A Private Pilot’s Job responsibilities include preparing aircraft for flight, performing pre-flight inspections, planning flights, communicating with air traffic controllers and other aviation stakeholders, and assessing risk while flying. Private pilots also maintain detailed records of their inspections and flights.

If you love the thrill of flying but don’t want to commit to the long training and licensing required for a commercial pilot, obtaining your PPL opens up a world of new aviation career options. These include:

Banner Towing Pilot – Fly low and slow over roads, rivers, highways, and other scenic routes towing advertising banners. Media and Patrol Pilot – Flies for law enforcement, aerial surveillance, news media and more in support of various operations. Air Tour Pilot – Takes passengers on flights that showcase scenic destinations or landmarks from the air. Stunt Pilot – Performs thrilling aerial acrobatics for crowds at events and venues or competes in airshow stunt races.

Dreams Take Flight: Navigating Private Pilot Jobs

Charter Pilot / Air Taxi Pilot – Flies for private individuals, businesses or other charter airlines. Ferry Pilot / Aircraft Salesmen Pilot – Delivers newly purchased aircraft to their new owners. Pilots with a PPL can even teach and mentor others by becoming a certified flight instructor, or CFI, which can help them earn more money, and log more flight hours in the process. This is a great way to share your love of flying with the next generation of pilots. For an even broader range of possibilities, consider an aviation degree program that can help you build the skills and connections you need to excel in these diverse aviation careers.