Many pilots that finish their commercial training don’t accumulate enough flight hours to be considered for a role with the airlines. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t get paid to fly! There are a number of low hour pilot jobs that can help these new pilots build their time whilst working toward their ultimate goal.

Flight Instruction

Becoming a flight instructor is a Low Hour Pilot job option for new pilots looking to build flight hours while getting paid. It requires a lot of dedication and effort but can also be a very rewarding career in itself.

From Novice to Navigator: Pursuing Low Hour Pilot Jobs

Air tour pilots fly passengers over scenic sites such as beaches, cities and iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon. It is often one of the most fun jobs for a low hour pilot and also offers the opportunity to fly long legs that count towards your hours.

Pipeline / Powerline Patrol

Companies that own pipelines and power lines need to conduct regular and emergency maintenance on them. While ground crews walk or drive the line routes, a pilot is contracted to fly overhead and inspect the lines for damage. This job is a great way to build up your instrument flying skills and gain experience on fixed-wing aircraft.

There are a variety of other low hour pilot jobs out there, including aerial surveying and traffic pilot. The key is to find the right fit for you, and it’s possible to hold multiple roles at once, such as spending weekends as an air tour or banner towing pilot then doing aerial surveying or pipeline and powerline patrol during the week.