Expert: D. Norkus - 9/4/2003

Question
I'm an instrument rated private pilot (SEL) who flys Beach Bonanzas for business/family tavel. I'm 43, have been flying for about 10 years and have about 650 hours.  I'm considering getting a commercial license *IF* there were some reasonable Part-time opportunities to fly and make money.  I'm  unfamiliar with how charter operators (for example) work.  I'm not thinking of flight instruction, although this may be the only reasonable avenue for someone like me?  How would a pilot like me hope to earn an hour, especially flying someone else's airplane?  Any thoughts would be appreciated.  By the way, I'm in Atlanta, GA.  

Answer
Bill
Sorry, but this catagory of Experts doesn't seem to be generating notices to me. I had 4 questions when I was told I had 1! I would have gotten to you sooner......

"I'm considering getting a commercial license *IF* there were some reasonable Part-time opportunities to fly and make money."

What you mean by 'making money' and making decent money are probably two different things. Most single engine commercial jobs do not pay very well as they are usually experience/time building. With only 650TT, you would fall into that catagory. With that kind of time I was flying skydivers making $5 a load and that was good! Any time building job where you can make over $10K yr is good. Many are not even close to being something to live on.

"I'm unfamiliar with how charter operators (for example) work. I'm not thinking of flight instruction, although this may be the only reasonable avenue for someone like me?"

Unless you can find someone who might be able to put you in the right seat of a charter, you will need at least 1500TT for those kind of jobs. Since charters are FAR part 135 operations and most smaller ones are single pilot, you must have 1500TT to be able to apply. (Check out FAR part 135 for all the requirements.) Unfortunately, becoming a CFI might be one of the few options with your TT. Other ideas are flying banners or skydivers, pipeline patrol or traffic watch. None of these jobs is well paying. You might also look into aerial photography. Those positions, if available, are better salaried.

"How much would a pilot like me hope to earn an hour, especially flying someone else's airplane? Any thoughts would be appreciated."

If you mean flying for hire as a personal pilot, that is considered a part 135 on demand charter and legally you can't hold yourself out for that unless you are actually are charter operator yourself.

Since I am unfamiliar with the Atlanta area, I can't say what might be available near you. I suggest asking around all the local airports for the jobs mentioned above. In addition, you should check out http://forums.flightinfo.com for some local leads.

You might also find my website of interest as it talks about time building and new Commercial pilot jobs:

www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html

If you need more, write

Question4Av8trxx@aol.com

Dottie