low hour jobs

[tedmills]

I am a student pilot who will probably have my commercial license with about 250 hours by the beginning of the year. My student loan money will probably be exhausted by then . What are my most viable options for employment as a pilot at that point. Accumulating time is the most important thing to me, working abroad is something i would consider, but i only speak english.

By the way I am 46 years old.

 

[weekendwarrior]

The only thing I've seen people do with that kind of time is tow banners, gliders, etc. The only catch is you have to have at least 100 hours Tailwheel time. Buy some tailwheel time, or buy a cheap taildragger and build the hours then sell it. Other than that, I can't think of much unless you want to get your CFI. Even low time right seat freight jobs require 500 hours, and those are pretty rare.

 

[nosehair]

You're a student pilot now, amd you expect to have a commercial by the beginning of the year? What year? Na-aa, ain't gonna happen. Get used to it. And when you do get a commercial license, there are no jobs for brand-new licensed pilots. That doesn't happen either. Gotta get your CFI to get to at least 500 hours. Just givin' you the facts, man.

 

[Ralgha]

You're a student pilot now, amd you expect to have a commercial by the beginning of the year? What year? Na-aa, ain't gonna happen.

Bull, I've seen it happen. Not common, but quite possible (with a bit of weather luck).

 

[uwochris]

I got a job as an aerial photographer at 256 hours. Although I work in Canada, I am certain there are many such companies in the USA.

Other non-instructing jobs that low time pilots may get include:
- banner towing
- glider towing
- aerial advertising
- pipeline patrol
- traffic patrol
- customs border patrol
- F/O in a twin for charter/cargo company (if lucky).

It seems that cfi'ing is the most common route. I got the instructor rating, and 1 month after my flight test, I got the photo job.

Good luck.

 

[TOGA]

Try traffic watch. I got hired with about 360 hours, then flew 95 hours/month. The guy before me got in at 190 hours (something about a Canadian Commercial, I don't know). At 750 hours, I was sitting in the right seat of a Starship. Well, my butt was in the right seat . . . my brain was clinging to the static wicks! Good luck!

 

[nosehair]

Not common, but quite possible (with a bit of weather luck).

Therein, Mr. Ralgha, is the essence of my comment. Like, you might get lucky on a first date, but don't count on it.

 

[Vladimir Lenin]

CFI is the way to go, most traffic watch places now days want at least a 1000 (for insurance)
Banner tow is out of season in the middle of winter, and a lot of them are looking for serious tail wheel time
Photo flights are mid 500s too
Pipe line jobs are scarce

 

[navigator72]

Lowtime jobs

There are low time jobs available to you. Your big problem will be meeting insurance requirements. I got my first job flying jumpers at 300tt. Flew scenic tours for 3 summers and have now logged close to 2000tt. Once you get your commercial, get your name out there. It won't be easy but persistance pays off.
If you are one of the lucky who doesn't live in state where you have to have to suffer from freezing temps and icy windows for the next 5 months. Then head out to the different dropzones and introduce yourself. (make a jump too)

Goodluck

 

[Mosquito]

Low time job

I got very lucky with my job at my aerophoto company. They wanted 500tt and i got in with 330tt. The pay is way better then any instructoring job, and For the first 4 month on the job i log over 300hours. But the bad part is that you will get furloughed for the summer and then called back in the fall. I suggest get your CFI and look around, you never know.

Mosquito

PS I've gotten laid on the first date about 3 times. Just gotta know how to talk.