Paying off the flying hours...

[Rocket_Bird]

Hello, I was just wondering if anyone would care to share how their techniques for paying off their flying hours?  Ive been doing some flying recently, im having a blast, but still, at the same time, worried financially.  Trying to find a mechanics job at the moment... but anyways, id like to hear from some of you who have pilot liscences.  Especially those who are commercial  

[Boss_BlueAngels]

Working at the FBO (20% off flying costs), paying in bulk (another 10% off) and Financial Aid. lol

[Nexus]

Not a CPL holder (but future), though I am getting my IR and night qualifications ATM.
I have a full time job and saving as much as I can, sometimes as much as 800 dollars/month. It wont take me all the way, but it's always better than nothing.  :(

Working as an instructor is  a popular choice aswell  :)

[Rocket_Bird]

Hey thats cool guys.  What does FBO stand for anyways?  20% off flying costs sounds pretty awesome  :o

[Craig.]

Fixed base operations i believe.

[Boss_BlueAngels]

Yeah, it's where you get your training/rental.  And yes, the 20% discount is AWESOME! lol  I took advantage of that getting some time in their helo.... oohhh, dang those things are awesome!  After I get my commercial and if I can save enough money... I may try to get the rotorcraft addon.  Then I could do everything in a helo that I can in a plane.  

[Rocket_Bird]

Ya, I was trying to get a job last week at my FBO (mechanic obviously)... havnt replied to my resume yet... im hoping to hear more news this week...  :(  Id really like to do the ole balance of money and flight hours thing

[Nexus]

My school has an R-22 (identical to the one in FS2004) and I'll refuse to ever sit in that tiny cockpit.  ;D
Price per hour for that one is a whooping

[Craig.]

thats a bit steep for a machine that i feel could kill you any time you set foot in it.

[Nexus]

I know some Helicopter boys which are one their way with their PPL studies, they said it would cost them around

[Rocket_Bird]

Ouch.

[Nexus]

Can't you like...join the local Italian Mafia? (assuming you live near Toronto)
It will spice up your life for sure and give you easy money  8)

[Rocket_Bird]

Ah the good ole Mafia  8)  They really need to post recruiting ads  8)

[beaky]

I've done the following in my time:
-Swept hangars
-Carpentry (just happened that the school was remodelling their offices,; I bid the project on a barter basis).
-Cleaning planes for same school
-Went without just about every luxury imaginable for almost two years
-Didn't pay other bills (didn't work out too well in the long run, but it helped at the time!)

Other than getting some sort of student or personal loan, I'd also suggest a flying club. It can be a boon, especially if there are members who are instructors... usually requires a lump of cash up front, but the hourly rates are lower than nearby FBOs.
BTW, FBO stands for : "Fixed Base Operator"...

[beefhole]

Rich parents

Since the thought of being a CFI makes me cringe (you just have to know too much information dude, I can't retain all that stuff), the USAF sounds good to me. But I guess once my parents cut me off I'll have to get one of these so-called "real" jobs.

The problem with me is that I'm extremely opposed to holding another full-time job that doesn't have to do with flying-that means either CFI or Air Force. That was an easy choice (and yes, i do WANT to go into the airforce)