Expert: D. Norkus - 8/19/2004

Question
I am training in fisxed wing aircraft.  The Piper Warrior and the Piper Arrow  and wonder what kind of jobs I could get and the pay scale. Can you help

Answer
Greg

When you say you are training, is it for your commercial pilots license? I hope so, because before you can get any job as a pilot and receive compensation for flying you must have a commecial. No one can legally hire you with out it. A new commercial pilot with 250 hours won't find many gainful employment opportunities. Your only options will be if you can find a banner tow, traffic watch, or skydive pilot job that hires in people with such low time. In recent years the flight experience has gone up for some operators as they can't get insurance unless their pilots meet certain flight time requirements. I was hired at my first job with just over 300 hours to fly skydivers. However, many drop zones now want 500 or more. Another option would be flight instruction, but you will also need the additional CFI license to do that.

The pay scales for these jobs are also very low. Skydive pilots often make only $5 per flight or $10/hr (which generally works out to the same thing in a C182). I was lucky to get 10 flights in a day. The other jobs will probably be close to $10/hr, flight instruction included. You definately cannot make a living on these types of jobs! If you are a full time CFI, you may come close, but you will be living paycheck to paycheck.

Please see my 'aspiring pilot' website for further information on training, time building and career info. I also have many useful links you can use at bottom-

www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html

Dottie