recommend a good side business?

[vandypilot]

i was just curious what some of the members do to keep busy and make some extra cash on side when they are not flying?

 

[wheelsup]

I do webdesign and print work (ads). To build my multi time I even made a site for a charter company to barter for some cabin class twin time.

I can make upwards of $1000 per day doing it, not bad for a (starving) CFI . I normally get 1-2 sites a month, and have a steady income stream of monthly payments for updates from current clients.

~wheelsup

 

[satpak77]

I do webdesign and print work (ads).

just curious, what software do you think is better from both a easy-to-learn standpoint and a looks-professional standpoint?

also, any "pre packaged" deals you like, such as Yahoo Site Builder, Interland, Network Solutions?

I am not exactly an MIT grad....

Dreamweaver?
FP 2003?
etc etc

 

[wheelsup]

just curious, what software do you think is better from both a easy-to-learn standpoint and a looks-professional standpoint?

also, any "pre packaged" deals you like, such as Yahoo Site Builder, Interland, Network Solutions?

I am not exactly an MIT grad....

Dreamweaver?
FP 2003?
etc etc

It depends on your background and expertise with computers, as well as your goal.

If you're trying to learn to make sites, I'd start with Frontpage (what I used to use), then move to Dreamweaver (what I currently use) once you've figured out the basics. With both programs you'll most likely need photo-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Fireworks to really make full-use of the programs. I'm a big fan of the Adobe software and that's what I use. Also you'll need access to a digital camera and stock image gallery due to copyright laws (you can't just use an image you find on the internet, its illegal, even if no copyright symbol exits on the actual image).

Do-It-Yourself web development packages are meant for those that have some time on their hands to mess around and don't mind the 'cookie-cutter' type of approach. It's extremely limiting in what it allows but gets the job done cheaply (atleast initially). Just like anything in life you get what you pay for. If you want to make a site and have no real background in web design or how the whole process works I'd go with it.


~wheelsup

 

[satpak77]

ok thanks

I have played around with Dreamweaver and it requires some definite patience. The "Windows feel" (well, it IS a Microsoft product) of FP is more appealing to me right now

thanks

 

[aeronautic1]

Prior to being a pilot...

I was a professional yacht captain. So, when not flying I teach navigation, docking lessons and preventative maintenance to boat owners, do evening charters and yacht deliveries. I make about $300 per day. Only difference between a yacht captain and ATP is one just goes lower and slower... all of the math is the same.

 

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Aeronautic,

Where were you based as a yacht captain? One of my buddies is the captain of a 94 foot Lazarra. Spent a weekend on it last summer. Could easily get used to that life. He's out of FLL but travels up the coast every summer as I'm sure many do.

Mr. I

 

[250 KIAS]

Only difference between a yacht captain and ATP is one just goes lower and slower... all of the math is the same.

Oh, you must be flying the citation.

 

[psysicx]

How does one become a yacht captain?I would imagine job stability isn't to good.

 

[aeronautic1]

Stability

I actually worked for over 30 years (Coast Guard @ 17) and never was out of work unless I wanted to be. Even today, I received a request to deliver a 58 Ocean SS from FLL to La Paz Mexico. Just like flying, it's not what you know, but who you know. And reputation is everything!

As far as the question about becoming a yacht captain. First you need to document 360 days of sea time to sit for an entry level license, or the OUPV (ne: six pack license). 720 days for a master's license. You can get that by either owning your own vessel or working as a mate. You can go to www.uscg.mil and look under licensing for requirements or go to www.seaschool.com for more information.

Today I am co-captain on a Galaxy (since last October) only because I am 48 and wanted to get a few years of international flying in before I get too old to medical and then go back to the ocean. I love both jobs.