Employment over 40

[hawk6751]

I'm 40 and just got my PPL. I'm interested in pursuing part-time employment as a pilot. Other than instructing, are there any experiences anyone has tried?

[sideslip]

Hawk: There are several ways to work as a pilot. Of course all ways that make you money require at least a commercial ticket. Some of the part time jobs I've seen people do include Banner towing, Glider towing, taking up parachuters and giving scenic rides. Other things are available too, such as ferrying planes for other people. With the current demand for pilots it doesn't take as much experience as it did a few years ago to be considered for these jobs.

Also at 40 it is not too late to get your CFI. I think there is a market for older CFI's. I started working on my PPL at age 53 and felt much more comfortable with my CFI in his late 40's than with one that was 21.
Just a personal preference, but one that I think may be shared with other older students.

Good Luck.

[djschaut]

sideslip,
Yes, I enjoyed very much my CFI--he had about 14,000 hours--all general aviation--and had to be around 50 years old. I though it was great when he's just nod off on a cross-country and let me fly the plane. I had younger instructors, too, who didn't elicit as much confidence as the older guy. He'd seen everything.
Are there corporate pilot jobs for the mature pilot (over 40)? I didn't know the job market was that good. Is it supposed to improve more?

------------------
DJSchaut

[sideslip]

DJ: My impression is the job market is very good and continuing to grow. I know one pilot at a neighboring airport that retired from a regular job and wanted to do some charter work for the FBO. Last time I talked with him he was flying almost fulltime.

My next door neighbor is an airline pilot and he tells me that the airlines are doing alot of hiring. So much that many of their new hires have just over the minimums required by the FAR's.

Sounds to me like it is a good time for anyone who wants to pursue piloting jobs.

I think if I was in my 30's or 40's I might consider it. Being 55, I don't want to interupt my fun by making it into a job.

[Tom McGehee]

We have heard that AOPA has a listing of "charitable-type" organizations that hire
pilots for various jobs...my understanding is
you have to have a certain number of hours.
Has anyone checked into this? We thought it
would be a good way to get in flying time and get paid for it too; however, we haven't talked with anyone who has ventured in this area. Anyone seen this list or have any comments? Thanks, Debbie McGehee (w.o.p.)

[sideslip]

Debbie: For a private pilot, you can act as pilot-in-Command on a flight for a charitable organization for which a donation can be given to the organization (FAR 61.113). The FAR's (My copy is 1999 FAR's) don't say that they can reimburse you for your expenses. You must have 200 hours total time to do these flights.

FAR 61.113 also states that you can be reimbursed operating expenses for search and location flights in support of local, state or federal agencies. It also states that you may act as PIC in a glider towing operation with just a PPL.

However, before I would do any of these activities I would check with your local FSDO office to make sure you are not in violation of the FAR's and just what , if any, moneies you can receive. The FAA is very serious when they say that as a private pilot you may not fly for money. If you want to get paid you need to get a commericial ticket. It is not worth loseing your ticket over a few dollars.

Good luck.

[sideslip]

Just checked on the AOPA site. As a private pilot you can take a tax deduction for your charitable flights but can not get reimbursed for your expenses.

I don't know what the deal is on glider towing. I suspect that you can fly the plane but can't get paid for it or reimbursed for expenses. AOPA has some sobering stories concerning pilots losing their tickets over the compensation issue.

One story, a private pilot gives a ride to a person to another town and they share expenses 50-50. FAA pulls his ticket because he only did the trip to help out his passenger and, by sharing expenses, the pilot received compensation. (i.e. He would not have made the trip if the passenger had not needed to go there.)

[Tom McGehee]

Thanks for the enlightenment...of course, that is why it is "charitable"! I think it may be a great opportunity for us to acquire more flight time and not feel like we are solely recreational aviators.

Another question...

Has anyone had their "other half" take a pitch-hitter course? I am debating it...it may take away some of my fears in the right seat (mainly landing). Thanks in advance.

Debbie (w.o.p.)

[sideslip]

Debbie: My wife has taken several non-pilot seminars. They have helped her understand what is going on and she is now a great help as a right seater. She really has gotten good with navigation and in helping to scan for other aircraft. It helps to share some of the workload.

Several of my fiends wives have taken some lesson from the local CFI. They don't necessarily want to be pilots, but wanted to know more about flying. I think this would help if you feel a little uneasy in the plane. It has several benefits. One, you come to realize that planes are safe to fly and don't " suddenly fall out of the sky". Second, the more you learn, the more comfortable you will become because you will know what is happening at various points in the flight and landing. Third, with just a few lessons you can gain enough knowledge and skill that in an emergency you could land the plane.

I can only speak for me, but I really appreciate my wifes interest and help on our flights together. I also think my wife enjoys the flights more now because she is part of the crew.

Good Luck.