How to make extra cash as a comm. pilot?
 

A little background on me, as this is my first post here:

I am in my mid-20s and am a recent graduate of an aviation school in southwest Michigan. I am an instrument rated commercial pilot, single- and multi-engine. I am not a CFI. Unlike when I started my degree in aviation a few years ago, I do not want to be a career pilot. I enjoy flying but have chosen to go the entrepreneur route instead. That being said, I would still like to be active in the aviation world (and get paid for it, if possible!)

What I'm looking for is this: ideas for making money as a pilot on a part-time bases: a weekend job - something I could do here and there for a few extra dollars.

For example, a company who needs an extra pilot every once in a while to fly skydivers, or flying people around on scenic rides (in which I would land back at my point of origin, of course, so as not to step outside the limitations of my commercial pilot privileges.)

Please throw out any ideas you have!

I look forward to being a part of this forum.

Try teaming up with a photographer and taking aerial photos.

Are you opposed to doing the CFI or considering other options first?

I'm not opposed to becoming a CFI, but at this time I have no reason to be one. If you can show me how it could be beneficial to someone who is not going to be a career pilot (like me), I would take it into consideration.

Becoming a CFI is not the sole purpose of being a career pilot. I'm only suggesting it because i feel it would make you a better pilot.

Show me how it couldn't be beneficial to the requirements of your first post :)

Honestly, for your situation, it could be even more crucial to get your foot in the door with someone etc...... If you had the CFI that is.

I do not understand what you mean here. As a commercial pilot you can land at other airports and overnight there.

At any rate, welcome to the forum! Becoming a CFI is a great weekend job, if you decided to go that route. You would also become a much more proficient pilot. Other than that, you might be able to find a weekend traffic watch, pipeline, fish spotting, banner towing, or skydiving gig.

First off, Go WMU Broncos!


I did this and sent samples of the work (shots) to a bunch of local realtors. Got a fair anount of business from that. Interestingly enough, one of the realtors I sent the photos to ended up learning to fly so double bonus (with the CFI!).

since you mentioned weekends...look at flying skydivers.

But EVERYBODY is right. You'll probably earn more as a CFI/CFII and what you'll learn teaching will outweigh going up and down to the same field over and over again and, can get more hours on XC's.