Need extra income but can’t quit flying? Here are 10 pilot side jobs to earn more while staying in the cockpit, helping you pay bills and reach your financial goals.

Main Point

• Explore flight instruction, aerial photography and consulting to add to your income as a pilot.

• Use your aviation skills in drone piloting and contract flying for flexibility and fun.

• Consider the cost of side jobs and how they can help offset expenses related to your pilot career.

• Consider passive income through property rental or activities that connect you to the aviation community and create multiple income streams.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

One of the best side jobs for airline pilots is to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).

This role allows you to teach aspiring pilots both in the air and on the ground, share your knowledge and experience with student pilots, support aspiring pilots, and earn between $20 and $50 per hour.

Pilots need a CFI certificate which includes written and practical exams to become a CFI.

Teaching others keeps your skills sharp and gives you a sense of purpose. As an instructor you’ll add to your flight hours and get paid for ground school and knowledge tests.

Plus you’ll be guiding the next generation of pilots towards their dreams and making a real impact on the aviation community.

Flight schools and aviation job boards are always looking for experienced flight instructors. Whether you fly full time or part time there are opportunities to fit your schedule. Joining a flying club can also give you more networking opportunities and students.

Having solid private pilot aeronautical experience is essential, as it allows you to provide practical insights and real-world knowledge that enrich your students' learning.

Being a CFI rekindles your love of flying and helps others achieve their goals. It’s a win win for you and your student pilots.

Aerial Photography

If you enjoy photography and love capturing amazing landscapes from above, aerial photography could be the side hustle for you.

Pilots can work on real estate, construction and inspections. This side job is not only a creative outlet but can be very profitable, with some earning thousands of dollars for their work.

A strong portfolio is key to success in aerial photography. Do thorough pre-flight planning, including site assessments and risk analysis, to get the best shots.

Using editing tools such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro can greatly enhance the quality of your footage, making it look clean and professional.

Aerial photography is a combination of loving to fly and loving photography for many pilots. It’s a way to see the world from a different perspective and share that with others.

Working with aviation companies and real estate firms can also lead to long term partnerships and consistent work.

Capturing the city skyline or the rural landscape, aerial photography has endless possibilities. So get your camera out, get in the air and start building your portfolio today.

Aviation Consulting

Aviation consulting is another high paying side hustle that uses your experience and knowledge in the industry. As an aviation consultant you can earn between $50,000 to $150,000 per hour.

This role involves providing expert advice to airlines, aerospace manufacturers and flight schools on topics such as safety management, operations optimization and regulatory compliance.

A strong background in aviation, analytical skills and knowledge of industry regulations and trends are required to be a successful aviation consultant.

Leverage your industry connections and reach out to potential clients, networking is key in this field. Aviation job boards can also be a great resource for finding consulting work.

Project based work in consulting allows you to choose the assignments that fit your schedule and interests. This allows you to specialize in areas where you have the most skill and ideas, making the work both rewarding and fun.

By sharing your knowledge you can help aviation companies improve their operations and safety standards. It’s a great way to stay in the industry and get paid well.

Drone Pilot

Drone technology has opened up a new career path for pilots. As a drone pilot consider:

• You can earn $30 to $70 per hour, it’s a side job.

• A Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA is required to fly for commercial purposes.

• This is also called a Part 107 certificate.

Many pilots find drone flying is a natural extension of their flying skills. Whether you’re into aerial photography, inspections or even agricultural monitoring the opportunities are endless.

Having the right equipment including a good drone is key to success in this field.

The certification process is simple and can be completed in a few weeks so you can start projects quickly. This makes drone flying a side hustle for pilots looking to add another income stream.

It’s flexible and you can work on many interesting projects. It’s a great way to stay engaged with aviation and try out new technologies and applications.

Contract Piloting

Contract piloting is a great way to use your skills outside of an airline role. This side job involves flying private clients, cargo or bidding on niche contracts.

Contract pilots can be hired directly by clients, companies, or through agencies, depending on the needs of the job. If you want to increase your opportunities you might want to consider how to hire pilots for specific tasks. Earning potential varies greatly depending on the type of work and clients you fly for.

To get started in contract piloting consider the following:

• Do market research and create a business plan.

• Have access to an aircraft or lease one to take on contracts.

• Network and use aviation job boards to find opportunities and build a client base.

You can choose assignments that fit your schedule and interests.

Whether you’re flying a high profile client to a business meeting or transporting valuable cargo for a company you can sit back and enjoy the work which can be exciting and financially rewarding and give you great job satisfaction.

This side hustle allows you to keep your flying skills sharp while exploring new opportunities and expanding your network. It’s a dynamic and flexible way to increase your income as a pilot.

Aircraft Maintenance

If you know aircraft systems and mechanics, aircraft maintenance can be a nice side hustle. Aircraft maintenance technicians get paid between $20 to $50 per hour.

This involves doing routine checks, repairs and inspections to make sure the aircraft are safe and airworthy.

The FAA’s Aviation Mechanic certification is required to work in aircraft maintenance. This certification ensures you have the skills and knowledge to do maintenance tasks safely and efficiently.

Military experience or training can also be valuable for aircraft maintenance roles, as skills gained in military aviation settings are highly regarded.

Many pilots have extensive knowledge of aircraft so are well suited for maintenance roles.

This side job allows you to stay in the aviation industry and earn a good income. Plus it gives you a deeper understanding of the aircraft you fly, so you become a better engineer.

It’s flexible and can be done part time. It’s a way to use your skills and knowledge to earn extra income through second jobs.

Travel Blogging/Vlogging

Travel blogging and vlogging has become a side hustle for pilots due to their unique lifestyle and frequent travel.

Pilots have a natural advantage in this field as their experiences and perspectives are interesting to a wide audience. Creating content focused on airplane experiences can attract aviation enthusiasts and those interested in flying. Earnings can vary greatly depending on your audience size and content quality.

To be successful in travel content creation:

• Strong storytelling skills, creativity and a love of travel

• Finding a niche to stand out in a crowded field and attract a dedicated following

• Authenticity, as readers and viewers want relatable and real travel experiences. To achieve this you must work hard. Pilots are especially capable of sharing unique travel insights due to their professional background.

Ads, affiliate relationships and sponsorships can monetize your travel content. This side hustle not only pays you to document and share your adventures with a global audience but also to manage your expenses.

You can also keep an eye on the latest travel trends to enhance your content which can lead to paid opportunities.

Travel blogging and vlogging is a fun and creative outlet that can be very rewarding. It’s a great way to combine your love of flying and travel and build a personal brand and earn extra income. Sometimes, success in travel content creation also depends on being lucky, in addition to skill and effort.

Air Tours

Being an air tour airline pilot is another cool side job for pilots. With as little as 200 hours of flight time you can do this job.

You fly passengers over scenic areas and tell them stories about the places you fly to. Air tour pilots deal with tourists looking for an experience.

Being able to land safely in various conditions during air tours is essential, as it demonstrates your skill and ensures passenger safety.

This side job allows you to show off your flying skills while giving your passengers an experience of a lifetime. Some air tours are even conducted at night, providing valuable night flying experience that can help you build hours and meet certification requirements.

Whether you’re flying over coastlines, mountains or landmarks, every flight is an opportunity to share your passion for flying and flying. It’s one of the best ways pilots fly for both fun and income beyond the traditional airline role.

Air tours can be a profitable side hustle especially in touristy areas. It’s a great way to earn extra money while enjoying the world from above, including the sight of airplanes.

Many pilots even use gyro planes for low-altitude sightseeing, offering a unique and thrilling experience for passengers.

Plus, interacting with passengers and sharing your knowledge is super rewarding.

Become an air tour pilot if you love flying and meeting new people. It’s a fun and fulfilling way to increase your income while doing what you love.

Rent Out Property

Renting out property is a side hustle that can give you a steady stream of passive income, and rental income can help pay for ongoing expenses.

Whether you own rental properties, inherited property, or sold property and are thinking of paying to sell and investing in real estate, this house side job has many ways to earn more.

Understanding the rental laws and having good customer service skills are key to success in property rental.

Consulting with financial advisors can help you navigate the tax and income classification complexities. Whether you choose long term or short term rentals, each has its own pros and cons, and choosing the wrong one can mean you lose money or tenants.

Passive income from property rental allows you to earn money with minimal ongoing effort.

But the level of involvement can vary and self managing the property may classify the income as active. Keep in mind, you may need to spend significant time and money on property upkeep.

Understanding the tax treatment of rental income is crucial as there are deductions available for related expenses.

Renting out property can be a profitable side hustle that complements your pilot career. It gives you financial stability and flexibility so you can focus on your aviation career while earning extra income.

Part-Time Flight School Instructor

Being a part-time flight school instructor is a great way for pilots to share their knowledge and experience with student pilots. Being a professional pilot enhances your credibility as a part-time instructor. Here’s what it involves:

• Requires a Flight Instructor Certificate

• Requires a medical

• Flexible schedules

• As little as 10 hours a week

Many schools offer part-time instructor positions that include both ground and flight instruction, often focusing on private flight instruction. You’ll be expected to:

• Stay current as a pilot

• Follow specific training standards

• Have experience in flight training programs, such as Part 141 which is often a requirement for pilot training.

It lets you stay in the industry and earn extra money. It’s a way to help future pilots achieve their dreams and improve your own skills.

It’s flexible and you can make a real difference in the next generation of young pilots. It’s a fun and profitable side gig for any pilot.

Summary

In summary, there are many side jobs for pilots to make extra money and advance their careers. From being a certified flight instructor to renting out property, each side hustle has its own benefits.

These side jobs give you financial stability and keep you connected to the aviation industry and your passions.

Whether you want flexibility, creativity or to share your knowledge, there’s a side job for you. By trying these out you can diversify your income streams and make the most of being a pilot.

So go ahead and start trying these out today. Your financial future and career growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)?

To be a CFI you need to pass written and practical exams, have a commercial pilot license and meet the flight hours. Stay focused and you can do this!

How much can I earn as an aerial photographer?

You can make thousands of dollars as an aerial photographer if you have a strong portfolio and work on different projects. Focus on building your skills and show casing your best work to maximize your earning potential!

What are the requirements to become a drone pilot?

You can achieve your dream of becoming a drone pilot by obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA, also known as a Part 107 certificate, which qualifies you to fly drones safely and legally. Start your journey today and unlock exciting opportunities in the world of drone aviation!

How can I get started in contract piloting?

To get started in contract piloting focus on market research, create a solid business plan and explore aircraft leasing options. By building your network and using aviation job boards you’ll find opportunities.

What are the benefits of becoming a part-time flight school instructor?

Being a part-time flight school instructor not only allows you to share your passion for flying but also keeps your skills sharp and gives you extra income and flexible hours. It’s a great way to impact future pilots while having fun.