You love the blue skies, but have you gone past the age of getting a commercial license? Well, who said, flying is just for people with a commercial pilot license. If flying is your passion and you don't care about being paid for it, there is still a way for you to be in the cockpit. Private Pilot License (PPL)! If you have wondered, 'What can I do with a private pilot license?’ Then this article is just what you need to get started!
There are several benefits of private pilot license, such as being a proud aircraft owner or a recreational flyer of a private aircraft. Let’s dig in.
1. Become a Flight Instructor
So, what jobs can you get with a private pilot license? Well, you can be a flight instructor. If you hold a private pilot license and have a knack for imparting knowledge, then the teaching line can be your calling.
The course to become one is not very tough either. Most institutes require a valid pilot license, a class 1 medical certificate, a background in science, including physics and mathematics, and strong communication skills in English as prerequisites. The training differs depending on the institute, but the Instructor Rating Course is usually a four- to six-week log. You also have to complete certain hours of instructional flying.
And you are done! You can now start teaching student pilots, simultaneously growing your flying experience and flight time as an authorized instructor through flight training!
2. Fly Internationally
If you are not seeking employment with your private pilot license, you must have thought, ‘what can I do with a private pilot license?’ There are all kinds of recreational avenues you can explore. For instance, you can fly internationally. The aviation regulations of the country you visit must be followed first, though. You may require further training or endorsements to ensure that you are aware of local procedures and airspace laws. You might also need to obtain approval from air traffic control and submit flying schedule.
But once the formalities are over, this can be a great way to broaden your horizons. You can experience different countries from the unique perspective of a pilot. You can also participate in international air rallies or join flying clubs that organize cross-border trips.
3. Volunteer with Non-Profits
Many organizations, such as Air Care Alliance, Angel Flight, and Pilots for Patients, are working to get patients to medical facilities in need of critical care. Air travel can substantially reduce the time it takes.
So, what can you do with a private pilot license? Volunteering in such organizations can be a noble way to use your private pilot license.
However, many such organizations have specific criteria for onboarding private pilots. A valid and current private pilot license and a class-3 medical certificate are mandatory. They also require 250 hours as a pilot in command (PIC). You must also have access to a suitable aircraft.
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Now that you are a volunteer, you get to assist in transporting medical supplies to patients or get medical personnel to needy areas. You can also participate in a disaster response effort by quickly delivering critical aid. You can also help environmental organizations by conducting aerial surveys.
4. Tow a Glider
Gliders are non-powered aircraft that need to be towed to become airborne. This is carried out by pilots. So, what can I do with a private pilot license? You can make money by towing gliders and other unpowered ultralight vehicles.
However, this usually requires additional qualifications in addition to your private pilot license. You must complete at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command time in the aircraft category. Second, you need to have a logbook endorsement by authorised personnel stating that you have received your mandatory training, both on the ground and in the air. Lastly, you have made at least three actual or simulated tows of a glider.
5. Transition to Commercial Aviation
When wondering, ‘what can I do with a private pilot license?,’ don't let go of your dream of entering commercial aviation just yet. A PPL can be your first step towards a career in commercial aviation.
Many pilots have begun their career by instructing in flight schools. While you help others dream of becoming private pilots, you can also build your flight hours.
The list of benefits of private pilot license includes entering the commercial aviation field by working with charter services. Many companies operate small aircraft for selected clients and are always looking for deserving candidates. Charter pilots also enjoy the flexibility of flying various aircraft and destinations, often providing an array of aviation experiences while earning a competitive salary.
With additional certifications and experience, you can progress through various roles to eventually become an airline captain.
6. Become a Light-Sport Test Pilot
Aircraft manufacturers require pilots to test their new aircraft to critically evaluate the vehicle's robustness while pointing out any discrepancy. Light-sport aircraft are one- or two-seater airplanes with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds and a maximum speed of 120 knots. So, under what jobs can you get with a private pilot license, you can become a test pilot for light-sport aircraft. Of course, there are some prerequisites you need to complete.
You should have up to 20 hours of solo flight time on a light sport aircraft beforehand. You also require up to 10 hours of flight time on a microlight aircraft.
7. Join a Flying Club
Joining a flying club is a fantastic way of solving the conundrum of what can you do with a private pilot license. A flying club helps you meet other pilots with a private certificate, and you can spread out the cost of owning and operating a private aircraft.
There are two types of flying clubs. The first is the Corporate Club, where owners rent their planes out to a second tier of members who pay a membership fee. The second is the Partnership Club, where four owners share the aircraft exclusively.
What Planes Can You Fly with a Private Pilot License?
1. Single-Engine Land (SEL) Aircraft
What can you do with a private pilot license? Fly a wide variety of aircraft! The most common aircraft you will be acquainted with is a Single-Engine Land (SEL) aircraft. Now, the SEL aircraft is designed for operation on land and is equipped with a single engine. It is generally an easy-to-handle aircraft for beginner pilots.
Some popular examples in this category include the Cessna 172 and the Piper Cherokee, both of which are known for offering a comfortable flying experience.
2. Multi-Engine Land (MEL) Aircraft
Regarding what planes can you fly with a private pilot license, you can always broaden your flying horizons by obtaining a Multi-Engine Land (MEL) rating.
MEL aircraft are designed with two more engines and are meant for operations on land. Business operators often choose them due to their reputation for delivering more power. Two prime examples in this category are the Piper Seneca and the Beechcraft Baron, which are well-known for their performance and dependability. It's important to remember that, in addition to your current PPL, you also need a multi-engine rating to fly these aircraft.
3. Multi-Engine Sea (MES) Aircraft
The answer to the question, 'What can I do with a private pilot license?' is to enter water operations with the MES aircraft. Multi-engine sea aircraft have two or more engines specifically designed for water operations. A popular choice among private pilots is the Grumman G-21 Goose, which is known for its safety and performance when flying over water.
Flying an MES aircraft requires specialized training so pilots can get acquainted with the unique aspects of flying over water.
4. Gliders and Sailplanes
If you are still thinking about what planes can you fly with a private pilot license, then consider gliders and sailplanes. These are unpowered aircraft designed to glide through the air. Schweizer SGS 2-33 is a good example of a glider and is a popular choice for training and recreational purposes.
You require a glider rating in addition to your private pilot license, and you are ready to expand your skill set!
5. Powered Parachutes and Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft
If you are still wondering about what can you do with a private pilot license, why not go for powered parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft. These are lightweight aircraft featuring flexible wings or parachute-like canopies and are designed for easy flying. Quicksilver MX II is a popular choice for its simplicity and ease of flying.
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Flying this category of aircraft requires an additional rating. You must undergo specialized training to ensure your safety while honing your proficiency.
How Do You Become a Private Pilot?
There are particular prerequisites to obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL). You must have a medical certificate, necessary training, and substantial flight hours. In most countries, it takes around 4-6 months to obtain a PPL. Once you earn it, a PPL can be used for leisure flying. But if you want to make a career in this vertical, there are numerous private pilot jobs, catering to each individual’s unique skill set.
Conclusion
Whether you want to fly for the thrill of it or are thinking of making a career in it, there are many avenues to utilize your Private Pilot License (PPL) and solve that question in your head, ‘what can I do with a private pilot license?’
Whether you already have a PPL or are just starting to look into flight training, there are many career options to explore as a private pilot and beyond.
