Brand New Commercial Pilot

Justin0322

Justin0322

Well-Known Member
I am looking at changing careers and getting into aviation. I am on track to have my CSEL by the end of June - middle of July. I am curious what jobs are out there available with approximately 250TT (if any). I currently live in VA but am not opposed to relocating for the right opportunity.
As I am intending on making a career change the knowledge of what's out there will help me better prepare for the leap. It may seem to early to be looking however I would like to begin having conversations with potential employers now even if only to introduce myself and hear about the opportunities that may be out there for when I do complete my Commercial. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!
 
Thank you Finny.
I guess I should clarify a couple of things.
1. I am looking for actual job openings rather than possible job types.
2. I am supporting a family so building time to be able to qualify on to a family supporting position is the ultimate goal. Obviously the quicker that is achieved the more enticing the position.
I appreciate the idea none the less!
 
You're not going to be able to support a family on any wages a 250TT CSEL can make. I'm not sure you can yet support a family with a fresh ATP. Single, ya. Family... eh, idk.
 
z987K - Thanks for the words of caution.
I suppose the ability to support the family really depends on a lot of variables.
As a fresh out of the box 250TT CSEL, I would agree that you can't support a family hence the trying to "figure out what's out there currently to better prepare for the leap" from my original post. My current job is allowing me to support my family and put aside finances to help me bridge the gap between fresh out of the box and something more sustainable. Having a solid idea of the current job market will confirm whether I'm in a situation to make the leap now or if additional time to prepare is required.
 
Yeah, very limited other than what Finny posted.

Diver Driver or Survey being your other choices. Survey will keep you on the road 7+ months, not sure the family would like that.
 
Check out Part 119.1 of the FAR AIM. Those are the types of jobs you qualify for .... also right seat 91K (fractional), or if you happen to know someone that owns a plane and would hire you as a pilot under Part 91 as well as pay the insurance premium to fly it.

Given the situation you posted, CFI would be the most practical. As others have said, CFIs are in high demand right now. So, the ability to work locally may be advantageous and/or side gig while still working your primary job. You can also network your way into the above jobs mentioned. You will get a lot of street credit with CFI in the professional world - some give preferences to new hires with CFI. Good luck to you and your family.
 
@Justin0322 I have over 600 hours. More than half of that multi. 12.5 of it turbin PIC.

EVERYONE I talk to about jobs asks, "Do you have your CFI?"

Stop asking for advice and then giving every excuse under the sun as to why it wont work. Your asking because you don't know the answer. Just listen. May not be what you want to hear, and not at all what you are looking for. Just find a way to tough it out and get it done.

What you are looking for is exactly how I approached my career and I got into two great positions, but ultimately wish I had the CFI. The opportunities I worked hard to get were limited compared to the opportunities I could have had with a CFI in my pocket. Like working for two brothers as a personal instructor pilot on an SR22 introduced by the regional sales director himself, who has numerous other clients with deposits on the SF50.

Listen to the experience on the forum. Its what you came here for.
 
Justin0322 said:
I am looking at changing careers and getting into aviation. I am on track to have my CSEL by the end of June - middle of July. I am curious what jobs are out there available with approximately 250TT (if any). I currently live in VA but am not opposed to relocating for the right opportunity.
As I am intending on making a career change the knowledge of what's out there will help me better prepare for the leap. It may seem to early to be looking however I would like to begin having conversations with potential employers now even if only to introduce myself and hear about the opportunities that may be out there for when I do complete my Commercial. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
If you're under 36... Stop all activity. Turn around. Proceed directly to the ATC hiring office.
 
Pretty sure Boutique still wants 500+ hours. Gonna be practically impossible to get a job with a wet commercial...especially something to financially support a family.

I tried as hard as I could to not become a CFI and find alternative routes but nobody would call me with 250 hours and a college degree...

Get the CFI. So many salary positions and almost everyone is hiring...anywhere you want to instruct. It made me so much better of a pilot. I thought I'd get in and out ASAP but the hours are good instructing, pay is okay, and before you know it you'll have time for a regional or 135...whichever route you choose.
 
I did the no cfi route. I built all my time flying in Western Alaska. I made close to $50k as a 250 hour pilot out there. That being said my story is kind of rare, but does happen.
 
Yeah I forgot about Alaska...

Had a colleague go to Ryan Air in Alaska with a wet commercial 2 years ago...Maybe try looking them up
 
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