I know lots of regional pilots work side jobs to increase their income, but is it at all possible to work a flight job on your days off for extra income? For example moonlighting as an instructor or tour pilot? Just curious how this works. I have heard that the airline owns your monthly flight time via their contract, and flying on the side can get you in trouble. How about some work as a substitute ground instructor at a local school?

Any "For-Hire" flying will need to be cleared with/ reported to your company via whatever procedures they have, as it can affect your availability because flight time/duty limits/rest requirements. The contract most likely has nothing to do with it, the company policies in the FOM and FAR 117 would.

Only flying in an aircraft would count against the company time. SIM instruction or teaching ground school should be ok.

I'm sure some guys instruct and don't log the time. Not saying that's legal or something you should do.

Don't see why I wouldn't be able to give a BFR once and a while to someone. Just clear it with your Chief first.

The old definition was commercial flying was counted against FAR121 limits. With 117, it no longer applies to all commercial and only adds up with 91K, 135, or 121 hours. Your company might have a more strict policy or a holdover in the FOM from before 117.

Under 117, instructing no longer counts towards the cumulative limit. I'd read the FOM and get it cleared by the CP though. It would be awkward to have to explain why you have an LOI against you for something that happened on your off days if you didn't clear it before hand.

Anyone have a specific reference under 117 that discusses instruction in particular? I don't know if this will even become a thing, but if it seemed likely I'd like my discussion with the chief to be an educated one.

Take a look at the applicability part at the beginning. Just stress that it won't interfere with your airline work. That's the main thing they're worried about.

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...rpretation.pdf

I think this will help.