Business on the side

[s0ldier93]

After recently earning my PPL and planning a strategy to get my IFR rating, I talked to a very senior pilot about backups. He told me that the best thing to do in this profession is have a viable backup plan or business that will cover the bad times. Having been in aviation for 20+ years, his small business more than covered the furloughs.

My question now is: Do many pilots have backup job plans, or a business on the side? If so, what is it? And, how difficult is it to maintain while flying is good?

 

[furloughfodder]

What was your friends small business?

It is VERY important to have a backup plan in this line of work!

 

[s0ldier93]

He has a candle business. My understanding is that they are manufactued and shipped by a third party. I also understand that he does well with it. Profits are put aside for forlough times.

 

[captainv]

I know a corporate captain who sells catnip treats at ATL-area Eckerd's/Walgreens. it's taken a long time, but now he earns over $100k/year from it, plus $80/yr or so from flying.

 

[Jump Pilot]

Congratulations on the PPL. You are on your way.

Don't be a one trick pony. Get a degree if you don't have one already. Also consider learning a trade as well. Something that is portable geographically.

My wife and I each have our own business. She is a writer and I do consulting. As long as we have a laptop and a cell phone we can work.

Good luck.

 

[empenage]

I rebuilt houses for the last 18 years. I dont have to do it anymore but without the "side" business I would not have made it.

Ya have to have something on the side......wait...that came out wrong....

 

[s0ldier93]

captainv-

Seems I should look into catnip Sound intersting.


Jump Pilot-

I'm about to complete my degree in (get this) Professional Aeronautics with minors in Aviation Safety and Business Adminitration. I didn't know of the need differentiate between flight and educational paths. Hopefully the Safety Certificate and Management and be useful in other areas.

empenage-

Sounds like I should have a business and do fly for extra money on the side

I hear of these profitable side business ventures all the time. Knowing that it's almost manditory for a pilot to have another line of business is great. Especially since I have about a year of setup time before completing my ratings. Looks like I'll be brainstorming tonite.

 

[Jump Pilot]

At $23K per year, you have to do something.

Here is an idea for you. I don't know about where you live, but where I do people have gas lights in their front yards. In a two block area there are 20+ that are burned out or about to be. Guess who is putting a flyer out regarding gas light repair?

Find a need and fill it.

 

[urflyingme?!]

Do you think it's viable to have your backup job in aviation? Such as instructor? I was thinking of going into aerobatics on the side. Any input on what those kind of instructors make?

I know a guy who buys apartments and remodels them. He makes a lot of money off of it, or at least enough to make ends meet better. Thing is , it might be hard to buy property for rentals at 23k......

 

[s0ldier93]

If I were to use aviation as a backup, it would be something like aerial photography or sight seeing. But that not exactly feeing a need as much as it's filling a desire. Also, it doesn't seem that "allot" of business would be done.

 

[j328driver]

All good points made above. I'd make it something that you're interested in, good at, and that you like. If you do have to end up doing it as a backup - life would be more enjoyable.

 

[s0ldier93]

Interesting Developement

Well, I haven't even started flying for a living yet and I already need a backup for my aviation job.

I work as a technician on a Naval Air Station doing maintenance on the electronic test benches of to test aircraft electronics. Seems the Navy's manning has gone up and I'm no longer needed. Got my notice last week that March 30th will be my last day.

Luckily, I busted my butt in school last year and will be done with my degree next week. Talk about timing.

Anyone know of places looking for recent graduates with Professional Aeronautics Degrees and Safey and Management Minors?