Professional Development Series part III

Leanna Osisek • Jul 22, 2022

While the previous post in our Professional Development Series addressed flying within the various branches of the United States military, we'll now take a look at the major civilian routes to pursue flying as a career.


Part 91

The most flexible of the three we'll look at - namely with weather minimums and work rules, Part 91 deals with privately-owned aircraft, non-commercial operations. Practically speaking, involvement in Part 91 (subpart K) in a professional piloting role is a tricky concept, but can be best summed up as "Private Carriage for Hire" and skirts many regulations without violating them usually with fractional ownership programs. Sometimes these pilot positions have fewer requirements to be qualified (often not requiring more than a commercial multi-engine certificate) which can open the door to you sooner, and lead to more opportunities.


Part 135
While Part 91 and 135 have a lot of common ground, there are some key differences. For example, when it comes to safety, unless a more strict Part 135 rule exists, Part 91 regulations apply. Another important distinction has to do with ownership. Which Federal Aviation Regulations an operation falls under depends on who owns the aircraft and who flies it for what purpose. Part 135 businesses are considered commercial and must have "Op Specs" or operational specifications which the FAA has reviewed and approved and address everything from weather to runway length minimums. This ensures a standard for safety is met but allows travelers to opt for a more personalized experience of commuter and on-demand operations, also known as charters. These kinds of operations utilize aircraft with 30 seats or less so pilots will often engage with passengers to foster a hospitable environment.


Part 121

Last but perhaps the most well-known, are the Part 121 airliners and scheduled air carriers, which you have probably traveled on. These operations have complex work rules for duty periods, required rest, and more. Most companies utilize a seniority system, meaning where you fall in the roster of your position (Captain or First Officer) on your aircraft type will determine your schedule. These pilot careers attract many aviators since they often include appealing benefits such as travel benefits with other carriers. On the other hand, qualified pilots may prefer Part 91 or 135 as they don't operate out of congested airport terminals and a seniority system can make some people feel like "just another number".


Familiarizing yourself with the pertinent FARs for all of these kinds of operations is always a good idea, as it will make you a more well-rounded and knowledgeable pilot, and becoming versed in whichever one is your primary goal will serve you well in your career. As the aviation industry is ever-changing, it is imperative to consider both your short and long term goals but to remain flexible while doing so. If you're unsure which direction you want to pursue, take time to ask yourself what is important to you and what factors play the biggest role in quality-of-life for you, and prioritize an avenue that will facilitate those attributes.


Is there a topic our Professional Development Series hasn't covered but you'd like to read about? Send us an email at info@nspireaviation.com and we'll get it in the works!

Newsletter 9/29/23

29 Sep, 2023
NEW AT NSPIRE

5 Steps to Switching Careers Into Aviation

By Marcus Lansky • 29 Sep, 2023
Maybe you’ve been thinking about making a dramatic career change. If you’ve always dreamed about becoming a pilot, this could be your opportunity to make that dream a reality. By taking a certification course with NSPIRE Aviation , you can kick off a new career as a commercial pilot! Furthermore, these tips will show you how to enhance your resume to secure your first job, and even walk you through some of the requirements for starting your own aviation business. Figure Out if It’s Time for a Change When do you know that it’s time for a career change? Sometimes, looking for a new job in the same field is enough - but sometimes, you need to completely shift directions. Robert Walters Group states that if your skills do not align with your true professional interests, it may be a sign to work on breaking into a new field, where you can pour your talents into a job that you love. Get Certified as a Commercial Pilot You’re committed to making a career change, and you’re ready to take the first big step towards becoming a commercial pilot by earning your pilot’s license. You’ll need to complete a private pilot certification first, earn an instrument rating, get your necessary flight hours under your belt, and then pass a written and practical exam covering everything you’ve learned. Finally, you’ll be ready to get your commercial pilot’s license! Update Your Resume If you’re getting ready to look for your first job as a commercial pilot, you might be wondering how to create a resume . Changing up your resume when switching fields can take time, so start this process early! AVJobs states that you can include your flight times, certifications, and ratings, as well as your previous jobs. Finally, even after you’ve created a strong resume, don’t forget that you can tweak it for each job opening. For example, you might want to add different keywords to the skills section based on the job description. You can also emphasize specific accomplishments in your professional history and academic sections. Navigate the Job Hunt You’ve got your license, your resume is ready, and you’re eager to start working as a pilot. You may need to get a flight instructor certification first, as it’s much easier to find employment as a flight instructor when you have minimal experience. Research different employers in your area, and try to network with people who already work there - they might be able to give you a valuable reference that could land you an interview! Even in the aviation field, networking is often the key to getting the job you want. Consider Starting Your Own Business One day, you might want to start your own business in the commercial aviation sector. For instance, if you live in an area that attracts tourists, you might want to offer private flights to show off the aerial views of your region. If you intend to start a business, you’ll have to obtain a business license first, as well as any appropriate permits. To find out which licenses and permits you’ll need, check out the requirements in your state. By hiring a service to assemble the list of required permits and licenses for your aviation business, you’ll save hours of time! Working in commercial aviation is an exciting career choice. If you’ve been itching for a career change, it might be time to take to the skies. With these tips, you’ll be ready to pursue a certification program, spruce up your resume for job applications, and even launch your very own aviation business in the future. Ready to earn your commercial pilot certification? Turn to NSPIRE Aviation ! Fill out the contact form on their website to learn more about the certification programs. Ready to earn your commercial pilot certification? Photo via Unsplash
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