Meredith
What is the best way to gain flight hours if you are in college and not studying anything in aviation?
As a college student, away from home, and financially strained, what is the best way to gain flight hours during the school year? I think I might want to go into a career in aviation, but I only have my private pilot's license. How do I best prepare myself for a job as a pilot, when I am not enrolled in an aviation school?
Thanks!
#aviation #pilot #flight #college
4 answers
Andrei Levcovici
Andrei’s Answer
You mention that "think I might want to go into a career in aviation", so first, you need to figure out if you really want to be in aviation. Its great that you have a private pilot's license, but like any other skill, if you don't use it , you will start to loose it. In my opinion, a part time pilot, is a safety hazard.
I used to fly infrequently, and I noticed that I would play catch up if I did not fly for a few weeks. The radios would sound funny and reactions were not prompt and deliberate, and I felt like like the plane was ahead of me. At that point I decided to stick to maintenance and leave the flying to professionals.
You have to be honest with yourself and follow your dream. If you want to fly, than you need to be by an airport. If you want to cook, you will have to get in the kitchen.
Find your local flying schools and FBO's and let them know your interest and qualifications. Some schools may trade flight time for employment or at least give you a big discount on aircraft rentals. You need to keep current and you need to build flight time. Networking will get your name out and you may find someone who wants someone in the right seat. You may find an aircraft dealer that just needs aircraft re-positioned from one airport to another. There are mechanics that may need someone to test fly an aircraft or deliver it to a customer.
You will have to find those opportunities, but you are the only one that can do the legwork to find them. Good luck, follow your dreams!
Yuna Nam
Yuna’s Answer
there is flight crew training program in some air lines.
Try to find out in middle east air line.
You must pass the exam but once you get in, you could paid and training and flight time as well.
Good luck!!
Steve Brewton
Steve’s Answer
Meredith,
Hang out at a local FBO, get to know people. Network yourself, tell people what you are trying to do. Alot of times people will take you flying, help you that way. Look to join a volunteer effort. I was involved with Angel Flight in Florida. It required 2 pilots. You may not fly much, but you can get some time. Join the Civil Air Patrol.I met a guy that owned a jet, and a smaller plane. He flew me to NY in his Citation to fly his Trinidad back to West Palm Beach. Put your name on a message board at the airports explaining what you are trying to do. Go to the FBO see if you can trade work for flight time. Wash planes. I know several people that got there start in aviation just hanging around an airport.
Jesse Montes
Jesse’s Answer
The best way is to become a flight instructor. This is a great way to build flight hours and then also get paid. The hours could be flexible enough for you to do this while in school. It would primarily be based on the amount of time you have available.