Simviation Forums

Hello all.

I was wondering if anyone knows how a low time pilot such as myself can build hours. I hope to

As far as I know, without the commercial, you're somewhat limited as to what you can do to build time if you don't want to pay for it.  I wish I had a better answer...

To clarify, I wouldnt try to get a job till i have the commercial.

I'm too lazy to dig through the FAR/AIM.. but I seem to remember, when getting my commercial.. you needed 250 hours as PIC BEFORE you could get it

To clarify, I wouldnt try to get a job till i have the commercial.

If you're waiting to build hours until after you have the commercial, then flying skydivers is a great way to build time.  I know a number of high-time pilots that did that to build their hours.  That and flight instructing seem to be a common route to go.

Other than instruction, skydiving or banner-tow ops are tried-and-true methods. The banner-tow guys I know rack up a lot of time in a given day (because they are going very slowly). Somewhat dangerous, but it'll build hours. There's also patrol flights- pipe and power-line patrol, traffic patrol (they don't always use helicopters for that).

You might also consider branching out into gliding- most clubs offer a deal that leaves you with a low hourly rate, even after dues, etc. Getting the glider comm. and CFI is usually cheaper and quicker, as well (those two ratings will get you flying more often). That time counts, even if it's not a "real" airplane.

A major drawback to getting any fly for hire jobs, with less than a certain number of hours, is insurance.

The way we did it in flight school was to hook up with another "time-builder", and do the flights with one under the hood and the other acting as safety pilot.  We would do cross-country trips, with one acting as safety pilot one way, and then switching on the return trip.  By doing this, you gain instrument experience, plus getting to log the time spent as a safety pilot.  Then you can split the costs between you and your partner.

The only thing you can really do with just a private and instrument is fly skydivers for free or take your friends flying and try to get them to split the cost with you.  You can't legally do anyhting that you profit from and even after you have your commercial, you can't just fly people around and charge them without an operators certificate.  Be careful with that stuff

I have no intention of flying for profit until I have my commercial, I was mainly just wondering what sort of opportunities are out there once I have my commercial. Im not sure if I wanna go the flight instructor route. Which would require more ratings.

I had this idea (not sure if it's legal under the FAR):

Go to the local college or university and find the art/media department.  Post a flyer (or a bunch) saying that you will fly photographers or videographers around, so long as they split the payment of the aircraft with you.

[quote]I had this idea (not sure if it's legal under the FAR):

Go to the local college or university and find the art/media department.

[quote][quote]I had this idea (not sure if it's legal under the FAR):

Go to the local college or university and find the art/media department.

[quote][quote][quote]I had this idea (not sure if it's legal under the FAR):

Go to the local college or university and find the art/media department.

[quote][quote][quote][quote]I had this idea (not sure if it's legal under the FAR):

Go to the local college or university and find the art/media department.