Want To Be An Airline Pilot? 10 Jobs To Build Flight Time

Filmed in partnership with Coradine Aviation - LogTen Pro, who made this production possible. If you want to become an airline pilot, you'll need anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 flight hours in the USA. For many new pilots, getting that experience is a huge challenge. There are 10 common ways to do it... I worked, shadowed, and researched each one in this video. I hope it makes finding the right track for you just a little easier!

When I was building flight time towards my ATP certificate, I used an electronic logbook called LogTen Pro. Tracking my progress towards meeting the numerous ATP requirements was incredibly easy with the software, and it synced to my iPhone, iPad, and Mac. I'm still using it today to log all of my flights as an airline pilot. I partnered with Coradine Aviation so that you can try it out yourself.

This is an electronic logbook I've used since I was a brand new student pilot. I love the product and have always recommended it to pilots I work with. Just so you know, if you sign up and purchase a subscription through Coradine Aviation, I'll get a small commission. That helps me make more videos and I'm grateful for your support! Plus, you can get a discount of 12% for iOS or 23% for the iOS/Mac bundle. If you're already an existing subscriber, contact the Coradine Aviation support team who will check and make sure that you're getting the best rate possible.

YouTube Video Chapters:
0:00 How To Build Your Flight Time
0:47 COVID-19 Impacting Jobs
1:08 Flight Instructor
1:48 Part 135 Pilot
2:27 I Use LogTen Pro For Logging Flights
2:49 Part 91 Pilot
3:17 Pipeline/Powerline Pilot
4:01 Aerial Survey Pilot
4:44 Personal Airplane
5:15 Skydive Pilot
5:45 Air Tour Pilot
6:09 Ferry Pilot
6:44 Banner Tow Pilot
7:23 Logging Legal Flight Time
7:48 Become An Airline Pilot - My Advice

Music Licensing: AudioJungle
Photo Credit: Bo Ryan

Thanks for watching,
-Swayne

[SwayneMartinPilot]

There are SO many ways to build flight time, and each has pros and cons. I worked, shadowed, and researched each to make your track just a little easier... What else do you want to learn? Leave me a comment!

[simplyshredded]

As a commercial student right now debating to go the CFI route, this is exactly what I needed 🙏🏽

[TakeDeadAim]

After leaving the Navy, I was a "freight dog" for a little over a year. I built a LOT of night and IMC flying time. Ran all over the midwest, in all conditions and because I had no cattle to haul...could be a little more liberal with the control inputs and power settings!lol! Basically "free" time. After that I did ferry flights and really enjoyed that as well. Moved to GD/Gulfstream and flew biz as well before moving to big iron. Now I'm retired and if I were to go do it all over again, would have done it again in a heartbeat.

[bdubz_det]

Your production skills are INSANE. love it. I tour in the concert industry and fly your airline through chicago weekly. Always look to see if you'll be on my plane!

[makobemaponya]

I’m 15 yrs old and thanks to you I’m about to start my private lessons, can’t wait to get into the business.

[USAF]

I remember watching this as a new cfi, a year later I’m over 1300 hours and now assistant chief pilot. Time flies, experience grows. All from flight instructing, I highly recommended instructing. Definitely makes you a better pilot. You’re the man, swayne!

[koreancapricorn]

Hey big man, it's tough for what the airlines and their employees are goin through. Stay well man!

[coasternut]

There needs to be more non-CFI ways to get from 200 to 1000

[tulaconalas]

I dont know guys, at my flight school, we are barely having any activity. Former CFI's working for big jet companies are coming back so they can have some sort of income. It's bad, I hope I'm wrong, but so far the only pilots that I know that have a job are Cargo and private part 91. I'm grateful that I still have a job as a CFI, but things are not good and I doubt the recovering process will fast. I was a pilot on 2006 and the crisis came, this resembles a lot. It will recover, and It will be quicker. Just make a good analysis before you take the jump, its a lot of money and that will only take you to around 250 hours, from then, like Martin said, its another 1200 ish you gotta put on your belt JUST for you to enter on the race.

[VGamesAreFun]

Your production quality has sky rocketed this last couple of months. Always love your videos, thank you for taking the time to make them!!

[prestonwinters]

I’m so glad there other options rather than just CFI, I just don’t feel comfortable teaching someone when I feel like I haven’t done it long enough to teach someone

[slyfer]

These kinds of videos are the reason why I am subscribed to your channel.

[Oofy.]

You are honestly helping everyone in the aviation community rn. Keep it up!

[mweb]

I am SO TIRED of flight school student VLOGs trying to get tell people how to break into the industry. Like, you're trying to monetize your own journey into a career field you know nothing about!!! Thank you Mr. Martin for actually being beyond the threshold before giving advice. I think it will help a good few.

[user]

Love the message at the end! It's so easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget to appreciate your training and hour building. Thanks for the video!

[AdondeCuh]

Rough timing for this video, but still a good one nonetheless. Newly minted CFI who FINALLY got a call to instruct this week.

[Punchie]

Swayne love your content bud it's very immersive and your communication and enthusiasm is always on point with someone who truly loves his job. And is eager to get people who have the same admiration towards the same industry new horizons.

[spiritairlines]

Great job coming out with a vid during the lockdown.

[tylerjing]

Just started my flight training this year! So grateful to begin pursuing my dreams. Thank you for such an amazing video :)

[SeaHusker]

After taking a six year break (dropped out of college) I got back behind the yoke and completed my PPL a week ago! I mainly did it to get a job in the drone industry, but I’m starting to consider furthering my pilot career. Thanks for the video Swayne!