Time is Your Most Valuable Asset in Your Aviation Career

January 01, 2024 by Eric Bradley

There’s an old saying in business: "Time is money." In aviation, this truth is more evident than ever. From your first flight lesson to earning your commercial certificate, time plays a crucial role in shaping your aviation career and personal economy. But how exactly does time impact your journey as a pilot?

Before you even take to the skies, you’ll need to complete ground school. This foundational training ensures you have the knowledge to pass the written exam and qualify as a student pilot. You’ll also need to secure a third-class medical certificate and a student pilot certificate—the minimum requirements to begin your flight training.

Once you’re in the air, every minute matters. The first 40 to 80 hours of flight time will be spent working toward your private pilot certificate. While the minimum requirement is 40 hours, the average student takes around 60 hours, and some may need as many as 80 hours to achieve their goal. This is the time to build your skills, confidence, and understanding of flight basics.

After earning your private pilot certificate, your journey continues with additional ratings. These ratings help expand your knowledge and experience, allowing you to fly more complex aircraft and take on more challenging roles. As you accumulate flight hours, you’ll eventually reach the 250-hour mark, at which point you can attempt your commercial pilot checkride.

Earning your commercial pilot certificate opens up new opportunities to earn money flying. However, it's important to know that landing a job immediately after earning this certificate is not guaranteed. This is where time management becomes crucial: even if you’re not flying professionally right away, it’s important to keep flying as much as possible. Accumulating hours, staying current with your qualifications, and networking within the aviation industry will keep you on track to achieving your goals.

Building a career in aviation is about more than just accumulating flight hours; it’s about making the most of the time you have. Every hour spent in training or flying is an investment in your future. So, how will you use your time wisely to reach your aviation goals?