What kind of license do I need to be a professional pilot (bush/commuter NOT big airline)?

Question

Recreational flying runs in my family but this is my virgin foray into going airborne. If I'm gonna get lessons and a license, it seems to make sense to get one that allows me the most options. Advice much appreciated!

Answer 1

The only options you really have at first is between a private pilot, a sport pilot, and a recreational pilot.  The sport pilot certificate basically replaced the recreational pilot certificate... so the only option you are really considering in the beginning is a private pilot and sport pilot.  Go for the private pilot.  It is far less restrictive.

With that said, your first pilot certificate will not allow you to fly for hire as a professional pilot without additional certification.  Start with a private pilot certificate and add on from there.  The most common progression is to start with a private pilot, add on an instrument rating, then work on the commercial pilot certificate.

So, as a direct answer to your question, start with working toward a private pilot certificate as the foundation you'll build on.  You'll eventually need a commercial certificate.  Just take one step at a time and enjoy the journey!

Answer 2

Obtain your commercial licence with Instrument Rating and you would do just fine. The CPL with the appropriate ratings is a very versatile licence and which will get you jobs with the bush and commuter people. As you progress, you can go for the advanced licences/ratings which will put you in the big league.

For the time being a CPL is the best thing for you. I sincerely wish you all the very best and happy landings.

Answer 3

As per the Federal Aviation Administration guidelines,one can attain a Private pilots license to fly for recreational purpose but can not be paid for services of flight,for which one would need a Commercial Pilots License.These are licenses either for a single or multi engine airplane which decides your status as a pilot.To increase your flying abilties you can opt for an Instument rating which is required for flying in bad weather conditions.After this you can decide what airplane you want to fly and for what services.For example,a complex aircraft check,tailwheel plane check,helicopters,or type ratings for any of the big jets.If your motive is just to fly for fun,all you need is a Private Pilots license.

Answer 4

With a Commercial Airman Certificate, instrument rating, and multi-engine rating, you would be employable for bush flying, aerial photography, light cargo carriage, air ambulance, power line/pipeline patrol, banner towing, aerial tours, and many other types of remunerative pilot services.

Add the CFI, and you can include the joys of being paid $12 per hour to risk your life trying to teach idiots who think they already know it all how to fly.  (It isn't always like that, and can be rewarding and fun.)

The commercial and all the trimmings require 250 hours flight time, and will cost you about $25K inclusive.

If you love flying, it's worth it.  You never know what you're going to get into.  When we flew the old 4-engine WW2 cargo planes into remote locations, we called ourselves Bush Pilots.  Dressed like hippies and talked like pirates.  "Aaargghh!  Git on yon glideslope, or yer'll walk the plank, ye lubber!  Har-Harrrh!"

One of our pilots made the mistake of talking like a pirate on the tower frequency at Anchorage AK, and they had the cops waiting for us when we pulled up on the ramp.  Some people have no sense of humor at all.

So life is what you make of it, and so is the aviation profession.  Good luck!