9 Low Time Pilot Jobs for Pilots With Less Than 500 Hours
Building Your Way to Your Dream Job Starts One Hour at a Time as a Low Hour Pilot
You put in the time to earn a commercial pilot certificate. You brushed up on the privileges and limitations that come with it, and now you’re ready to go land that first pilot job with the major airlines. The only problem is that during your job search you discover you have less than 500 hours, and many pilot job listings in the United States require more experience.
Before giving up and resigning yourself to taking a job in another field while building more flight time on the side, check out our list of low time pilot jobs that can help you get paid to fly while you build hours.
Table of Contents
- Air Tours
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Banner Towing
- Aerial Surveying/Mapping
- Pipeline and Powerline Patrol
- Glider Tow Pilot
- Skydive Jump Pilot
- Traffic Watch Pilot
- Part 135 Pilot Jobs
- Takeaways
- FAQ
1. Air Tours
An air tour pilot job is the classier aviation version of the tour bus guide in popular destinations. Air tour pilots fly passengers over scenic sites of all types, whether in urban areas like Las Vegas and Miami or places with natural beauty like the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. This can be one of the more fun low hour pilot jobs if you’re a people person.
Many air tour pilots enjoy entertaining and interacting with their passengers. Tour customers are often looking for memorable photo opportunities, and as the pilot you can point out landmarks, share local history, and make the flight an experience.
Working as an air tour pilot can require as little as 200 hours to get your foot in the door. The pay may not be sky-high at first, but you’re getting paid to build flight time rather than paying for it yourself—helping you work toward your next career step.
Requirements
- Flight time: ~200 hours total time (varies by operator/insurance)
- Certificates: Commercial pilot certificate
- Medical: Current Second Class Medical
- Ratings: Aircraft-dependent (operator-specific)
- Skills: Strong customer-service and communication skills
2. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
One of the best ways to sharpen your own skills while building time is teaching at a flight school. For some people, becoming a certified flight instructor (CFI) is a dream job because it allows them to pass their knowledge on to new pilots. For others, it’s a strategic stepping stone that builds hours quickly and develops real-world decision-making.
Flight instructors guide student pilots through ground school concepts and hands-on flight training. Like other educators, CFIs also dedicate time outside lessons for planning, debriefing, and prepping students for practical tests.
If you’re interested in becoming a certified flight instructor, plan on a longer and more challenging checkride than most. You’ll need to demonstrate your piloting skills and prove you can teach clearly and safely—serving as your student’s safety net in the air.
Some CFIs love instructing and make it a career. Others use it to build experience before moving into other pilot jobs. Either way, instructing is one of the most common and reliable paths for low time pilots.
Requirements
- Flight time: 250 hours total time (FAA minimum for many instructor paths; practical requirements vary)
- Age: 18+ years old
- Certificates: Commercial pilot certificate (or ATP) with instrument rating
- Medical: FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate or higher
- Testing/endorsements: Required knowledge tests + logbook endorsements (FOI/flight instructor prerequisites)
3. Banner Towing
We’ve all seen aircraft towing promotional banners over sporting events, festivals, and beaches. Banner towing pilots fly slow and low over designated areas so people below can read the message.
It may not be glamorous, but banner towing can pay the bills and build flight time. And yes—you may even tow engagement proposals, birthdays, and other one-off messages.
One of the most demanding parts of the job is the banner pickup, which requires precision flying close to the ground. To work as a banner towing pilot, you’ll need a banner towing endorsement and towing-specific training.
Requirements
- Flight time: ~340 hours total time (varies by operator/insurer)
- Certificates: Commercial pilot certificate (some operators list additional prerequisites)
- Medical: Current Second Class Medical
- Ratings: Instrument rating (commonly required)
- Endorsements: Banner towing endorsement and towing-specific training
4. Aerial Surveying/Mapping
Aerial surveying (also called aerial mapping) uses fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to collect geographic data. Depending on the mission and equipment, a pilot may fly solo or with a sensor/engineer on board.
If you’re flying without a dedicated operator, you may be responsible for running imaging or sensor equipment, so technical skills can help. Survey work can also require precise route and altitude control for long stretches—excellent practice for instrument and precision flying.
Requirements
- Flight time: Often ~500 hours total time and ~50 multi-engine hours (varies widely)
- Certificates: Commercial pilot certificate (multi-engine commonly required)
- Medical: Current Second Class Medical
- Ratings: Instrument rating
- Other: Valid passport and driver’s license (often required); operator-specific experience/preferences
5. Pipeline and Powerline Patrol
Pipeline and powerline patrol pilots fly low over routes to inspect for leaks, damage, or hazards. When outages or suspected issues are reported, it can be faster to send an aircraft to pinpoint the problem than dispatch a ground crew to cover miles of line.
This work often involves remote terrain where emergency landing options may be limited, so careful preflight planning and risk management are part of the job. Patrol pilots may be hired by the utility company, a survey company, or an air patrol contractor.
Requirements
- Flight time: Often ~400 hours total time (varies by operator/insurer)
- Certificates: Commercial pilot certificate (single-engine land commonly required)
- Ratings: Instrument rating (commonly required)
- Proficiency: Current and proficient in the operator’s aircraft type (operator-specific)
6. Glider Tow Pilot
The role of a glider tow pilot is unique because, under FAA rules, it can be performed by a pilot holding at least a private pilot certificate with the appropriate category rating—plus the required experience and endorsements.
To qualify, a pilot generally needs at least 100 hours as PIC in the aircraft category/class, tow training, and a logbook endorsement. Maintaining currency also requires periodic tows under supervision or recent PIC glider flights (requirements may vary by operation and instructor standards).
While the regulatory minimums may sound straightforward, towing takes real skill and coordination. It also includes unique hazards (like kiting) that require strong judgment and training.
Requirements
- Flight time: 100 hours PIC in the aircraft category/class/type (as applicable)
- Certificates: Private pilot certificate (or higher) with appropriate powered-aircraft category rating
- Training/endorsement: Logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor confirming ground + flight training and proficiency
- Proficiency topics: Tow procedures/airspeed limits, emergency procedures, signals, and maximum bank angles
7. Skydive Jump Pilot
Before jumpers can take the leap, they need a pilot to get them and their gear to altitude. Working as a skydive jump pilot can be a fun low hour pilot job because your passengers are excited, enthusiastic, and (sometimes) a little nervous.
Jump pilots fly frequent cycles and manage changing weight and balance as jumpers move and exit. Many pilots credit the job with improving stick-and-rudder skills and sharpening procedures through repetition.
Requirements
- Flight time: Often ~250 hours PIC minimum (varies by operator/insurer)
- Certificates: Commercial pilot certificate
- Medical: Current Second Class Medical
- Endorsements: High-performance endorsement (common), complex endorsement (aircraft/operator dependent)
- Other: Insurance approval
8. Traffic Watch Pilot
In large cities, television or radio stations may hire pilots to fly traffic watch. These pilots provide an aerial view of road conditions and report back to the studio so the information can be shared with commuters.
Traffic watch flights often happen during morning and evening rush hour. Pilots may also be called to cover holiday traffic, major events, or severe weather impacts.
Requirements
- Flight time: Often ~500 hours total time (varies by operator/insurer)
- Certificates: Commercial pilot certificate
- Medical: Current Second Class Medical
- Ratings: Instrument rating
9. Part 135 Pilot Jobs
For a pilot with limited experience, there are options for Part 135 jobs. These roles cover a wide range of opportunities, including charter flights, commuter operations, and cargo flying. Working in these positions can help you build experience in real-world operations while increasing your flight hours.
Part 135 operations typically involve flying smaller aircraft to a variety of destinations. It’s a demanding environment that can accelerate your professional growth and help prepare you for future aviation goals.
The main caveat with Part 135 is that jobs are often location-specific, and many require living near the operator’s base. Hour requirements also vary by company and insurance, with fewer roles available under 500 hours.
Requirements
- Flight time: 250–500 hours total time (varies by operator/insurer)
- Certificates: Commercial pilot certificate
- Medical: Current Second Class Medical
- Ratings: Instrument rating; multi-engine rating (job-dependent)
- Experience: Turbine time may be required for some jobs (often ~50 hours, job-dependent)
- Other: Location-based hiring is common; relocation may be required
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is considered a low time pilot?
A “low time pilot” is generally a pilot with around 500 hours or less who is building experience and flight time while earning an income.
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Is 32 too late to become a pilot?
No. There is no “too late” age to start flight training. Many pilots begin later in life and still build successful aviation careers.
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How do low time pilots build hours?
Common paths include flight instructing, towing, survey work, local airport jobs, and networking into entry-level flying roles that match your current experience level.
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What are the minimum flying hours for a pilot?
For a private pilot certificate (airplane), FAA minimums include at least 40 hours of flight time, including required instructor training and solo time. Actual totals often exceed minimums depending on training pace and proficiency.
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Are there jobs available for low time pilots?
Yes. Many operators hire lower-time pilots, especially for entry-level roles where the focus is building experience under structured procedures.
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Where can low time pilots find pilot jobs?
Try aviation job boards, pilot networking groups, local flight schools, airports, and direct outreach to operators. Networking can be especially effective in smaller markets.
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What types of pilot jobs are suitable for low time pilots?
Common options include flight instructing, aerial survey, pipeline patrol, banner towing, traffic reporting, and jump pilot operations—depending on local demand and insurance requirements.
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How can low time pilots improve their chances of getting hired?
Network consistently, keep your logbook organized, stay current and proficient, pursue additional ratings when feasible, and build a reputation for professionalism and safety.
Takeaways
As a newly minted commercial pilot, you may not have accumulated enough hours to qualify for your dream job, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get paid to fly.
There are plenty of low time pilot jobs for pilots with under 500 hours. Some are starter jobs, while others can grow into full-time careers. Some pilots even combine roles, like instructing during the week and flying tours or towing on weekends.
If you’re searching for pilot job listings in the United States, you’ll find opportunities through aviation job boards, networking events, and direct outreach to local operators. Remember: entry-level jobs are often stepping stones that build experience toward future goals.
With dedication and persistence, you can work your way up the aviation career ladder—and it often starts with a low hour pilot job.
Interested in Aviation-based Careers?
Our guides are designed to help:
- 20 Airline Pilot Interview Questions & Answers (+ Preparation Tips)
- A Day in the Life: What is a Pilot’s Schedule Really Like?
- 7 Most Lucrative Pilot Careers
- How to Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- How to Become a Flight Attendant with No Experience (Guide)
- Acquiring an FAA Dispatcher License - Learn What it Takes
- How to Become an Air Traffic Controller [Do You Qualify?]
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