Are you a pilot looking to build flight hours? You’re not alone. In fact, most pilots find themselves in the same position at some point in their career. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to build up your flight hours. However, there are also a few things that you should avoid doing if you want to make the most of this process. Read on to learn about the three worst mistakes pilots make while building flight hours!
Table of Contents:
Not researching aircraft quality and availability.
One of the most important steps pilots forget to take when building flight hours is researching the aircraft prior to taking it off the ground. Obviously you’re checking the logbooks and doing your preflight inspection, but there’s an essential step before that.
Whether you’ll be renting or own a plane, regular maintenance and instrument quality must be at an acceptable level in order to ensure you’re building hours as often and as safely as you desire. A good way to check on maintenance records is to look at logbooks from previous flights and get feedback from other pilots that have flown in it in the past.
“No matter what avenue you choose to build time, the aircraft needs to meet your needs.”
Additionally, make sure your aircraft will be available on a consistent basis; it’s no use if you can’t fly when you require due to maintenance issues or limited availability with the operator. By doing research up front and determining whether an aircraft meets your needs, you’ll be more likely to complete your certification or gain job opportunities with prospective employers in a timely manner.
Learn more about maintenance records:
Not logging your hours correctly.
Being the pilot in command of the aircraft is an incredibly important job, and one way to demonstrate this competence is the hours that you build up for licenses and other flight certifications. However, it’s critical that these flight hours are logged correctly–otherwise you won’t have any proof that you flew them!
“You’ll require proof of the hours that you flew, and doing this wrong can cost you a lot of money.”
This mistake can be very costly in the long run, so be sure to always download your digital flight log, or sign your paper flight log if you’re still using those. The bottom line? Logging your flight hours accurately will ensure that all of your hard work is recorded and recognized!
Learn more about properly logging flight hours:
Not recognizing your options.
For pilots looking to build time for certifications or job opportunities, there are plenty of options. Becoming a certified flight instructor (CFI) is undoubtedly the most time-tested way and the standard by which time building programs are judged, but it’s not the only way.
“There are more ways to build time than just becoming a CFI.”
Low time jobs, such as piloting aircraft for wildlife conservation or volunteering medical supplies, have emerging options that offer an interesting spin on time building. Whether you choose to become a CFI, explore low time jobs, or volunteer your time, there’s never been so many ways to gain precious flight hours!
Learn about the best ways to build flight hours:
Learn about Time Building Programs:
Anyone who has tried to build hours knows how difficult and costly it can be. By avoiding these three mistakes, you can put yourself on the path to success. Do your research, log your hours correctly, and recognize all of your options.
What other advice would you give to new pilots trying to build time?
Let us know in the comments below!