot's license for a small plane, what kind of flying could you do?
Money or training time not being an issue for me.
Commerical passenger flight for the airlines, although interesting, is out of the question because it seems like you need a college degree to qualify for something like that. Not doing that.
You might be able to pick up a job with a regional jet airline sans a degree. Though from what I hear the pay isn't great.
And to fly commercially (for pay), you're going to need your commercial license no matter what you're flying. Expect to pay $30-50K+
12/23/2011 4:17:14 PM
Believe it or not, pay is not a concern of mine. I will shortly be retiring reasonably young with a decent pension. (Please don't ask what I do, I will not talk about it). Due to the pension I will be collecting, I also cannot make over a certain amount per year anyhow, so it's not an issue.
I am basically looking to do something intersting to occupy myself.
I am basically looking to do something intersting to occupy myself.
12/23/2011 6:22:42 PM
Fly glider and banner tugs, fly checks and blood samples in single engine airplanes in scary conditions, flight instruct, fly an ag plane, ferry airplanes, sight seeing flights in regions with heavy tourist traffic, bush flying in Alaska and Canada; those are a few off the top of my head.
You say money is not object, yet your worried about making too much, I suppose for the social security hit - do you have any notion about the cost for a pocket full of licenses and ratings that will position you to fly for pay?
You say money is not object, yet your worried about making too much, I suppose for the social security hit - do you have any notion about the cost for a pocket full of licenses and ratings that will position you to fly for pay?
12/23/2011 6:59:02 PM
I think somebody above mentioned 40-50k. And I won't be applying for SS. I am much too young for that.
12/23/2011 7:30:51 PM
Originally Posted By widerstehe:
Believe it or not, pay is not a concern of mine. I will shortly be retiring reasonably young with a decent pension. (Please don't ask what I do, I will not talk about it). Due to the pension I will be collecting, I also cannot make over a certain amount per year anyhow, so it's not an issue.
I am basically looking to do something intersting to occupy myself.
Believe it or not, pay is not a concern of mine. I will shortly be retiring reasonably young with a decent pension. (Please don't ask what I do, I will not talk about it). Due to the pension I will be collecting, I also cannot make over a certain amount per year anyhow, so it's not an issue.
I am basically looking to do something intersting to occupy myself.
If that's the case then please just stick to teaching people to fly or towing rags. Otherwise you'll deflate the wages for the rest of us.
12/23/2011 9:11:21 PM
Originally Posted By esa17:
If that's the case then please just stick to teaching people to fly or towing rags. Otherwise you'll deflate the wages for the rest of us.
Originally Posted By widerstehe:
Believe it or not, pay is not a concern of mine. I will shortly be retiring reasonably young with a decent pension. (Please don't ask what I do, I will not talk about it). Due to the pension I will be collecting, I also cannot make over a certain amount per year anyhow, so it's not an issue.
I am basically looking to do something intersting to occupy myself.
Believe it or not, pay is not a concern of mine. I will shortly be retiring reasonably young with a decent pension. (Please don't ask what I do, I will not talk about it). Due to the pension I will be collecting, I also cannot make over a certain amount per year anyhow, so it's not an issue.
I am basically looking to do something intersting to occupy myself.
If that's the case then please just stick to teaching people to fly or towing rags. Otherwise you'll deflate the wages for the rest of us.
My thoughts exactly.
You want to fly, but not pay for it. So you are willing to do my job for less money. Thanks for nothing.
Take up golf.
12/23/2011 9:26:46 PM
Originally Posted By AeroE:
Fly glider and banner tugs, fly checks and blood samples in single engine airplanes in scary conditions, flight instruct, fly an ag plane, ferry airplanes, sight seeing flights in regions with heavy tourist traffic, bush flying in Alaska and Canada; those are a few off the top of my head.
You say money is not object, yet your worried about making too much, I suppose for the social security hit - do you have any notion about the cost for a pocket full of licenses and ratings that will position you to fly for pay?
Fly glider and banner tugs, fly checks and blood samples in single engine airplanes in scary conditions, flight instruct, fly an ag plane, ferry airplanes, sight seeing flights in regions with heavy tourist traffic, bush flying in Alaska and Canada; those are a few off the top of my head.
You say money is not object, yet your worried about making too much, I suppose for the social security hit - do you have any notion about the cost for a pocket full of licenses and ratings that will position you to fly for pay?
Ag Flying and Alaska / Canada are not as place for amateur pilots. I have worked in both worlds and know from experience both require a seroius commitment to the lifestyle.
Ferry and delivery flights are tough to get due to insurance requirments.
If the OP truly wants to fly but not make a lot of money Instruction might be the right place. I have had too many instructiors who were just killing time untill they could get a regional job. If he has a passion for flying and can teach.
12/23/2011 9:33:17 PM
Originally Posted By The_Emu:
You want to fly, but not pay for it. So you are willing to do my job for less money. Thanks for nothing.
Take up golf.
You want to fly, but not pay for it. So you are willing to do my job for less money. Thanks for nothing.
Take up golf.
I never said that. I don't work for free. Time is money, too. I'm just saying that I'm not going to need to earn $70k a year. If the work is spotty, like just a couple days a week, that would be fine.
12/24/2011 12:17:31 AM
Originally Posted By widerstehe:
I never said that. I don't work for free. Time is money, too. I'm just saying that I'm not going to need to earn $70k a year. If the work is spotty, like just a couple days a week, that would be fine.
Originally Posted By The_Emu:
You want to fly, but not pay for it. So you are willing to do my job for less money. Thanks for nothing.
Take up golf.
You want to fly, but not pay for it. So you are willing to do my job for less money. Thanks for nothing.
Take up golf.
I never said that. I don't work for free. Time is money, too. I'm just saying that I'm not going to need to earn $70k a year. If the work is spotty, like just a couple days a week, that would be fine.
Become a flight instructor then.
12/24/2011 12:26:56 AM
You will need to get a commercial rating to be paid to fly. Flying for pay on a private pilot's certificate is a HUGE no-no.
Maybe look into agricultural spraying.
Maybe look into agricultural spraying.
12/24/2011 12:45:56 AM
Originally Posted By Mryenko:
One of the best short answers on the subject I've ever seen.
Also, in before people call for the OP to use the search function.
Originally Posted By Screechjet1:
I'm not meaning to kill your dreams, but flight schools spend alot of time implicitly selling people that the airline lifestyle is slutty F/As with big hooters, 26 hour Cozumel layovers with lonely college students and respect and prestige. While such things do undoubtedly exist SOMEWHERE on the planet, that's simply not the reality.
The reality is meager pay, chronic fatigue (one of the biggest issues in aviation), management that sees you as a controllable expense, and significant upfront costs to play what could be described as a sucker's game.
Look at the choice somewhat dispassionately. You are going to spend probably 100k in total cost (excluding opportunity costs) to be employable. What other options are available, that with a 100k investment, give you a better likely ROI? Because, if you're smart enough, healthy enough and motivated to fly well, you're smart enough, motivated enough to do any number of things.
I'm not meaning to kill your dreams, but flight schools spend alot of time implicitly selling people that the airline lifestyle is slutty F/As with big hooters, 26 hour Cozumel layovers with lonely college students and respect and prestige. While such things do undoubtedly exist SOMEWHERE on the planet, that's simply not the reality.
The reality is meager pay, chronic fatigue (one of the biggest issues in aviation), management that sees you as a controllable expense, and significant upfront costs to play what could be described as a sucker's game.
Look at the choice somewhat dispassionately. You are going to spend probably 100k in total cost (excluding opportunity costs) to be employable. What other options are available, that with a 100k investment, give you a better likely ROI? Because, if you're smart enough, healthy enough and motivated to fly well, you're smart enough, motivated enough to do any number of things.
One of the best short answers on the subject I've ever seen.
Also, in before people call for the OP to use the search function.
There just might be a shortage of pilots if Screeches speeches keep gettin' posted.
12/24/2011 12:58:07 AM
Originally Posted By The_Emu:
Ag Flying and Alaska / Canada are not as place for amateur pilots. I have worked in both worlds and know from experience both require a seroius commitment to the lifestyle.
Ferry and delivery flights are tough to get due to insurance requirments.
If the OP truly wants to fly but not make a lot of money Instruction might be the right place. I have had too many instructiors who were just killing time untill they could get a regional job. If he has a passion for flying and can teach.
Originally Posted By AeroE:
Fly glider and banner tugs, fly checks and blood samples in single engine airplanes in scary conditions, flight instruct, fly an ag plane, ferry airplanes, sight seeing flights in regions with heavy tourist traffic, bush flying in Alaska and Canada; those are a few off the top of my head.
You say money is not object, yet your worried about making too much, I suppose for the social security hit - do you have any notion about the cost for a pocket full of licenses and ratings that will position you to fly for pay?
Fly glider and banner tugs, fly checks and blood samples in single engine airplanes in scary conditions, flight instruct, fly an ag plane, ferry airplanes, sight seeing flights in regions with heavy tourist traffic, bush flying in Alaska and Canada; those are a few off the top of my head.
You say money is not object, yet your worried about making too much, I suppose for the social security hit - do you have any notion about the cost for a pocket full of licenses and ratings that will position you to fly for pay?
Ag Flying and Alaska / Canada are not as place for amateur pilots. I have worked in both worlds and know from experience both require a seroius commitment to the lifestyle.
Ferry and delivery flights are tough to get due to insurance requirments.
If the OP truly wants to fly but not make a lot of money Instruction might be the right place. I have had too many instructiors who were just killing time untill they could get a regional job. If he has a passion for flying and can teach.
I didn't say they were easy, good jobs for low time and inexperience, or even good jobs, or that he would be flying any of these missions in the near future.
I think some research at the airport and a look at the requirements simply for a Commercial license with an instrument rating are in order, just for starters. Then a look at the qualifications for a 135 check.
The FAA has Parts 61, 91, 135 and so on on their web site, so a trip to the airport isn't even required to get started on the ugly part of learning to fly.
On the other hand, we shouldn't discourage someone that burns to fly and has the means to learn. He might be able to spend full time on the task for the next 2 years and advance quickly.
12/24/2011 10:59:05 AM
Originally Posted By LaRue_Tactical:
There just might be a shortage of pilots if Screeches speeches keep gettin' posted.
There just might be a shortage of pilots if Screeches speeches keep gettin' posted.
12/25/2011 1:49:20 AM
Originally Posted By Mryenko:
Originally Posted By LaRue_Tactical:
There just might be a shortage of pilots if Screeches speeches keep gettin' posted.
There just might be a shortage of pilots if Screeches speeches keep gettin' posted.
Just doing my part, here.
12/25/2011 10:00:31 AM
Ha, ha-ha, ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha, Im laughing so hard tears are flowing.....maybe those are tears of regret for my chosen career path
12/29/2011 5:31:47 PM
You could always fly CAS for some wealthy paintballers/airsofters...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOgHb-i3JXY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOgHb-i3JXY
1/1/2012 2:00:17 PM
Why not do what I am going to do when I retire. I'm going to find an easy low stress job ( Think deliver flowers) and then just follow the lifetime dream I have had since I was a boy and get my private license and fly for fun. It serves a purpose of staying busy, it's a goal and it gets me out of the house. For me it will be a win win situation 
1/2/2012 5:35:19 PM
I have mixed feelings about the OP. Wanting to get paid but not too much? First off, as some of the previous poster said you need to get a commercial pilots license with an instrument add on. This will let you charge for your services but by the time you get to this level, you will still not have the experience and hours employers are looking for to get hired anywhere. Your best bet is to then get your CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) certificate. Most flight schools will hire you at this point. You can fly and get paid and I can pretty much guarantee you wont' bust your 50K limit.
One poster said to look into part 135 operations. On some flights a crew of 2 are required to allow for lower approach minimums. This is ok if the PIC has lots of hours and you are there just to be an extra pair of eyes and to assist. That said, passengers are paying a fair amount of money to fly privately and deserve properly qualified and EXPERIENCED pilots. Most 135 charter operators will not look at you as being employable with low time. Your best bet is to flight instruct. You can for the most part choose when you want to fly and you can get this type of job right after passing your CFI checkride.
I also agree with the one poster that said you will dilute salaries of other pilots if you wish to fly for cheep. For this reason I recommend you remain working as a CFI. Once you have enough flight time you can do some contract flying which will allow you to accept or decline flights offered allowing you to make sure you don't bust your 50K limit. If you do this, please look around at what the current market for contract flight crew are going for in your area and charge appropriately. This will keep from diluting salaries even further for us who do this for a living.
One poster said to look into part 135 operations. On some flights a crew of 2 are required to allow for lower approach minimums. This is ok if the PIC has lots of hours and you are there just to be an extra pair of eyes and to assist. That said, passengers are paying a fair amount of money to fly privately and deserve properly qualified and EXPERIENCED pilots. Most 135 charter operators will not look at you as being employable with low time. Your best bet is to flight instruct. You can for the most part choose when you want to fly and you can get this type of job right after passing your CFI checkride.
I also agree with the one poster that said you will dilute salaries of other pilots if you wish to fly for cheep. For this reason I recommend you remain working as a CFI. Once you have enough flight time you can do some contract flying which will allow you to accept or decline flights offered allowing you to make sure you don't bust your 50K limit. If you do this, please look around at what the current market for contract flight crew are going for in your area and charge appropriately. This will keep from diluting salaries even further for us who do this for a living.
1/31/2012 3:27:14 PM
Another thing to think about if you are retiring due to a disability. There are people out there that have been fined very heavily and possibly gone to jail after getting a medical and then commercial flying. I believe this may have been the result of 'not being truthful' on their medical certificates. If your 'retirement' is indeed disability related I would tread lightly unless youy want to be another statistic. I do think a person could possibly instruct Sport Pilot but don't take my word for it. Join the EAA and AOPA and you'll get all the answers for the questions you have.
I have been flying for 25 years and there is no greater thrill than jumping into one of my planes and going for a low and slow flight around the countryside.
Good luck...flying is a blast!!!
I have been flying for 25 years and there is no greater thrill than jumping into one of my planes and going for a low and slow flight around the countryside.
Good luck...flying is a blast!!!
1/31/2012 7:55:07 PM
Originally Posted By The_Emu:
You want to fly, but not pay for it. So you are willing to do my job for less money. Thanks for nothing.
You want to fly, but not pay for it. So you are willing to do my job for less money. Thanks for nothing.
Unfortunately, you chose to do something as a job that a lot of people enjoy. Drives the wages down. I recommend finding a job that people don't like. Maybe accounting. :-)
I'd be way better off if my wife flew for zero pay. She's been spending a lot more flying in the evenings than she makes on her day job, so I end up picking up the slack...
On the original question, there's tons of entry level commercial stuff around. As mentioned, banner towing, crop dusting, pipeline patrol, etc. Downsides are that it's all unpleasant on hot Summer days, and the accident/fatality rate for that particular segment is absolutely horrible.
1/31/2012 8:23:15 PM
If I wanted to fly for fun and didn't need to worry about pay I would sign up with Angel flight or move rescue dogs around and take the tax deduction to offset cost. Go whenever you want, don't need to fight the weather and feel good about your contribution to society.
1/31/2012 9:22:29 PM
Originally Posted By Gingerbreadman:
You will need to get a commercial rating to be paid to fly. Flying for pay on a private pilot's certificate is a HUGE no-no.
Maybe look into agricultural spraying.
You will need to get a commercial rating to be paid to fly. Flying for pay on a private pilot's certificate is a HUGE no-no.
Maybe look into agricultural spraying.
You will need a tail wheel cert, commercial license, most likely turbine rated, and be certified through your state extension as a pesticide applicator. Most insurance companies and operators won't touch you without going through an Ag School and a ton of flight time to go along with it. Ag flying is very dangerous and not something someone should attempt lightly.
2/15/2012 8:55:46 PM
Domino's Pizza Delivery
We just lost a young CFI to some prospective position instructing multi eng in Tx. He's making squat hoping to build enough time to qualify for some entry level air transport job making squat. Lots of job opportunities if you want to give your time and skills away... Unless you know someone.
This is a big reason I went into the maintenance field.
We just lost a young CFI to some prospective position instructing multi eng in Tx. He's making squat hoping to build enough time to qualify for some entry level air transport job making squat. Lots of job opportunities if you want to give your time and skills away... Unless you know someone.
This is a big reason I went into the maintenance field.
