Pilot Side Hustles: Financial Tailwinds and Good Alternates

“Due to current unforeseen business circumstances beyond our control, the Company has made the difficult decision to cease all operations. As a result, you will be placed on a mandatory furlough. This furlough is expected to be permanent, and we do not anticipate you to be recalled from this furlough.” While not a surprise, the first paragraph of the furlough letter hit hard. The remaining little hope vanished. Even worse than a standard furlough, there wasn’t hope of getting called back. The company was shutting down for good.  We were not alone. Covid-19 shut down 3 US airlines in Spring of 2021. Other airlines and charter operators were furloughing thousands. Many pilots now faced the unexpected threat of job loss. Uncertain futures. Financial stress.  Aviation and the airline industry has always had ups and downs, some severe. 9/11 and financial collapse of 2008 caused the “lost decade”. Passenger demand dropped, there were significant job cuts, bankruptcies and financial losses. The years that followed, though, were encouraging. Airlines recorded profits and passenger loads were are all time highs. The looming pilot-shortage meant job security. Or so we thought.  Covid-19 proved there is no such thing as job security, no matter how good the industry looks. It was a wake up call for everyone. So, we made a decision that day. We would continue our path to career pilot, but find a side hustle to diversify and strengthen our position in life.  A side hustle is job or business you can run outside of your primary job’s hours. It is beneficial for many reasons. It helps protect us and our families with an additional income stream. It is a personal investment, and can be a financial investment as well. Side hustles can set you up for a better retirement, and sometimes even turn into future career.

Our Guide to Choosing a Side Hustle

Skills Think about what you’re good at. Consider your strengths at your current job. What do people come to you for at work, and at home? Of course, if you’re good at your business, you’ll be more motivated.  Passion Its also important to enjoy your side hustle. You’ll need motivation, especially during the beginning and slow periods. If you’re passionate about your work, you’ll be much more successful long term.  Initial Costs Determine how much money you can afford to use for your new startup. Research industry specific costs and time investment. You may need a new license or certification. Use social media, YouTube, and podcasts to get an idea of what you will need.  Continuing Costs Once your business is going, will there be ongoing expenses? You may need to pay for equipment, technology subscriptions, material, software, or advertising. Plan accordingly.  When and Where It is important for full time pilots to be able to work remotely. Some gigs will only require a phone, computer and WiFi. You’ll be able to work by the hotel pool or during a long sit in the terminal or FBO. Others may need more time and effort at home, or local travel on your days off.  Don’t Forget About Taxes More income means more taxes. You can set aside self-employment taxes throughout the year to prevent a large tax bill come tax season. You may have to pay estimated taxes quarterly if your income exceeds a certain amount. If you have large expense to write off, make sure to save the receipts in your records. If you’re running a business, taxes can get complicated fast. Consider consulting a tax advisor. Expectations Have realistic expectations for your new undertaking. It won’t get you rich quick. Starting any project or business is very difficult, and many fail. Be proud for trying. Enjoy the process and the new skills you’ll learn. You’ll connect with a variety of people and build new relationships. Choosing a side hustle is the first step. After Covid, many pilots found the same motivation and began their side hustles. Pilotmood has networked and researched a variety of side hustles that have proven to work well for pilots. Below are brief descriptions and some pros and cons of each.

The Side Hustles

Mortgage Loan Originator

A loan originator takes home loan and refinance applications. They guide clients through the process, while advising and educating about loan products that fit their clients’ financial situation. Each state has different laws, but they can work independently, or with brokers and lenders. They are usually paid a percentage commission on the loan amount. There are several online learning providers that can get you a license.

Resource to help you get started: How to Become a Mortgage Loan Originator 

Pros:

• Inexpensive training costs

• Potentially lucrative per hours worked
• Easy to work remotely with phone and computer

Cons:

• Can be difficult generating leads, very much a sales job

• Licensing test is difficult
• Some concern that in the future the process will be automated

Virtual Bookkeeping

Many businesses dread bookkeeping work and will outsource it. Depending on client needs, virtual bookkeepers might classify transactions, reconcile statements, or enter receipts into records. You might provide balance sheets, income statements or cash flow documents. You should enjoy working with numbers, computers and have attention to detail. You can either start your own business, or be a freelancer.

Resrouces to help you get started: Bookkeeper Launch. includes a free”discovery” series of courses. Bookkeeping Sidehustle.

Pros:

• No experience or degree required

• Potential for high hourly rates (60-100/hr)
• Very flexible – work when and where you choose

Cons:

• Effort required for marketing and finding own clients

• Need to meet deadlines
• Responsible for data security

Real Estate Agent

A Real Estate Agent or Realtor helps people buy and sell real estate. They ensure real estate transactions flow smoothly. They are independent contractors who earn commission checks. Income potential is unlimited, but you are responsible for your own expenses. Many real estate licensing courses can be completed online.

Also, check out Associate Agents at Redfin. It is an independent contractor role, that involves attending field events, like showing homes, attending open houses or final walkthroughs. You have full control over your schedule. There is no sales pressure, and you are paid per event. However, you will still need a real estate license.

Resources to help you get started: Can I be an Airline Pilot an a Realtor? Yes!

Pros:

• Set your own schedule
• Unlimited income potential
• Rewarding helping people buy and sell homes

Cons:

• Can be high pressure and stressful
• Responsible for maintaining license
• Lots of competition

RideShare Driving

There are several companies and types of rideshare driving today. You can do food deliveries with DoorDash or Instacart. Or, you can drive passengers with well known Uber or Lyft. This could be a great gig if you like driving. Research the companies and reach out to other drivers. Make sure the company either provides you commercial insurance or you have your own policy.

Pros:

• No training or special equipment required – only need a car.
• Schedule flexibility – drive when you want
• Drive and work anywhere, if you move or are away from home

Cons:

• Responsible for gas and car maintenance expenses
• Some feel too little pay for amount of time required to be driving
• Wear and tear on personal vehicle

Create Flight Simulator Add-Ons

It is possible for anyone to create scenery, aircraft, or other items for platforms like FSX, Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-plane. The user base of flight simulator platforms is in the millions. Countless users could be paying for your quality product. You are paid in royalties and vendors take a part of the profit. While you’ll need to learn certain software and some coding, everything can be found on YouTube.

Pros:

• Can work anywhere, all you need is your computer
• Once a produce is created and released, passive income
• Royalties are taxed more favorably than standard income

Cons:

• Need to learn combination of 3D modeling software, photoshop, and coding
• Time consuming

Franchising

Franchising entails running a business that sells a product or service using an already established franchisor’s proprietary business knowledge, processes and trademarks. The “franchisee” pays the franchisor an initial start-up fee and annual licensing fees. Examples of franchise establishments include Dunkin’ Donuts, Taco Bell, Anytime Fitness, and Hampton by Hilton. Businesses like to partner with pilots because of their ability to follow SOPs and checklists. Pilots can continue to fly full time while owning and managing their franchises. Mentors and services are also available to help find a good fit.

Resources to help you get started: FranNet, FranMent

Some franchises we recommend looking into: Blue Nose Aerial Imaging, WoodDefenderPros:

• Proven business formula to follow
• Established brand recognition, products and services
• Some franchisors offer training and financial planning

Cons:

• High start up costs and ongoing royalty costs
• Financing may be difficult to obtain
• Lack control of over creativity with their business

Notary

The main job of a notary is to help prevent fraud by witnessing the signing of documents and verify their authenticity. A “common-law notary” is not a lawyer and does not give legal advice. Each state has different requirements to become a notary. You’d need to submit an application to your state, pass an exam and pay the licensing fees. Notaries can charge their clients directly and keep all revenue, but some states limit how much can be charged per signature.

Pros:

• Easy to start with low costs and training
• Set your own schedule
• Notarial income is not subject to self-employment tax.

Cons:

• Takes time to build network of contacts and clients, few long term clients
• Limited income potential with slow periods

Digital Assets (Website Ownership)

Many people overlook income-generating websites as an investment. Marketplaces, like Flippa and Empire Flippers facilitate buying and selling of websites. They feature e-commerce, software as a service (SaaS), or affiliate marketing sites. You can buy the website and essentially “purchase the income”. Or, you can buy the site, improve it, and resell it for a profit. A significant amount of due diligence is required to understand the strengths and weaknesses of potential websites before making a purchase.

Resources to help you get started: Why Online Assets Will Outperform your Real Estate and Stocks, and 4 Side Hustle Opportunities Every Entrepreneur Should Know 

Pros:

• Potential for high return-on-investment
• Websites are already built, do not need to start from scratch
• Only need computer and internet

Cons:

• Significant due diligence required before purchasing
• Cost of websites can be high
• Still should learn website building and managing skills, such as SEO (search engine optimization)

Kindle Direct Publishing

Anyone can begin writing or selling books online. You do not even need to write your own books. However, it’s crucial to find a good writer to be successful. Engaging and quality content is a must. Writers can be found on sites like Freelancer, Upwork or Guru. Furthermore, those who see the most income usually have made their own website around their topic for marketing and promotion. Books do not have to be long, and only average 15-20 pages.

Pros:

• Can outsource the writing
• Unlimited income potential, some make thousands per month.
• You own your books for a lifetime

Cons:

• Finding a good writer or editor can take time and money
• You are responsible for marketing, which is required to successfully sell your book
• Lots of competition

Art and Crafting

Online stores, like Etsy and Shopify, have made it much easier for artists and creators to sell their work to consumers. You can also design and sell from your own website. Sales are growing every year. Check out these pilot-owned art side-hustles for inspiration (and some amazing art). 

Pros:

• Low start up costs
• High amount of personal independence
• Creative control

Cons:

• Due diligence required for certain marketplace licensing agreements
• Responsible for own promotion and marketing
• Learning required if launching own website

Freelance Writing

If you enjoy writing, consider selling your skills on freelance websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer or Guru. Projects may range from one article or blog, to years long contracts. Many business and websites are always looking for good writers and content and want to outsource it. There is a lot of competition and writers looking for work. Building a portfolio and samples to show potential employers is helpful.

Pros:

• Can work anywhere and enjoy different settings
• Schedule flexibility
• Lots of job opportunities in a variety of subject areas

Cons:

• Competitive
• Discipline required to meet deadlines and focus while working
• Jobs are not always well compensated

Online T-Shirt Selling

If you’re an artist, creative, or frequently think of clever catchphrases, T-shirt selling may be the side hustle for you. There is a potential for a lot of income, and those who are the best can see six figures in a year. Usually with the help of advertising, like Facebook Ads. Teespring, Redbubble, Zazzle, Printful, Printify, and Threadless are a few places where users create and sell their own shirts. These sites do the hard work of printing shirts and shipping it to customers. The creator only needs to upload their design.

Resources to help you get started: Case Study: How to Profit on Teespring

Pros:

• Easy to start, no money required
• Can make shirts for many niches and target audiences

Cons:

• Advertising required to be most successful
• Trial and error process, many designs will fail
• Lots of competition

Pet Services

If you love animals, there are ways to offer a variety of pet services for all the furry friends in your neighborhood. Pet owners happily pay for walks, dog boarding, drop-in visits, doggy daycare and daytime play dates. Every year, people spend more and more money on their pets. Many pet owners prefer putting their pet in a home rather than a kennel while they vacation. Get outside and more fit on walks, and enjoy meeting new people and a wide variety of dogs and cats. Check out Wag and Rover.

Pros:

• No need to market own services – websites will take care of it
• Set your own price and availability
• Lots of demand for pet care

Cons:

• Strict vetting process to qualify
• Need to be home for periods of time and have family collaboration (for boarding)
• Have to have a house and yard (for boarding)

Day Trading

Mobile apps, like Webull and Robinhood, have 0$ trading fees. Trading stocks is easier, more accessible, and potentially more lucrative. There are no account minimums. Interfaces are streamlined and easy to learn. Execute trades in seconds right from your phone. While buying and selling stocks is usually a more long term play, learning options can be a more steady source of income. It requires math and discipline. They may seem complicated at first, but there is plenty of free resources to learn the math and strategies. Join using the links above and you’ll even get a free stock!

Resources to help you get started: Tastytrade: Free Learning Center, and Sheriden Mentoring

Pros:

• Can learn using free resources
• Only requires a smart phone

Cons:

• Due diligence required
• Higher risk, potential to lose money
• Limited customer support

Create a Product

Have an idea for an invention? Go for it, and make it a reality. Simples ideas can be very successful. Websites like Shopify can do a lot of the heavy lifting to create your online store. Check out some pilot created products for inspiration: Bumruk Backpack, PilotSocks, The Clippy Thingy  

Pros:

• Creative control over your product
• Can work at your own pace

Cons:

• Market research required
• Can be a long time before seeing return on investment
• If patenting, process for applying for a patent can be complex and long

Teachers Pay Teachers

Teachers Pay Teachers describes itself as “the world’s most popular online marketplace for original educational resources.” Here people sell digital resources to other teachers. While geared toward educators, you do not need to be a teacher to sell. There is demand for clip art, worksheets, templates, and more.

Pros:

• Low costs to subscribe
• Supportive community and can build relationships with other users
• Lots of flexibility

Cons:

• Will have to set up store with good name, logo, and description
• Can be slow going
• Competition