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.

 

[bobbysamd]

Pilot side jobs

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?

We had MAPD students who were substitute teachers. The quals are surprisingly low; not one had a state teaching credential and possibly not their four-year degrees.

We had one poster long ago who was an L.P.N. before he started flying. I don't recall all the details, but he apparently was an agency nurse or something who could take assignments on his days off.

There are those who sell real estate and start up businesses. Of course, the ultimate pilot side business would have to be United's Kit Darby's Air, Inc.! With the ton of money he makes off Air, Inc., why would he need a flying job.

Hope that helps a little.

 

[I.P. Freley]

Of course, the ultimate pilot side business would have to be United's Kit Darby's Air, Inc.! With the ton of money he makes off Air, Inc., why would he need a flying job.

Why... To pay for his girlfriend's car, of course. After she was furloughed, ya know.

 

[qmaster3]

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

Once you've been to sea, you'll always have a job.



Psysicx, you have a lot of ?? You could be a Harbor pilot. They make a lot more than airline pilots, but you couldn't be in it for the $$.

 

[slowto250]

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?

Most of today's pilots could profit substantially from hanging around bathrooms in Key West.
In doing so, they could also raise their level of self respect.

Have you looked at the average driver's W-2 lately ?

 

[Username_here]

When I'm not flying, or reading on this addicting site I throw boxes for DHL. Those uppity FedEx basta ds wouldn't hire me. Works out nice cause it's night and 2nd and 3rd shifts when normal people sleep.

 

[bobbysamd]

Good choice

When I'm not flying, or reading on this addicting site I throw boxes for DHL. Those uppity FedEx basta ds wouldn't hire me. Works out nice cause it's night and 2nd and 3rd shifts when normal people sleep.

. . . and, who knows? Your job could put you in contact with people who could help you get a flying job with DHL.

 

[Beertini]

Those uppity FedEx basta ds wouldn't hire me.

Username-

You will have to forgive me for visualizing....
*
*
SCENE: Interview room. Applicant speaking with HR department...

USERNAME: Are you uppisty FedEx basta?!s going to give me a job, or what?

FEDEX HR GUY: Ummm, have you tried DHL?

*
*

Just kidding!

Beertini

 

[AcroChik]

I trade biotech stocks for my own account...

...not someting I recommend for casual investors...

and do editorial work for a financial markets research and analysis providor that sells their product to hedge funds and private investors.

The income allows me to supplement my CFI diet of ramen with the occassional slice of pizza.

 

[AcroChik]

Continuation Of Post, Above

Not sure how I messed up and didn't post the entire thing..., the rest goes like this:

I got my job, which is, essentially, assisting in the researching and writing of analytic reports in the investment field, via the internet. Though the woman who owns the business is just across the Hudson in New Jersey, we've never met.

Because I can do it from home in otherwise free time, it fits easly with my instructing schedule and is a valuable supplement to my rather slender CFI income.

There are a lot of highly skilled pilots and other aviation professionals who post on this forum. I'm sure there are professional newsletters and other sorts of publications that need editorial, fact-checking, technical and writing work done to make their products better, more accurate, more competitive, etc.

For people who enjoy tracking down facts and writing about what interests them, this could be a pretty good income opportunity.

I got the job by emailing to the publisher a very short cover letter, sample of my work and a resume (all as non-executable files - which are often deleted). It was that simple. If I can do it, you can do it.