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 enhanced the author's overall pilot proficiency, judgment, and confidence in challenging conditions (IFR, adverse weather, complex airspace) due to increased flight hours and diverse operational experiences.
• The rigorous Part 135 environment, characterized by mandatory recurrent training, frequent checkrides, and varied aircraft/route assignments, instilled greater discipline, improved checklist adherence, and heightened emergency preparedness.
• Despite increased skills, the author acknowledges a greater risk exposure from more frequent flying, with the most critical lesson being the constant threat of complacency and the necessity for daily, deliberate risk management.

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

See a mistake? Contact us.