I've already been around the country many times, I like to travel, but not for weeks on end. That's my point. Multi-day trips, sure... Not interested in multi-week or multi-month trips. Been there done that in my previous career which is why I switched careers to have a bit more stability, and no I'm not young as in college age.


You're making assumptions here. I never said I wasn't willing to work hard, I am however looking to work smarter and not be in a hotel for weeks or months on end.

Contact Sandhills Aviation. Aerial Survey but they have a 2 weeks on 2 weeks off rotation. Took me about 3 years, but I went from 250 to 450tt just renting and splitting time with other Pilots. I also didn't want to CFI but found it hard to get a local job. Decided to bite the bullet and go on the road for Survey. In my opinion, it's either going to be banner towing/Skydiving for local work or Aerial Survey for being on the road. Those are the best non-CFI options outside of getting a SIC position in a twin, which is very hard to get. Good Luck!

None of these guys are being dicks. They are just being realistic. If you don't want to instruct and you don't want to be away from home then there really aren't that many other options unless you have a friend who has a plane that he will let you fly.

I'm not sure what you're looking for but your options at 250tt are slim to none aside from banner tow, sky dive, aerial survey, traffic watch, CFI(fastest route to 500,1000,1500tt). Nobody is being an *** they are just being realistic.

Hard to believe you are older than college age yet you ask completely anonymous strangers for options and then aren't satisfied with the several different options they give you.

Lastly, you became a pilot for MORE stability?

Sandpiper Air is pleased to announce hiring low time FO for their Cessna 402 fleet based out of Nantucket. Chief Pilot Joe Hackett is tough but fair. The operation is small and family operated. They are offering competitive pay rates comparable if not better than Cape Air.

Minimums to apply:
- 250 hours TT
- Commercial Multi-Engine Land certificate
- 2nd Class Medical
- The Right Stuff

Please send Resume to [email protected]
This is a great place for Low Time Pilots to get experience

there's a lot, A LOT, of jobs in Alaska, plus Caravan operators like Mokulele and Air Choice One, so there are more than instructing and banner towing.....

Why not the CFI?

Could I hang out at the lunch counter and get some from Helen like all the other guys did?

Those are included in the competitive pay rates! 🤗 Just watch out for Helen's revenge!

Sorry haven't read the other posts but thought I'd chime in..

Three true options:

CFI-honestly your best bet. Pay has been increasing for instructors lately, you're home every night (cherish that while you can), and I found it to be extremely rewarding. You're going to work everyday, making people's dreams of becoming a pilot come true, and most importantly, networking. I cannot tell you how many of my old students I see in the airports, or former instructors I have that were mine in the 121 world. Someday, having those connections can help you. Seriously, it was a great job. I had more fun doing that then 121 and being home every night was great.

Surveying-had two close friends go that route. Both those guys built time twice as quick as I did when I was doing the whole CFI thing. They got some good VFR and even some IFR (ferrying to a new spot) experience. Only drawback was they were gone for months at a time living in hotels with one maybe two days off a week usually flying 8-10 hours a day. Seemed boring but you will get your time quickly.

Pay to log hours-some may do this, I would highly discourage it-just not worth it. If you're looking to become a career pilot you have your entire career to have fun flying while being paid. Save while you can.

With such low time, I can't really think of anything else worthwhile. Banner towing isn't as big as it use to be, and most companies won't hire you to fly even charter since you won't meet insurance mins with your time. If I had to do it again, CFI...