Airports must run smoothly around the clock each and every day to allow aircraft to come and go with ease. From the biggest airports in the world to the small strip down the street, managers at each are essential to ensuring safe, consistent, and smooth operations around the clock.

Airport managers do everything from ensuring that taxiways and runways are clear of objects and debris to verifying that terminal areas are clean, navigational aids are functioning, and all regulations are complied with.

How to Become an Airport Manager

Airport managers are often required to have a degree in aviation management or an equivalent field. However, some managers instead have relevant experience managing FBOs, which themselves provide services to small transient aircraft such as training flights and business aircraft. Other airport managers come from federal jobs with the FAA.

Many airport managers are Accredited Airport Executives (AAE). To become one, applicants must take a multiple-choice exam; complete a research project or advanced degree; and complete an interview. Enrollees in the training program must, among other requirements, have already worked at a public use airport for at least one year and have a four-year college degree or equivalent public airport management experience.

Working in management at a smaller airport may be a good steppingstone for those who eventually want to graduate to larger operations. Though on a smaller scale, managing a smaller airport may give the opportunity to handle a wider array of tasks, from airfield painting and cleaning to regulatory issues and working directly with the FAA.

A major benefit of FBO employment is that FBOs are often the main managing organization of smaller public-use airports, giving prospective candidates airport employment opportunities with a relatively easy point of entry.

Other leadership roles at bigger airports, such as leading a certain department or company at the airport, may help make the transition to full-on airport management easier. Such would make it easier to build connections with people in higher positions to seek mentorship, recommendations, and promotions.

How Much Do Airport Managers Earn

The salary of an airport manager can vary depending on location and the size of the airport managed. However, the average salary for an airport manager in the United States is $46,280, with a range from about $30,000 to nearly $70,000. Managers of larger airports, and airport systems, may make over $100,000.

Airport salaries can vary widely across the country. Many airports are taxpayer-funded, so employee salaries come out of a government budget. However, some airports are entirely self-sustaining and make money from facility fees, concessions, fuel sales, and flight instruction to fund themselves.

Airport management is a high-quality career for aviation enthusiasts and those uninterested in flying or airline operations. Airport operations tend to be quite unique on a day-to-day basis, offering consistent challenges and opportunities for growth. Working for an airport can be an effective method of growing your passion for aviation and earning a high income over time.

Looking for pilot jobs? FindaPilot.com posts new openings every day. Get a 20% discount on any plan. Just use the promo code AG20 when purchasing a plan. You’ll get a 20% discount on your first three months as a member.

This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.

The post What Are the Best Jobs in Airport Management? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Contour was founded in 1982 as Corporate Flight Management Inc. and is based in Smyrna, Tennessee. With more than 600 employees, Contour Aviation is among the 10 largest Part 135 charter operators in the U.S.  

In 2023, Contour completed more than 24,500 hours of flight operations and carried more than 350,000 passengers with its fleet.

Contour Aviation Mission Statement

“At Contour, our core values are at the heart of everything that we do and every decision we make. Constant throughout all of our lines of business is a commitment to integrity and safety.”

Contour Aviation in the News

SkyWest Acquires Stake in Contour Airlines, Bolsters Charter Presence
The regional operator is continuing its foray into the Part 135 charter market with a recent investment in Contour Airlines.

Contour Aviation Openings on FindaPilot.com

• First Officer for CRJ200 in Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Bombardier Captain in Smyrna, TN
• Embraer 135 Captain in Smyrna, TN

More Contour Aviation Resources:

• Career site 
• LinkedIn 
• Facebook 
• X (Twitter) 
• Instagram

More Help from FindaPilot.com

• Latest pilot job openings 
• Pilot directory 
• Sign-up page

The post Employer Profile: Contour Aviation appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Luckily, there are a number of routes a new hopeful pilot can take to progress toward their long-term career goals.

Which job a new pilot takes can be an important decision. Pilots want work that will provide them with quality experience that will benefit their long-term goals.

Among the most important things to do to build the right qualifications is to build connections with others in the aviation industry. Whether in a flying or non-flying job, a brand-new pilot can pick positions that will bolster their qualifications and relationships for significant benefit.

Non-Flying Jobs for Student Pilots

New pilots at the very start of their careers—those just beginning to learn to fly—often choose to work in aviation on the side to fund their training.

Most notably, many work at FBOs at airports big and small to build connections with the crews passing through to pick up passengers or reposition planes. Getting face time with seasoned pilots and reputable charter companies can help budding pilots gain valuable insights and even get an edge that will improve their job prospects down the line.

• READ MORE: How to Become a Charter Pilot

Other student pilots choose to fuel planes or work on the ramp at big international airports, often for major airlines or contractors who manage large contracts. These jobs help new pilots get the feel of working for major airline operations. They can get a sense for how to get around big airports, witness airline schedules firsthand, and manage real-world delays along with the pilots upfront.

Many detail companies also hire student pilots. These new pilots will become comfortable caring for planes and gain new respect and appreciation for the aircraft they fly themselves. Other potential non-flying jobs include airport operations, aircraft maintenance, and airport customer service.

A Pilot’s First Flying Job

Once a pilot is fully qualified to fly for a living, the next question is which flying job will be the best transition from being a student to a professional pilot. A pilot must, once again, be able to gauge which jobs will serve their long-term career goals the best.

Pilots find their first job in a number of different ways. Some use the connections built in previous positions to their benefit, and others work for organizations that have already employed them. In addition, some pilots find creative ways to advertise services such as ferry flights, air tours, or aerial refueling.

• READ MORE: How to Land a Helicopter Pilot Job

Some pilots turn to services such as FindaPilot.com to find jobs. FindaPilot connects pilots looking for work with operators who need crewmembers to operate specific flights. Services such as this can be a great way for new pilots to connect with reputable operators and fly high-performance, complex aircraft to build high-quality time for their careers. Many pilots use services such as FindaPilot as launching pads to accelerate their careers into the next stage.

Flight Instructing

Many new pilots choose to become flight instructors for their first aviation job. Teaching new pilots can be an excellent way to build time quickly while also learning to work with a variety of personalities, students, and situations.

Different flight schools also give instructors the opportunity to operate in different environments. Part 61 schools often promote independent decision making without close guidance from company standard operating procedures, while Part 141 schools help instructors learn to operate in structured, airline-esque environments. Whichever direction new instructors choose, they are sure to gain valuable experience towards their long-term goals.

Instructing is a great way to learn from your own experience and to become intimately familiar with the knowledge and skills you are expected to know. New students keep instructors on their toes and ask intriguing questions that challenge instructors to study, grow, and expand their knowledge.

Banner Towing

Some new commercial pilots opt to become banner towing pilots. These pilots tow large advertisements behind them over beaches, malls, and other tourist attractions.

These jobs give pilots the opportunity to learn in congested airspace—multiple banner tow aircraft often fly in the same area—at low altitudes. This demands heightened situational awareness and attention that helps pilots learn to be aware of their surroundings and take prompt action to correct unusual situations.

• READ MORE: Congress Shells Out Millions to Aid Pilot Shortage

These jobs especially tend to operate with aircraft that require specialized training. Many, for example, use tailwheel airplanes that have unique operating characteristics as opposed to the now-more-popular tricycle gear airplanes. This additional experience gives banner tow pilots experience that helps them stand out from other applicants.

Banner tow pilots often fly for hours at a time multiple times per day, making banner towing a great way to build a lot of flight time quickly. Many new pilots thus use banner towing as a great way to gain the experience they need for airline or charter flying in a relatively short amount of time. This is particularly the case in markets that have flyable weather conditions year-round, such as in Florida or Arizona.

Charter Flying

Some pilots are lucky enough to become charter pilots early on in their careers. These jobs often involve operating as second in command of light jets, such as the Cessna Citation line.

These jobs are often, but not always, acquired through connections built earlier in their careers but can often come through online advertisements through social media channels or dedicated advertising agencies.

Charter jobs are especially valuable because they allow pilots time in multiengine turbine aircraft, the exact type of planes that pilots will be flying later on in their careers. The more experience pilots have flying these types of aircraft, the more attractive they’ll be later on with other operators.

Not all charter flying involves point-to-point hops in private jets or turbine aircraft, however. Some pilots start off as ferry pilots, when they get hired to fly an airplane one-way from point to point for maintenance, a system upgrade, or for delivery to a new owner.

This type of charter work can give pilots experience flying a wider array of aircraft to a wider range of destinations across the country. This variation is again valuable for pilots looking to work for operators that fly to more places or over longer distances at a time. Being able to handle a wider array of situations, aircraft, and geographic locations gives ferry pilots an edge over pilots used only to the same part of the country.

Survey Flying

Still other pilots choose to fly for aerial survey companies. These companies are enlisted to fly regular patterns over specified areas to take pictures, scout land, or check areas for damage. Some pilots patrol pipelines for damage as well.

Survey pilots often work side-by-side with photographers or IT specialists who operate imaging or mapping equipment on behalf of the client company. This provides pilots with the experience of operating a specific mission with certain parameters and constant distractions. This requires the pilot to divide their attention between flying the airplane and completing their task in a way that is both efficient and safe.

Though pilots, of course, train in division of attention throughout their training, flying survey provides a real-world way of dividing attention that cannot be simulated in a training environment.

There are plenty of ways pilots can build experience toward becoming professional aviators. Each job has strengths that will help pilots grow towards their long-term career goals, whether they be airline flying, corporate aviation, or contract work.

There is no one specific way to become a professional pilot—and it’s possible to be successful no matter which route is taken.

The post Best Jobs for New Pilots appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Considering how many variables are present in the aviation industry, the market for consultants is significant. An aviation consultant can cover anything from marketing and public relations to crew training, aircraft and airline certification, and updates to standard operating procedures.

What Makes a Good Consultant?

Consultants tend to be experienced professionals with years or decades of experience in the aviation field. A significant amount of experience is often required.

Most aviation consultants have a degree in aviation management, aerospace engineering, or an equivalent. These degrees tend to come from a two- or four-year university focused on aviation or a school with a reputable program.

Other consultants have spent years in aviation across a variety of roles and companies. A safety consultant may have started as a flight instructor, become an airline pilot, and worked in a training department before beginning their consulting career. Others might have come from the military, worked in a mechanic shop, or served as an apprentice under aviation management personnel.

• READ MORE: University of Central Missouri Offers Multiple Aviation Career Destinations

Ultimately, the value of experience is evident in a sound understanding of aviation policies, procedures, and regulations. The best consultant knows how to take theoretical knowledge and apply it to practical situations presented by a client. This may take the form of not only a great volume of knowledge and experience but also great variety.

A client might not want someone who has done the same job for the past 40 years but rather someone who has taken the time to intimately understand a variety of factors and facets of the same subject. Spending significant time as a flight instructor in addition to an airline pilot, for example, can help a consultant make a stronger case for their expertise in managing flight operations.

How to Become an Aviation Consultant

For many concentrations, becoming an aviation consultant can be relatively quite easy: When you have built up the experience to be an in-demand consultant, simply begin offering your services to those who need them.

Building a reputation takes time, of course, but there may be no special certification to complete on top of what you already have. If you already have the certifications for the consultant field you’d like, you have the experience you need to get started.

Some types of aviation consultants do require higher certification from the FAA. For example, consultants to Part 121 Air Carrier applicants must have additional certifications before they can offer their services to a company applying to be an air carrier.

Such additional certification is required due to the intricacies and complexities of filling out an application to be a Part 121 Air Carrier. Thus, the people who assist new companies with the process must be specially trained in their field.

• READ MORE: The Best Jobs for Pilots After Retirement

Aviation Consultant Salary

On average, aviation consultants make about $80,000 from consulting and $140,000 in total pay from all income sources. There is significant room for advancement in the field, especially as new consultants gain more experience in the field and make way for additional new entrants.

Some companies hire consultants for their aviation sectors, but many aviation consultants are freelance contractors, meaning they have the power to set their own rates to what they consider to be fair.

Why Become a Consultant?

Aviation consultants are a valuable part of the aviation industry. They can help companies into new stages, through crises, or with day-to-day operations.

Though often not required to have additional certifications, consultants are often highly specialized, well-trained, and experienced professionals with the necessary expertise to help companies and clients through any situation that may present itself.

Being a consultant is a great way to continue learning. Guiding others through unique challenges helps consultants learn from a wider variety of situations and people. This lets them apply their knowledge to more scenarios than they might in their regular jobs.

Consulting is a versatile and challenging profession, but it can be incredibly rewarding to see your knowledge and expertise put into practice across the industry every day.

The post What Is an Aviation Consultant? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Becoming an AMT can lead to a lucrative and rewarding career. However, there are some important skills that prospective AMTs need to possess.

A Willingness to Learn

There is a steep learning curve for new AMTs. Not only do they need to complete their academic training, but there is also extensive on-the-job training. Learning and development is also a career-long process, with AMTs being required to stay up to date on new directives, procedures, and practices.

Teachability and adaptability are therefore valued traits in the world of aviation maintenance. Prospective AMTs need to be willing and able to absorb new information and apply their newfound knowledge and skills in a practical environment.

Attention to Detail

Pilots, crewmembers, and passengers rely on the hard work of AMTs for aircraft safety and reliability. With such important responsibilities, AMTs must have strong attention to detail when conducting their work.

Small mistakes can have serious consequences when it comes to aircraft maintenance. With larger aircraft now having millions of parts, the work of AMTs is often complex and detail oriented.

Flexibility

The work environment of an AMT can be dynamic and challenging. While AMTs often perform routine scheduled maintenance, the nature of the work also means that they are called upon when things go wrong.

Whether an aircraft is grounded due to an unexpected maintenance issue, or a new problem is discovered during a routine process, AMTs must have the ability to adapt to changing situations.

Many AMTs will work in a 24/7 environment, especially if they work for an airline. Companies will often perform maintenance at night when many of their aircraft are not flying. Prospective AMTs need to be prepared to work shifts around the clock and on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to Work Independently and on a Team

Although AMTs can work in different types of environments and workplaces, they typically work as part of a larger operation. Large airlines or maintenance providers, for example, could have dozens or even hundreds of AMTs working in a facility at any given time.

AMTs can work on all parts of an aircraft, ranging from the engines to the pilot seats. Given the wide range of potential tasks, AMTs have to be able to work well on their own and as part of a larger team.

Strong Communication 

Effective communication is important in most workplaces, but it is particularly crucial when safety is involved.

Not only do AMTs have to communicate with their maintenance colleagues, but they often have to work closely with pilots, crewmembers, supervisors, and other professionals within their company. Having the ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, is a major asset for an AMT.

Technical Skills

The work of an AMT is inherently technical and requires extensive knowledge and training. Many of the technical skills needed to be an AMT are obtained through formal training.

However, there are also valuable skills that can be developed outside of the field of aviation maintenance. For example, strong math abilities or a good grasp on diagrams and patterns can greatly benefit a prospective AMT.

Physical Skills

Being an AMT is a physical job that requires a certain level of stamina and dexterity. AMTs may have to stand for long periods of time, work in confined spaces or awkward positions, and operate a variety of tools and equipment.

While many of these skills can be developed through training and experience, it can help a prospective AMT to be in good physical shape and have a general understanding of how to use tools and power tools.

Do You Have What It Takes to Be an AMT?

Being an AMT requires a certain set of skills, abilities, and knowledge. While many of these can be obtained with training and experience, others require personal development and growth.

The post What Skills Do You Need to Become an Aviation Maintenance Technician? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Several of my classmates went on to fly military aircraft while I ran around on the ground as a Marine Corps officer. Most of us are now out of the military. Even so, since getting my Part 107 certification, I have joked with several of them that flying my drone is just as sexy as flying fighter jets.

While drones may not become the aircraft featured in the next installation of the Top Gun franchise, they continue to grow in importance. The drone industry is growing every year, and signs point to the trend continuing through at least 2050.

Pilots of crewed aircraft (Part 61 license-holders) will find passing the Part 107 certification exam much easier than the general public. That’s because fixed-wing pilots will already know roughly 75 percent of the material from previous FAA exams and experience. The remaining 25 percent is specific to drones.

There are three key reasons you should consider obtaining a Part 107 if you are already flying:

• There are several benefits to having a Part 107.
• You already know 75 percent of the exam material.
• The process for getting a drone pilot license is easy.

Top Benefits of Commercial Drone Pilot Certification

As a crewed aircraft pilot, you’re clearly committed to a career in aviation. Drone technology is proving invaluable across a growing number of industries, and in many cases their uses relate to work already carried out by private and commercial pilots. 

Adding a Part 107 certification can be advantageous to you on several levels.

Expanded Career Opportunities

Obtaining a Part 107 certification opens up a wide range of career opportunities.

For example, drones are becoming indispensable in real estate, agriculture, construction, and first responder operations. As a certified drone operator, you can provide aerial photography, surveying, and inspection services, all of which are in high demand.

Becoming a certified remote pilot allows you to work as a freelance drone operator or consultant offering specialized services that can diversify your professional portfolio beyond traditional piloting roles.

Enhanced Skill Set

Adding a Part 107 certification to your credentials enhances your skill set, making you more adaptable as a pilot.

Drones use advanced technologies, including sophisticated navigation systems, sensors, and data collection tools. By mastering these technologies, you can increase your technical expertise in ways that improve your proficiency at your primary job. 

These dual capabilities demonstrate that you are at the forefront of technological advancements in aviation, ensuring you remain relevant and competitive.

Overhead Reduction

Drones can offer significant cost savings when compared to traditional aircraft. By eliminating or reducing the fuel and maintenance expenses of crewed flights, you’re able to perform tasks such as aerial surveys, inspections, and photography much more economically. 

This cost-saving potential, in turn, makes you more attractive to employers and clients looking for efficient ways to complete projects.

Increased Regulatory Knowledge

Holding both a crewed aircraft pilot’s license and the Part 107 drone certification demonstrates an in-depth understanding of aviation regulations and safety protocols.

 It highlights your commitment to upholding FAA regulations, helping you build credibility with clients and employers while preventing you from making costly mistakes.

Competitive Advantage

Dual certification gives you an edge in the job market.

Employers and clients value pilots with diverse experience in both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Adding a Part 107 to your other certifications showcases your dedication to professional development. 

By obtaining a Part 107 certification, crewed aircraft pilots can significantly enhance their career prospects, skill set, cost efficiency, regulatory knowledge, and market competitiveness, making it a valuable addition to their professional credentials.

Part 107 Exam Key Topics

The FAA Part 107 exam covers a comprehensive range of subject matter designed to ensure commercial drone pilots have the necessary knowledge to safely and legally operate UAVs. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, with a score of 70 percent (at least 42 correct answers) or higher required to pass.

Regulations

Questions related to regulations make up 15-25 percent of the exam. This section includes operational rules under Part 107, the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a remote pilot certificate, and the process for applying for waivers for specific regulations. 

Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements

This is a topic that crewed aircraft pilots will find easy to understand. For these questions, you will identify the various airspace classes (Class A, B, C, D, E, and G), restricted and prohibited areas, temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), and the process for obtaining airspace authorizations. This section also accounts for 15-25 percent of the questions.

Weather

Weather-related questions account for 11-16 percent of the exam. You will need to demonstrate your understanding of how various weather conditions, such as wind, visibility, and temperature, affect commercial drone operations. Familiar sources for official weather information (METARs and TAFs) are also covered in this section. 

Loading and Performance

Loading and performance, focusing on how weight and balance affect drone performance and assessing performance data under various conditions, comprise 7-11 percent.

Operations

The remaining 35-45 percent covers operations. Questions in this section include emergency procedures, crew resource management, knowledge of radio communication procedures, and airport operations, including runways, taxiways, and avoiding crewed aircraft. Operations questions also address physiological factors affecting pilot performance, such as health and medication, as well as maintenance and inspection procedures. Finally, it includes rules and safety procedures for night operations.

Overall, the Part 107 exam ensures that remote pilots are well-prepared to safely and effectively integrate small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) operations into the national air space by covering a broad range of crucial topics. 

Steps to Obtain FAA Part 107 Drone License Certification

The process involves several easy steps for crewed aircraft certification holders interested in obtaining a Part 107 certification. Each step is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of drone regulations and safe operating practices.

1. Understand Part 107 requirements.

The first step is to familiarize yourself with FAA Part 107 drone program governance, which regulates the commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Part 107 laws cover operational limitations, requirements for remote pilot certification, and rules for maintaining sUAS. 

2. Study for the Knowledge Test.

Although private pilot license (PPL) holders already have significant aviation knowledge, the Part 107 certification requires you to demonstrate an understanding of drone operations. Topics you may need to become more familiar with include weather effects on drones, drone maintenance, and emergency procedures when operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). 

Even if you’ve been flying for many years, it’s important to study the topics that are specific to drones. You will find many resources available to help prepare you for the exam, including the FAA’s study guide, online courses, books, and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 107 practice tests.

3. Schedule the test.

Next, schedule the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center. There are currently more than 800 testing centers in the U.S. The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. You need a score of at least 70 percent to pass.

4. Take the Part 107 exam.

On the test day, bring a government-issued photo ID. The testing center will provide everything else. After passing the test, you will receive a knowledge test report with a unique identification number.

5. Complete FAA Form 8710-13.

With the knowledge test report in hand, complete FAA Form 8710-13, available on the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. This form is an application for a remote pilot certificate with an small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) rating.

6. Pass the TSA Background Check.

Once the application is submitted, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducts a security background check. This step is usually pretty straightforward for PPL holders as you have already passed similar checks.

7. Receive Your Certificate.

Upon successful completion of the background check, you will receive a temporary remote pilot certificate, allowing you to start operating drones commercially. The permanent certificate arrives by mail and can take up to several months if the FAA is backed up.

8. Maintain Your Part 107

To maintain your Part 107 certification, you must complete recurrent training every 24 months to ensure your knowledge stays current with the latest regulations and safety practices. The training and test are both free and online.

One of the Simplest Aerial Maneuvers You Can Make

If you’ve been on the fence about getting your drone license, hopefully this article has made your decision-making process easier.

By following these steps, private pilots can add the Part 107 certification to their credentials, enhancing their marketability and opening new professional opportunities in the growing field of drone operations. 

As a private pilot your experience and knowledge of FAA regulations makes you well suited to become a commercial drone pilot. Unlock the many benefits of the Part 107 by signing up for an online or in-person course today or by reviewing the FAA study guide on your own. 

FAQ

How much does it cost to get a Part 107 drone license?

It costs $175 to take the exam, but optional study materials and training courses typically cost anywhere from $99 to $350 depending on the provider. Research offerings from reputable schools such as The Pilot Institute, Sporty’s, and Altitude University for detailed prices.

Can a private pilot fly commercial drones without a Part 107?

No. Even with a pilot certificate issued under Part 61, the FAA requires you to have a Part 107 to fly drones commercially.

How does Part 107 certification impact pilot insurance?

Typically the insurance you carry on crewed aircraft will not cover you for commercial drone operations. You will need to get additional insurance. Commercial drone insurance is very affordable.

What kind of training is available for pilots to prepare for the Part 107 exam?

Pilots will find there are excellent online courses, books, and other materials through trusted providers such as Sporty’s, and study aids on YouTube.

The post How Crewed Plane Pilots Can Get a Part 107 appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Instead of flying large planes to big airports with hundreds of people on board, these pilots are tasked with transporting individual customers to specific destinations.

Many of the most important items for becoming a commercial pilot still hold true, but there are additional things to consider when starting a career as a charter pilot.

Types of Charter Pilots

There are a number of different ways to become a charter pilot.

Among the most common is to operate for a charter company—commercial operators that sell seats or a certain amount of flight time per year on private jets. These firms then hire pilots to operate their aircraft.

• READ MORE: How to Become a Military Pilot

Many charter companies, especially well-known operators such as NetJets or Flexjet, require just as much flight experience as large commercial airlines. Building time as a flight instructor or pipeline patrol pilot, and maybe even flying for a regional airline, is just as important for these companies as it is for career airline pilots.

The range of passengers on a commercial operator like this may be quite substantial. Some may be one-off passengers who need a pilot and plane for one flight or a defined trip. However, pilots can also fly regular customers who have purchased a fractional share of an aircraft for long-term use.

Some charter pilots work for hybrid companies that regularly fly for only one client. These companies, however, sometimes find it practical to charter out their aircraft if it’s not being used for an extended period. These operations give pilots the stability of flying one single airplane, or a small number of the same type, for a familiar customer with the diversity of a charter operation. 

• READ MORE: Pilots’ Favorite and Least Favorite Airports

Still other charter pilots work as full-time contract pilots. These pilots don’t work for a specific operator but instead sell their own time on a day-to-day basis to private aircraft owners or operators who need a pilot for one defined mission.

This may often arise in cases where a regular company pilot is out sick or just left for another position, leaving a temporary vacancy that must be filled. However, sometimes opportunities also lead to long-term partnerships that offer consistent work for a small group of clients.

How to Succeed as a Charter Pilot

Charter companies look at things beyond just total flight time when hiring pilots.

Though, as with the big companies, a certain amount of total time and turbine time is important, charter pilots also need to be cognizant of how much they advertise the amount of time they have in different aircraft types.

Charter pilots often specialize in a small number of aircraft types, often defined roughly by families like the Cessna Citation series. Having more time in a certain type of aircraft allows a pilot, especially a contract pilot, to market themselves to people and companies that operate that specific type of airplane.

Upon reaching a specified amount of total time, pilots often fly for a charter company to build their total time in a certain type of aircraft, thereby making it easier to take other jobs flying that aircraft or other similar ones.

• READ MORE: Private to Professional Pilot: The Value of Volunteering

This does not make it impossible to move from one type to another. Building connections is critically important in charter aviation, and many pilots get new jobs simply because of who they know.

Meeting new people, attending job fairs, and even just hanging around a local airport can be highly beneficial to charter pilots looking to change jobs or move to a new operator.

Charter flying is an incredibly rewarding career path. It allows pilots to fly to an incredibly wide range of airports, fly a range of aircraft, and meet various people.

The path to success is convoluted at times, but building the right experience and making the right connections will do wonders for launching a career into the flight levels.

The post How to Become a Charter Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Thrive Aviation Mission Statement

“Our company works to provide proactive services and personalized sophistication to every moment of our guests’ flight experience. The excellence of our work ensures that each customer receives more of what’s needed before they need it. More accessibility. Less interference. A reduction of risk and expansion of comfort. We ensure all elements of excellence.”

Thrive Aviation in the News

Thrive Aviation Expands Fleet With Munday Aviation’s Factory-Delivered Praetor 500
Thrive Aviation proudly announces the addition of the Praetor 500 to its managed charter fleet under aircraft owner Munday Aviation. 

Thrive Aviation Joins Southwest’s Pilot Pathways Program
The private aviation firm will give potential pilots a direct pathway to the right seat at Southwest Airlines.

Thrive Aviation Openings on FindaPilot.com

• First Officer in Henderson, NV
• Captain of Challenger 604 in Henderson, NV
• Captain of Cessna 680 (Sovereign+) in Henderson, NV
• Captain – Dassault 2000 (EXEASy) – Las Vegas, NV

More Thrive Aviation Resources:

• Career site 
• LinkedIn 
• Facebook 
• Instagram

More Help from FindaPilot.com

• Latest pilot job openings 
• Pilot directory 
• Sign-up page

The post Employer Profile: Thrive Aviation appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

In 2024, Metro Aviation added fixed-wing aircraft to its fleet with the creation of Metro Gulf. Metro Aviation operates three MRO facilities in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Lafayette, Louisiana, and its headquarters in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Metro Aviation Mission Statement

“To provide the safest and highest quality aircraft operations, completions, and maintenance so that our customers can safely and effectively accomplish their mission profile, our employees can exercise their talents and maximize their potential, and the company can ensure its financial stability.”

Metro Aviation Openings on FindaPilot.com

• Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot in Marysville, OH
• Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot in Quitman, TX
• Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot in Pomeroy, OH
• Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot in Lake Charles, LA

More Metro Aviation Resources:

• Career site 
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter (X)
• Instagram

More Help from FindaPilot.com

• Latest pilot job openings 
• Pilot directory 
• Sign-up page

The post Employer Profile: Metro Aviation appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Although it is easy to assume that being a pilot means working for an airline, corporate aviation also offers exciting careers for aviators. Corporate pilots have unique opportunities when it comes to their lifestyle, workplace, and travel destinations. Here is what you need to know about becoming a corporate pilot.

What Does a Corporate Pilot Do?

There are a few different types of employers that hire corporate pilots. Some nonaviation companies—such as Walmart and the Las Vegas Sands Corp.—have fleets of private jets. These companies hire pilots to fly their executives and employees for business purposes.

It is also possible to work for an individual or family that owns a private jet. Certain businesspeople, celebrities, and other individuals with significant wealth have their own aircraft and hire personal pilots to operate them.

Many corporate pilots work for charter companies that operate private aircraft. Individuals and companies who do not have their own aircraft but want to fly privately can hire these companies on an as-needed basis. Pilots working for these companies often have the opportunity to serve a variety of clients and fly to a diverse range of destinations. 

Corporate pilots fly many different types of aircraft, with the exact type depending on their employer. While some corporate pilots fly single-engine propeller aircraft, others fly heavy passenger aircraft in a business jet configuration.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Corporate Pilot? 

As is the case with any pilot career, the first step is obtaining a private pilot certificate.

This license will give you the basic skills to fly an airplane or helicopter and allow you to fly small aircraft recreationally. Minimum requirements for a private pilot certificate include being 17 years old and obtaining an FAA medical certificate.  

The next step is to earn a commercial pilot certificate. This is what gives you the ability to be paid as a pilot and allows you to start your aviation career.

Although you can land some corporate pilot jobs with only a commercial pilot certificate, employers will often require significant flight time before you are eligible—typically 1,500 hours. So you will need to build your hours before entering the corporate pilot world.

Luckily, there are many jobs available as a low-hour commercial pilot, including air tours, surveying, and instructing.

Some corporate pilot jobs will require you to have the top-tier pilot license, airline pilot transport certificate, or ATP certificate. Pilots must have a minimum of 1,500 flight hours to obtain this certification.

Each employer has its own requirements, but corporate first officer jobs will typically need 1,500 hours of flight time, a FAA first-class or second-class medical certificate, a valid passport and the legal authorization to work in the United States, and a Federal Communications Commission radio operator license. Captain jobs will require more flying experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a corporate pilot? 

The amount of time that it takes for you to complete your flight training depends on how often you fly. Once you have your commercial pilot certificate, you can hit the 1,500-hour threshold in as little as two years if you have a full-time flying job.

How much do corporate pilots make?

The salary of a corporate pilot can vary greatly depending on their work hours, aircraft type, geographic location, and employer. Given the current demand for pilots, salaries are fairly competitive with the airlines. New first officers can expect to make around $70,000 to $100,000 per year, while senior captains can have annual salaries of over $300,000.

How much does it cost to become a regional airline pilot?

If you are starting from no flying experience, getting a commercial pilot certificate in the United States will cost around $100,000. Once you have an entry-level pilot job, your costs will be offset by your pay, and your overall income and any debt will depend on your circumstances.

The post How to Become a Corporate Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.