Top Side Hustles and Backup Careers for Pilots: Earning Income During Training, Furloughs, and Career Transitions

Written By Wayne Baker
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For many aspiring and professional pilots, flying is more than just a job—it’s a calling. But the aviation industry is known for its highs and lows. From the cost of training to unpredictable furloughs, medical disqualifications, and economic downturns, having a reliable source of supplementary income or a fallback career can make a huge difference in long-term financial stability.

Whether you're a student pilot trying to fund your flight hours, a commercial pilot navigating unpredictable schedules, or someone looking to diversify income streams, this guide explores the best side hustles, part-time jobs, and small business ideas for pilots—all optimized for flexibility, scalability, and aviation-relevant skills.

Why Every Pilot Should Consider a Side Hustle or Backup Career

Flying professionally can be extremely rewarding—but it’s not without risk.

  • Flight training costs: $70,000–$150,000+ is a big investment with no guaranteed timeline for ROI.

  • Industry volatility: Pilots are subject to furloughs during economic crises or airline restructuring.

  • Health risks: A medical disqualification can ground a pilot indefinitely.

  • Limited flight hours: Student pilots and regional airline pilots often struggle to maintain steady income while building time.

That’s why diversifying your income with a side hustle or business for pilots isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Best Side Hustles for Student Pilots and Time-Builders

1. Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI)

SEO keywords: flight instructor side hustle, pilot time-building jobs

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor is the most common and practical way to earn income while building flight hours. Many pilots can pay off part of their flight training this way while racking up the required 1,500 hours for an airline job.

Pros:

  • Pays well once established

  • Builds experience and flight hours

  • Flexible schedule

Tip: Combine it with online tutoring or aviation mentoring to scale your reach.

2. Freelance Aviation Writer or Blogger

SEO keywords: aviation freelance jobs, pilot blog income

If you enjoy writing or sharing your aviation knowledge, start a pilot blog or contribute to aviation publications. Many flight magazines, travel blogs, and aviation websites pay for quality content.

Monetization options:

  • Freelance writing for magazines

  • Starting your own blog (AdSense, affiliate links, digital products)

  • Ghostwriting aviation eBooks or manuals

3. Drone Pilot / Aerial Photography Business

SEO keywords: drone side hustle for pilots, part 107 drone jobs

With your aviation background, becoming a FAA Part 107-certified drone operator is a natural fit. Use drones for real estate photography, inspections, agriculture, or marketing campaigns.

Startup cost: $1,000–$2,500
Average pay: $100–$300 per hour depending on the niche

4. Rideshare or Delivery Driver

SEO keywords: flexible jobs for pilots, part-time income for student pilots

Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Amazon Flex offer pilots a flexible way to earn money between lessons or flights. It may not be glamorous, but it’s cash flow without long-term commitment.

Best for:

  • Student pilots needing flexible income

  • Grounded pilots between gigs

High-Income Side Hustles for Commercial Pilots

5. Corporate or Charter Pilot on Contract

SEO keywords: freelance pilot jobs, contract aviation gigs

Pilots with commercial licenses can find contract work flying private jets, charter flights, or even ferrying aircraft internationally. These gigs are often short-term and high-paying.

Platforms:

  • PilotPool

  • JSFirm

  • AviaNation

6. Aviation YouTube Channel or Podcast

SEO keywords: aviation YouTube income, pilot podcast side hustle

Create content for a niche aviation audience—like training tips, cockpit views, industry news, or career advice. Once monetized, platforms like YouTube or Spotify can generate passive income.

Revenue streams:

  • Ad revenue

  • Sponsorships

  • Affiliate products

  • Digital downloads (checklists, logbook templates, etc.)

7. Online Ground School or Aviation Coaching

SEO keywords: online ground school, private pilot tutoring jobs

If you have teaching skills, offer online courses or Zoom-based tutoring for student pilots. Use platforms like Teachable, Udemy, or even your own website.

Subjects you can teach:

  • Private Pilot ground school prep

  • Instrument rating theory

  • Airline interview coaching

  • Aviation English

8. Aircraft Broker or Sales Affiliate

SEO keywords: aviation sales jobs, aircraft broker side hustle

Earn commissions by helping people buy or sell planes. You don’t need to be a certified broker—many companies offer referral programs or let you operate as an affiliate.

Great for:

  • Pilots with a large network

  • Those interested in business aviation

  • Sales-oriented personalities

Backup Career Paths for Pilots Facing Furloughs or Medical Disqualification

When furloughs strike or medicals are lost, many pilots feel stuck. But with a little foresight, you can pivot into a career that leverages your aviation knowledge.

9. Aviation Safety or Operations Consultant

SEO keywords: aviation safety jobs, pilot transition careers

Pilots can work with airlines, airports, or regulatory bodies to develop safety protocols, audit operations, or consult on compliance and training.

Employers include:

  • Airlines

  • FAA or EASA

  • Flight schools

  • Defense contractors

10. Technical Writer or Aviation Curriculum Designer

SEO keywords: aviation technical writing jobs, pilot desk jobs

Pilots with strong writing and teaching skills can build careers creating manuals, online courses, or training documents for aircraft systems, CRM, and operations.

Roles include:

  • SOP documentation

  • eLearning development

  • Safety manuals and briefings

11. Aircraft Dispatcher or Operations Manager

SEO keywords: aircraft dispatcher jobs, pilot ground careers

Ground-based airline roles like dispatcher, crew scheduler, or ops manager use your flight experience to manage logistics and safety without needing a medical certificate.

Bonus: Dispatcher roles often come with travel perks and airline benefits.

12. Flight Simulator Operator or Maintenance Tech

SEO keywords: simulator instructor job, flight simulator tech career

If you’re grounded, consider becoming a simulator instructor, technician, or maintenance coordinator. Airlines and flight schools need qualified people to maintain and operate their simulators.

13. Digital Marketing or E-commerce Business

SEO keywords: online business for pilots, e-commerce side hustle

With basic training in digital marketing, you could launch an online store, affiliate site, or service-based business that earns income remotely and passively.

Business ideas:

  • Print-on-demand aviation apparel

  • Amazon or Etsy stores for aviation gear

  • Niche affiliate blogs on travel or pilot gear

Bonus: Remote and Tech-Friendly Options for Pilots

Whether you’re grounded or flying part-time, remote work can provide stable supplemental income without location constraints.

14. Freelance Work in Tech or Creative Fields

SEO keywords: remote side hustles for pilots, digital nomad pilots

If you have skills in graphic design, video editing, web development, or copywriting, consider freelancing on platforms like:

  • Upwork

  • Fiverr

  • Toptal

  • Freelancer.com

Pilot-related niches: aviation branding, YouTube editing, aviation website development

15. Real Estate Investing or Rental Income

SEO keywords: passive income for pilots, real estate side hustle

Real estate is a long-term play, but many pilots invest in rental properties to build passive income. Options include:

  • Long-term rentals

  • Short-term (Airbnb) near airports or tourist destinations

  • Real estate investment trusts (REITs)

Tips for Balancing Side Hustles with a Pilot’s Schedule

Balancing a side hustle or secondary career with a pilot's irregular hours can be challenging. Here are a few tips:

  • Prioritize flexibility: Choose gigs you can do from your hotel room, crew lounge, or on layovers.

  • Automate where possible: Use online tools to manage invoicing, social media, and scheduling.

  • Protect your flying focus: Avoid burnout by scheduling business tasks around rest and duty time.

  • Use aviation downtime: Maximize long layovers and non-flying days for productivity.

Final Thoughts: Building Financial Security Beyond the Cockpit

Flying will always be a deeply rewarding profession—but it’s not always stable. By developing side hustles for pilots, building alternative income streams, and learning backup career skills, you can take control of your financial future.

Whether you're still earning your wings or already captain of a jet, remember: the sky may be the limit, but your income doesn’t have to be.

Wayne Baker
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