Whether you’re a student pilot trying to finish their training, a private pilot who’s interested in working for an airline, or a commercial pilot who wants to enhance their flying skill, building flight hours is crucial. Flight hours refer to the amount of time you spend operating an aircraft. The more hours you have, the more flight experience you’ll gain, bringing you closer to your aviation goals. Getting those hours, however, can be challenging, especially if you want to earn them in a short amount of time. Things like your schedule, the weather, and aircraft availability can hinder you from building more flight time.
Fortunately, there are several avenues you can take to accumulate a lot of flight hours at the pace you want. Depending on where you are in your aviation journey, one of the following options might suit you better than the others:
Attend All of Your Flight Training Sessions
As a student pilot, your main source of accumulating flight time is by attending your flight training sessions at your chosen pilot school. The amount of time you spend operating an aircraft with your certified flight instructor (CFI) is considered real flight time. This includes your time spent in flight simulator training, for as long as the simulator is local civil aviation authority certified and there is an instructor present. Each flight with CFI not only contributes to your experience but also fulfills the training requirements for various pilot certificates.
If you’re serious about earning your pilot license, then you have to commit to attending each scheduled flight lesson. Consistency is key to building flight hours at a streamlined rate. Moreover, participate actively in pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings to maximize your learning from each session.
Pursue Additional Certificates and Ratings
If you’re a private pilot or commercial pilot, on the other hand, pursuing additional certificates and ratings can be a fruitful endeavor. Instrument rating, multi-engine rating, and type rating courses can require flight training, providing you with valuable flight hours that count toward your total experience. These add-on qualifications also enhance your skills, which can help you advance in your career.
Each rating is designed to improve a specific skill, so it’s in your best interest to do your research so that you can apply to a course that aligns with your aviation goals. Make sure that you’ve also met the minimum hour requirements for the new rating before attempting the checkride.
Become a Certified Flight Instructor
For experienced pilots, one of the most effective ways to build flight hours is to become a certified flight instructor. Not only is this a great way to explore a different path in the aviation field, but you get to give back to the aviation community as well. After all, CFIs play a crucial role in training the next generation of aviators, and the hours they spend instructing count toward their total flight time.
If becoming a CFI is part of your aviation career plan, you have to meet certain requirements to be eligible. Some of these include holding at least a commercial pilot, completing the necessary certifications—like class 1 medical and 4 ELP—and meeting the minimum number of flying hours. The number of flight hours may depend on the type of flight instructor course you’re applying to. For example, a flight instructor course may require applicants to have 250+ flight hours while a synthetic flight instructor (SFI) course calls for at least 1,000.
Take Your Family and Friends on Scenic Flying Trips
Taking your family and friends on scenic flights can be a practical approach to building flight hours. While these hours may not be directly related to advanced pilot ratings, they still count toward your total experience. Plus, you get to enjoy the pleasure of introducing others to the beauty of aviation.
Going on scenic flights is an enjoyable way to practice your navigation and communication skills, even on familiar routes. Make sure to document these hours in your logbook, clearly indicating the nature of the flight and the number of passengers on board.
Volunteer Your Skills for a Charitable Cause
Volunteering your skills for a charitable cause can be a fulfilling and productive option. Many nonprofit organizations and charities rely on volunteer pilots to provide them with essential services, such as medical transport, disaster relief, and wildlife conservation efforts. Research and connect with charitable organizations that align with your interests and values. These flights often require dedication and flexibility, as they can arise on short notice in response to specific needs. Keep meticulous records of your volunteer flight hours, including the purpose of each mission and the organization you supported.
Take Ferry Flight Jobs
Pilots looking to accumulate flight hours and explore new destinations may consider taking on ferry flight jobs. Ferrying an aircraft from one location to another, whether it’s for maintenance, resale, or delivery to a new owner, can provide you with an opportunity to log cross-country flight hours. You also get paid for your services, making it a good deal. Before accepting a ferry flight job, ensure that you meet the necessary qualifications for the specific aircraft type and route. When planning for your ferry flights, consider factors like weather, fuel stops, and maintenance requirements.
Join a Flight Club
If you’re a pilot looking for a community of fellow aviators and opportunities to build flight hours, joining a flight club can be an excellent choice. Flight clubs provide with a supportive environment where you can connect and share experiences with other pilots. Joining a club also offers cost-effective ways to access aircraft for personal use and training. Research local flight clubs or organizations that align with your interests, whether it’s general aviation, vintage aircraft, or specific flying activities. Engage with other club members to discover potential opportunities for shared flights or joint training sessions.
As you gain more flight hours, the more experience you’ll have operating an aircraft. Nevertheless, it’s not always easy looking for opportunities that can increase your flight time. If you keep these tips in mind, however, you’ll realize that there are plenty of opportunities that can help you build your flight hours and ultimately reach your aviation career goals.