What do i have to do to be a charter pilot?

Question

I am about to start my training for private all the way through commercial. If i want to do charter what exactly do i have to do as far as training and different certs. Is it hard to get a position?

Answer 1

Commercial, multiengine, instrument, and a few hundred hours of flight experience.

Answer 2

Well, there are a few meanings of charter pilot. If you want to be a charter pilot for lets say a carrier such as ATA, Sport Hawk, or Apple Vacations. You will need

all you FAA ratings including the commericial and Multi engine. they Usually have a minimum total time requirement of no less than 2500 hours PIC or pilot in command and an minimum of 500 Turbine time. Most guys who do this job migrate from a regional airline, military or a legacy carrier. Below is directly from Amerijets Job page its an example of what you need

FIRST OFFICERS:

    * Must hold FAA ATP with any type preferred, but not required

    * Minimum 3500 hours total time

    * 1500 hours PIC

    * Preference given to previous B-727 Experience

  The next is from Miami Air

Minimum 3 year commitment.  Requirements: Commercial/Instrument Multi-engine Land Ratings, 2500 hours total flight time.  Jet experience, EFIS experience, B-737 type rating; minimum 3 years experience.

So thats if you want to do heavy charter work if you want to fly lets say, Twin Otters in Alaska or a King Air B300 you'll need no less than a Commercial - Multi and atleast 500 hours Total time.

Answer 3

"Charter" is a very broad term. I am familiar with charter operators who require an ATP and thousands of hours, even as a second in command. I have flown charter at various times, including at present. In my earlier days, it was as an occasional adjunct to flight instructing and was in piston aircraft and only the Part 135 minimums applied for in-house flight instructors. It will depend mostly on the equipment and the operator, and the operator's insurance. Familiarize yourself with the Part 135 minimums as a starting point. And then maybe familiarize yourself with some charter operators in your locale and even inquire of them. In addition to the certificates and ratings, you'll need current Part 135 endorsements (usually provided by employer or by training vendor at employer's expense).