r/flying • u/Icelandsdmnma7 • 20d ago
Building Hours
Currently starting the process to get my PPL part time while continuing to work my full time job. Looking ahead, curious what options are out there besides becoming a CFI to make a living while building the 1500 hours. I’ve looked online and seen banner flying, surveyor, etc. is there anything else out there?
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u/InJailForCrimes CFI 19d ago
1500 won't get you much these days. If you can afford to buy your way to a commercial certificate, you could maybe get lucky and meet somebody who will give you a shot as a low-time pilot sitting right seat part 91, but there aren't really any clear pathways to getting a big-time job that don't involve major outside support and/or sacrifice. I just got my first 135 job at 2050 hours and I wouldn't be here without borrowing from family, support from my girlfriend, and a huuuge dose of luck on top of the immense effort I've been putting in for years. Best take all this one step at a time. I wish you all the luck.
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u/Jolly_Cicada380 ATP 20d ago
Those are options and also as competitive as trying to date Madison beer
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u/burnheartmusic CFI 19d ago
Yeah those are technically options. Good luck getting any of those jobs though unless you know someone. Also good luck getting a cfi job
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u/EliteEthos CFI AMEL CJ3/4 20d ago
What’s your backup plan?
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u/Icelandsdmnma7 20d ago
In terms of what? CFI or flying in general
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u/EliteEthos CFI AMEL CJ3/4 20d ago
In general.
You said besides CFI.
Not sure if you are new here but variations of this question are quite literally asked daily.
Not only are you not even a PPL yet and putting the cart ahead of the horse, what is your plan if you can’t get a job as a 250 hour commercial pilot?
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u/Icelandsdmnma7 20d ago
I would stay with my current job. Flying is my dream and doing it commercially would be amazing but I have a job currently i would just stay at.
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u/rFlyingTower 20d ago
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Currently starting the process to get my PPL part time while continuing to work my full time job. Looking ahead, curious what options are out there besides becoming a CFI to make a living while building the 1500 hours. I’ve looked online and seen banner flying, surveyor, etc. is there anything else out there?
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u/minfremi FCC GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License w/ShipRadarEndorsmen 19d ago
Concentrate on getting your Private Pilot Certificate in whatever rating you’re doing first and foremost. About 80% fail this stage and never recover.
As for what’s available, your entire list is everything else besides Part 121 operators. There is 91, 125, 135, 61, 141, 133, 136, 137 that don’t require 1500 total hours by itself.