5 Things To Know About Becoming A Contract Pilot

The aviation industry has been massively impacted in the last two years. So much so that traditional pilot jobs (when available) aren’t all that attractive. In fact, more and more qualified pilots are looking at the prospect of becoming contract pilots. Contract flying – also known as on-demand flying — has become increasingly more popular.

Contract pilots support the on-demand flying by operating aircraft, charter planes, helicopters, etc. on a per-job basis. As independent contractors, these pilots still receive many of the benefits corporate pilots do with greater flexibility. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering applying.

1. Understand your market and marketability

Demand for certain pilots and ratings will vary. Depending on your flight experience, you may be in high demand in the industry, or you may need to work a little bit harder to find your niche of clients. Either way, understanding your market and marketability will allow you to have a more successful experience.

2. Update your certification

Have you gone back to school recently for your recurrent flight training? If not, then you’re probably overdue. Most companies and clients who are hiring contract pilots will only want you onboard if you’re current and qualified. So, to make yourself ultra-marketable, you’ll need to have all your ducks in a row from a qualification’s perspective.

Unlike a major airline, they aren’t going to pay for your school or cover contract pilots that don’t have their most current training.

3. Get ready to enter the business world

When you brave the aviation world as an independent contract, you’re going to be responsible for the business side of your role as well. This includes training, taxes, healthcare, and anything else that an employer would take responsibility for. Look at contract flying as a business, stay organized, and hire an aviation attorney if need be!

4. Know your contract terms

When signing a contract, it’s essential that you understand its terms and the impact it will have on your life. For a contract pilot, factors like time off may not be what it appears. For example, your contract may read “56 days on, 20 days off.” This means that your days off would include the time you spend traveling home. If you must commute 2 to 3 days just to get home from the airline base, you’ll lose 6 of your 20 days doing so. This may not work for everyone, so consider if these factors would disqualify such a position for you.

5. Consider advertising

You now work for yourself. Unlike working for a big-name airline, you need to find your own jobs, and you do this by getting your name out there. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it all on your own.

CrewBlast allows individuals to get connected with companies and organizations in need of crew members in mere hours. Qualified crew members can register to receive a blast whenever help is needed near their home base. Visit here to learn more.