Flying For Money

A year and a half ago, it dawned on me that what I most enjoyed about my previouscareer as a science communications consultant was when I got to commute to visit clients in my faithful Cessna 180. With some 1500 hours in my logbook-accumulated primarily on those business trips-I sent out my rsum to two area commercial operators. In response, I got two job offers. Wow. What a game-changer for me. I jumped into the Part 135 world with both feet and left my previous career behind. Now, with more than a year under my belt flying for money, I have been reflecting on how profoundly the move from Part 91 to Part 135 has affected my risk management experiences and choices.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning to Part 135 commercial flying significantly enhances pilot proficiency, IFR competence, and ATC communication skills due to rigorous, frequent flying and diverse operational exposure.
• Mandatory recurrent training and regular check rides in Part 135 ensure pilots are constantly prepared for emergencies and enforce disciplined pre-flight procedures and checklist adherence.
• While increasing skills, higher flight volume in Part 135 also heightens exposure to inherent aviation risks, underscoring the critical need to actively combat complacency.
• The structured training, rigorous maintenance, and operational discipline inherent in Part 135 offer valuable principles for Part 91 (private) pilots to improve their own safety and risk management.

Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->

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