How to whore myself out?

[Way2Broke]

Here is a list of some proven practical ways to build your flight time.


Get Your MEI And Fly Right Seat
You can fly right seat and log it as instruction given.
Become An Instructor
One of the easiest ways and the quickest to build time is to become an instructor. That time is all loggable, and you will learn something at the same time.
Fly As A Safety Pilot
Many IFR students need to build time under the hood. Offer to be a safety pilot in turn for a little flight time. If you are an instructor, offer to fly that seat for free.
Find A Friend Who Owns An Airplane.
Don't abuse this friendship
Offer To Help With Annuals
A lot of the cost in an annual is the time it takes to open up the airplane. Offer to help with opening and closing the airplane in turn for some flight time. This builds friendships.
Go Through The Hangers To Find Out Who Is Not Flying
Many times you can go through hangers and find airplanes that don't fly, only to find out that the owner doesn't want to fly alone and has trouble finding others to go along. Offer to ride along. This may lead to some PIC time.
Tow Banners
Banner towing can be a lot of fun, and is a great way to build time.
Fly For A Radio Station
Many local radio and TV stations are in need of a pilot for traffic reports.
Networking
Throughout your life you will find out that people get jobs because of who they know. Build a good network of people who can help you in your career. Make friends and have a good time.
Flight Cost
Split flight cost with another instructor to build flight time.
Establish A Breakfast Trip
Once a week at your local airport, gather as many pilots with airplanes as you can and offer to ride along .
Work For Someone Who Owns An Airplane.
Buy Your Own Airplane
This can be cost effective if you are able to do the maintenance yourself.
Partnership
Buy an airplane with another person. If you are an instructor, fly with them, and you can log the time.
Buy All Your Time
Very costly!!
Practice Approaches
There are many IFR students who need safety pilots who will let you fly an approach or two for helping them out.
Find VFR Pilots
Find VFR pilots that own their own planes and offer to fly trips with them to show them what IFR flying is about.
Currency
IFR pilots need to keep current. Offer to fly with them to help keep them current.
Wash Airplanes
Trade washing an airplane for flight time.
Corporations
Many corporations fly single pilot operations. Ask if you can ride along. Who knows, later down the road they may offer you the job. An instructor I know received three part-time twin jobs time this way.


This is from the main page of flight info. I'd say that in some ways it advocates flying for free. While I do not agree with the practice I think alot of people forget how difficult it can be to build that first 100 hours or so of multi-engine flight time at Job Bob's airport. <I'm now putting on my flame suit>

 

[lawfly]

Flying an owner in owner's airplane is a Part 91 operation. Think corporate flight department. (Unless we are talking bona fide fractional; still Part 91, but subpart K). Flying a third party for compensation or hire (with the 3rd party providing said compensation or hire) is, at least prima facie, a 135 operation, and doing so under the guise of instruction could still subject one to a violation. The posts here have been concerned with carrier/entity issues. If an operation is a 135 operation--not only is a 135 operator certificate required, but the PIC (and, if required, SIC) must also have the required 135 training and endorsements properly recorded within the previous 6 months, 12 months, etc. This is often overlooked in these forum discussions. Most freelance commercial pilots in light pistons are not likely to have 6 month or 12 month 135 endorsements from a qualfied check airman, let alone a Part 135 operator certificate.
It has been a while since I worked a case in this area, but I do not recall "holding out" to be so pivotal. The inquiry was more on whether the flight was for compensation or hire, involving a non-owner third party, and whether it fell within one of the exceptions enumerated in Part 135. The case involved a single flight with a CFI flying someone someplace, for compensation, under the alleged cover of an instructional flight.
The original poster said he was going to approach local pilots. As a practical matter, I doubt it would work. The owners apparently don't know the poster, and the poster likely would not qualify under the insurance policies, anyway, at least not for complex/multiengine aircraft. And there is no evidence that the idea has any appeal to the owners, anyway. Who is paying for fuel, etc.? Most airplane owners I have known are looking, if at all, for people to contribute to the cost of the airplane, not (inexperienced, to boot) freeloaders. As for instructing, rather than the instructors here taking offense, it appears that the poster would be a detriment as an instructor, anyway. So, feel better that no student will have to endure him. As for myself, teaching instrument students was a productive endeavor many years ago.

 

[Tug Driver]

Look, this isn't some flame bait. I don't have any money left to fly after paying big dollars to CAPT's flight training and not landing a job. I don't have money to get my CFI. My loan payments are already near $1000 per month which I still have to figure out how to make on a monthly basis.

What's wrong with wanting to provide a free service in something I enjoy doing?

P.S. I'm no longer interested in pursuing aviation as a career.

go get a job at walmart and act like an adult. btw, this is flamebait based on your title. grow up and stop killing the industry

 

[A Squared]

It has been a while since I worked a case in this area, but I do not recall "holding out" to be so pivotal.

It's not. Somehow all sorts of meaning has been assigned to "holding out". Like you said, it's really of very little consequence, at least with smaller airplanes. If you're conducting carriage for hire, you need a 135 certificate. period. All "holding out" does is determine if it's common carriage of private carriage for hire, which doesn't change anything, You still need a 135 certificate for either common carriage, or private carriage for hire.

With larger aircraft, the "holding out" issue becomes more relevant as it may determine whether an operation may be conducted under a Part 125 certificate or needs a 121 certificate. There's a substantial differnce between operatiions under those parts, so the holding out issue becomes important.

 

[gkrangers]

bump..

great thread.

preparing for my commercial ride and searched "common carriage" to hopefully find a good thread about all of this stuff.

 

[Metro752]

Does anyone have any information or clarification on FARs regarding someone who is interested in whoring himself out as a pilot? Basically, I'm looking to fly on the weekends (out and backs) but I don't have any money to do so. My credentials:

Private ASEL, AMEL
Commercial ASEL, AMEL
Instrument
459TT/101ME

I was thinking of putting myself out there around the local airports to let people know that I'm willing to provide free pilot services. Would the FAA look at this type of flying as "compensation" even though I'm not looking to make a penny? If someone asks me to fly their airplane from point A to point B, would I fall under the "pro-rata share" regulation even though I'd be exercising my Commercial privileges but hire for free? It never occured to me to ask back in the training days if you can exercise your Commercial privileges but being compensated for free. I know this sounds ridiculous but I'm just looking for creative ways to go out flying for someone for free. Thanks for any responses.

prostitution is illegal in most places

 

[ruhroa]

sorry but i gotta say it ....with your attitude ..........please don't go away mad ,,,,,,,,,,,just go away ..... leave the flying to the ones who are willing to "pay" their way thru the ranks by working and scratching their way up the ladder.......................

 

[Flying Ninja]

Thanks, I gave up on aviation so you can sleep tight now.

 

[DJRobbioRobbio]

Does anyone have any information or clarification on FARs regarding someone who is interested in whoring himself out as a pilot? Basically, I'm looking to fly on the weekends (out and backs) but I don't have any money to do so. My credentials:

Private ASEL, AMEL
Commercial ASEL, AMEL
Instrument
459TT/101ME

I was thinking of putting myself out there around the local airports to let people know that I'm willing to provide free pilot services. Would the FAA look at this type of flying as "compensation" even though I'm not looking to make a penny? If someone asks me to fly their airplane from point A to point B, would I fall under the "pro-rata share" regulation even though I'd be exercising my Commercial privileges but hire for free? It never occured to me to ask back in the training days if you can exercise your Commercial privileges but being compensated for free. I know this sounds ridiculous but I'm just looking for creative ways to go out flying for someone for free. Thanks for any responses.

Umm from what I gathered with the FAR's, you can't advertise your services as a commercial pilot...However if somebody happens to 'know' you're a commerical pilot, and has some work, then that's perfectly legal

Remember, holding out is a bad thing

Now by telling people you're a commerical pilot by 'bragging' to them is a big overzealous, and you might look like a jackass...and some people might want to do this ----> :uzi: to you, however it is legal

 

[A Squared]

Umm from what I gathered with the FAR's, you can't advertise your services as a commercial pilot...

OK, Specifically which FAR did you gather this from?

 

[DJRobbioRobbio]

OK, Specifically which FAR did you gather this from?

Specifically the section on holding out. It depends on what you consider as advertising

FAR's are written in stone, but that one is merely a matter of speculation. Part 61.133 Section E subpart iii "Holding Out"

"...Is advertising whether through signs or ads or through agents and sales to the general public"


Again, it's a matter of speculation as to what your definition of advertising is.

 

[A Squared]

Specifically the section on holding out. It depends on what you consider as advertising

FAR's are written in stone, but that one is merely a matter of speculation. Part 61.133 Section E subpart iii "Holding Out"

"...Is advertising whether through signs or ads or through agents and sales to the general public"


Again, it's a matter of speculation as to what your definition of advertising is.

OK. I'm not sure if that was supposed to be a joke, or exactly what your purpose is, but I don't see those words in 61.133. Even if they were there, take a look at the title of that regulation. It is Private pilot privileges and limitations.

That obviously isn't relevant to commercial pilot privileges.

§ 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.
top
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft.

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if:

(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

(c) A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees.

(d) A private pilot may act as pilot in command of an aircraft used in a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization described in paragraph (d)(7) of this section, and for which the passengers make a donation to the organization, when the following requirements are met:

(1) The sponsor of the airlift notifies the FAA Flight Standards District Office with jurisdiction over the area concerned at least 7 days before the event and furnishes—

(i) A signed letter from the sponsor that shows the name of the sponsor, the purpose of the charitable event, the date and time of the event, and the location of the event; and

(ii) A photocopy of each pilot in command's pilot certificate, medical certificate, and logbook entries that show the pilot is current in accordance with §§61.56 and 61.57 of this part and has logged at least 200 hours of flight time.

(2) The flight is conducted from a public airport that is adequate for the aircraft to be used, or from another airport that has been approved by the FAA for the operation.

(3) No aerobatic or formation flights are conducted.

(4) Each aircraft used for the charitable event holds a standard airworthiness certificate.

(5) Each aircraft used for the charitable event is airworthy and complies with the applicable requirements of subpart E of part 91 of this chapter.

(6) Each flight for the charitable event is made during day VFR conditions.

(7) The charitable organization is an organization identified as such by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

(e) A private pilot may be reimbursed for aircraft operating expenses that are directly related to search and location operations, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees, and the operation is sanctioned and under the direction and control of:

(1) A local, State, or Federal agency; or

(2) An organization that conducts search and location operations.

(f) A private pilot who is an aircraft salesman and who has at least 200 hours of logged flight time may demonstrate an aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer.

(g) A private pilot who meets the requirements of §61.69 may act as a pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle.

[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61–110, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004]

 

[DJRobbioRobbio]

OK. I'm not sure if that was supposed to be a joke, or exactly what your purpose is, but I don't see those words in 61.133. Even if they were there, take a look at the title of that regulation. It is Private pilot privileges and limitations.

That obviously isn't relevant to commercial pilot privileges.

No I'm not joking. I'm looking in my 2005 FAR/AIM under 61.133 (pg. 100 in the ASA version). And it clearly says Commercial pilot privilages and limitations .

 

[flx757]

Ummmm...Robbio quoted 61.133 and A Squared quoted 61.113. I think this is where the discrepancy lies??

 

[DJRobbioRobbio]

Ummmm...Robbio quoted 61.133 and A Squared quoted 61.113. I think this is where the discrepancy lies??

I wasn't going to say anything b/c he has more time and experience than me. I'm just a pilot n00b

 

[nosehair]

Yeah, it's not in 61.133 either. Nothing about advertising.
2006 copy: 61.133(a)(1)&(2) Nothing. The rest of that reg deals with lighter-than-air category ratings.

FWIW, the "advertising" that is illegal is about "public transportation" in "public transportation" airplanes, which requires a 135/121 operations certificate. There's nothing wrong with advertising other "pilot services" such as ferrying, etc.

 

[DJRobbioRobbio]

Yeah, it's not in 61.133 either. Nothing about advertising.
2006 copy: 61.133(a)(1)&(2) Nothing. The rest of that reg deals with lighter-than-air category ratings.

FWIW, the "advertising" that is illegal is about "public transportation" in "public transportation" airplanes, which requires a 135/121 operations certificate. There's nothing wrong with advertising other "pilot services" such as ferrying, etc.

The FAR makes no mention of holding out, or common carriage, but it's one of those line items that you need to know exactly what is it for your commercial oral.

Odd indeed.

 

[Sailpilot]

For flights within a 25 mile radius for point of takeoff, you as a COMM pilot can advertise. No landings at any other airport other than the point of departure. 1998 was the time of "FLY-Naked Ariel Tours" in San Diego California. Great memories... from what I hear, not that I know anyhting about that. Piper Seneca with lay-down club seating, curtain behind pilot over the Sky-line.

Oh ya, they pay for the 2 hours even if it only lasted 3 minutes.

 

[A Squared]

I wasn't going to say anything b/c he has more time and experience than me. I'm just a pilot n00b

No reason not to speak up. Obviously I went a little dyslexic this morning, so point it out, and the discussion can go on.

Anyway, now that we're looking at the same regulation; as Nosehair pointed out, there is nothing at all like you say. I have to ask, ; you presented something like it was a quote, where did you get it? Did you just fabricate it and hope that nobody would check?

The FAR makes no mention of holding out, or common carriage, but it's one of those line items that you need to know exactly what is it for your commercial oral.

A "line item" that you need to know? What is a "line item"? Is that a code word for an invisible regulation, one you can't see, but you need to follow anyway?

The fact is that you *may* hold out to provide commercial pilot services. It is holding out for Air Transportation which is prohibited.

If someone told you couldn't advertise commercial pilot services, they told you wrong. read this thread, this has been thoroughly discussed. Notice that the last guy who claimed that "holding out" for pilot services was illegal could not point to one single source of any kind that supported his misconception. Until you can point ot something, anything official that prohibits advertising pilot services, you really have no argument.

Notice that 2 of the 3 official, FAA legal interpretations I posted make a clear and unambiguous distinction between “pilot services” and air transportation.

 

[DJRobbioRobbio]

No reason not to speak up. Obviously I went a little dyslexic this morning, so point it out, and the discussion can go on.

Anyway, now that we're looking at the same regulation; as Nosehair pointed out, there is nothing at all like you say. I have to ask, ; you presented something like it was a quote, where did you get it? Did you just fabricate it and hope that nobody would check?



A "line item" that you need to know? What is a "line item"? Is that a code word for an invisible regulation, one you can't see, but you need to follow anyway?

The fact is that you *may* hold out to provide commercial pilot services. It is holding out for Air Transportation which is prohibited.

If someone told you couldn't advertise commercial pilot services, they told you wrong. read this thread, this has been thoroughly discussed. Notice that the last guy who claimed that "holding out" for pilot services was illegal could not point to one single source of any kind that supported his misconception. Until you can point ot something, anything official that prohibits advertising pilot services, you really have no argument.

Notice that 2 of the 3 official, FAA legal interpretations I posted make a clear and unambiguous distinction between “pilot services” and air transportation.

I actually have a commercial study packet with all the information of what exactly holding out is, and common carriage, and private carriage If I had a scanner I'd be happy to show you it.