The 99s Pilot Careers Resource Center

Time-Building Ideas for Commercial Pilots

 

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Flight Instruction

I really started building time VERY fast as an instructor. It's still the fastest way, not to mention very rewarding!! But if it's not your desire to instruct PLEASE DON'T! (for the sake of the students.) - Cheryl C., Cargo Pilot

Towing Gliders or Dropping Skydivers

I flew skydivers on the weekends when I wasn't flying freight. Besides building time, I got to practice all the commercial maneuvers on a regular basis! -Donna M., Airline Pilot

Split Time with Others

Many pilots at the FBO where I work are looking to share multi-engine time, and many single and multi pilots are looking for an appropriately rated safety pilot. This would require "hanging out" at the airport and chatting with people to put the word out. -- Laura K., Flight Instructor

I also shared expenses with friends trading off as safety pilot for each other, practicing approaches every week. It really helps improve your instruments skills! - Cheryl C., Cargo Pilot

Buy an Airplane and Volunteer

Do you have the resources to purchase an aircraft as part of a partnership with other pilots? If so, this is a great way to build flight time, but it is more expensive than the tradition route of flight instructing. I purchased a single engine aircraft when I had just under 100 hours, along with two other partners, and used it to fly Young Eagles and Angel Flight missions. Having some sort of goal helped make building flight time more meaningful to me. -Denise E., Corporate Pilot

Take Your Friends & Family Flying

I spoke excitedly about flying to all of my friends and co-workers, took many up for their first flights, split the expenses. The hours can really add up if you are motivated. - Cheryl C., Cargo Pilot

 

Network at the Airport

My recommendation is to get the CFI/CFII/MEI, even if you don't intend to instruct full time. I was requested as a copilot on Angel Flights because of the MEI. This led to making some new friends who owned twins, and one of them actually let me fly his airplane to Oshkosh one year from the West Coast. A good friend of mine also flew a Baron as a charter pilot. He'd take me along and let me fly the part 91 (empty) legs. -Denise E., Corporate Pilot

 

Traffic Watch

I flew traffic watch for the flight time ...no pay. Some pilots frown upon that as they feel it makes it harder on all pilots to get paid what they are worth. I was just glad to get the flight time and not have to pay for the aircraft ....I kinda figured it was like getting paid $70.00 an hour, as that's what it would have cost to rent a C-172 at that time. - Cheryl C., Cargo Pilot

Get a Job with Opportunity for Advancement

I got a job flying bank checks in a C172 for a small 135 cargo company. Over time I moved up to larger singles and to the twin-engine C402 & 414, while advancing from flying cargo to passengers. I was given the opportunity to advance even though I was low on multi time because my employers already knew me and my skill as a pilot. - Jenny B., Airline Pilot

 

 

 

Do you have time-building ideas to share? Please send them to JennyTBeatty@cs.com

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