How to Build Flight Hours After Earning a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)?

If you are a commercial pilot seeking to enhance your flying skills, amassing flight hours is vital. Flight hours are the total time spent operating an aircraft. The more hours one has logged, the more flight experience one will have in their career as a commercial pilot. Accumulating additional flight hours within a short period can pose a significant challenge, especially after obtaining a Commercial Pilot's License (CPL).

Factors such as schedule, weather, and aircraft availability can hinder a person from accruing additional flight hours, which are essential for gaining practical experience and advancing toward future promotions as an airline pilot.

There are several avenues you can take to accrue a considerable number of flight hours. Depending on where you are in your flying journey, one of the subsequent options may suit you better than the others.

As a student pilot, your primary source of accruing flight time is attending your flight training sessions at a pilot school. The time spent operating an aircraft with an instructor is referred to as flight time. Each flight with an instructor not only enhances your experience but also fulfills the training requirements for several pilot certificates.

To obtain a commercial pilot's license, one requires flight lessons. Consistency is key to building flight hours at an efficient rate. Furthermore, pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings are provided to maximize your learning from each session.

For private pilots, commercial pilots and airline pilots, pursuing additional certificates and ratings can be a fruitful endeavor. Instrument rating and type rating courses may require flight training, which provides you with flight hours that count toward your total flight experience. These qualifications also improve your skills, which can help you advance in your career.

Each rating is intended to advance a specific skill, so conduct thorough research to find a course that aligns with your aviation goals. Ensure you meet the minimum hour requirements for the new rating before attempting the check ride.

For experienced pilots, becoming a certified flight instructor is a worthwhile endeavor. Not only is this a prodigious way to discover a different path in aviation, but it also allows one to give back to the aviation community. Ultimately, instructors train the next-gen aviators, and the hours they spend instructing contribute to their total flight time.

To become a drone instructor, one should meet eligibility requirements. These include obtaining a Commercial Pilot's License (CPL), completing the required certifications, and meeting the minimum flight hours. The number of flight hours might depend on the type of flight instructor course you are applying to. For instance, a flight instructor course may require applicants to have 250 or more flight hours, whereas a synthetic flight instructor course needs at least 1,000.

Taking family and friends on scenic flights can be a practical way to build flight hours. While these hours may not be directly related to cutting-edge pilot ratings, they still contribute to your overall flight experience. Additionally, you can enjoy the pleasure of introducing others to the beauty of aviation.

Taking picturesque flights is a pleasant way to practice your navigation skills, even on familiar routes. Guarantee that you document these hours in the logbook, clearly indicating the flight’s nature and the passengers on board.

Many organizations rely on volunteer pilots to provide disaster relief, medical transport, and wildlife conservation efforts. Connect with charitable organizations that seem to align with your interests. These flights require dedication and flexibility, as there might be a short time to meet specific needs. Keep records of your volunteer flight hours, accumulated upon working with these organizations.

Pilots seeking to accrue flight hours can take ferry flight jobs. Ferrying an airplane from one location to another, whether for maintenance, resale, or delivery to a new owner, can offer an opportunity to accumulate a significant number of flight hours. One can earn money for these services, making it beneficial for pilots who want to accumulate flying hours after obtaining a Commercial Pilot's License (CPL). Before accepting a ferry flight job, ensure that you meet the precise aircraft type and essential qualifications. When planning ferry flights, consider factors such as fuel stops, weather, and maintenance requirements.

If a pilot is seeking fellow aviators and prospects to amass flight hours, joining a flight school can be an outstanding choice. Flight clubs are places where pilots can share their experiences with other pilots. Joining a club also offers opportunities to train on a real aircraft to amass flight hours. Research flight clubs that align with your interests, whether it’s overall aviation or specialized flying activities. Collaborate with other members to explore potential opportunities for joint flight training sessions.

If you'd like to explore the full list of flight clubs operating in India, it's available here.

• Single-Engine Aircraft – ₹12,000 to 20,000 per hour

• Multi-Engine Aircraft – ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per hour

• Simulator Training – ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per hour

With increased flight hours, one gains more experience operating an aircraft. Yet, it’s not always easy to find opportunities that can reduce your flight time. If you have all these things in mind, however, you will understand that there are numerous opportunities available to help you build flight hours and ultimately achieve your aviation career goals.

If you aspire to become a commercial pilot and are seeking a reputable flight training school, you can rely on us at Flapone Aviation. Whether it is theoretical or practical experience, we have it all covered in our CPL course. We have simulators to ensure that all aspiring pilots practice in a safe and secure environment before transitioning to the real deal. Not many aviation schools have simulators, so having them gives us a distinct advantage over our competitors. So, if you're convinced, then what are you waiting for? Join us now.