How much do bush pilots make in Alaska?

In fact wages for bush pilots vary greatly. The best pay is in Alaska, where an experienced pilot can make $350 a day or $6,000 a month. Other less experienced pilots may only pull in around $20,000 a year.

Do you need a pilot’s license to fly a bush plane in Alaska?

If as a bush pilot, you plan on ferrying passengers, an ATPL (air traffic pilot’s license) is required and this can take up to five years if it is taken on a part-time basis. Have at least a PPL or higher pilot’s license certificate from the FAA. Have a minimum of 250 hours of flying experience.

How much does it cost to become a pilot in Alaska?

A rough estimate would range between $5,000 and $9,000, depending on the certificate being sought. How long does it take to learn to fly and get a pilot certificate? The same variables that affect the cost of learning to fly will affect the time it takes to earn your certificate.

Where can I be a bush pilot?

Commercial bush-pilot training is available through flight-training facilities offering instruction in float, tailwheel, tundra tire, or ski and glacier operations, in a number of locations around North America.

How do I get into bush flying?

Bush Pilot Training and Requirements Missionary aviation typically requires a minimum of 500 hours of flight experience, commercial and instrument pilot’s certificates, and a high-performance endorsement, as well as an A&P license.

How much does it cost to get a bush pilot license?

Pathway to becoming a Bush Pilot The cost can vary from $10,000 up to $50,000 depending on how intensive you want to do the course and how cheap you can rent a plane and instructor. You must be prepared to study and write exams in order to pass the theoretical tests.

How much does a bush pilot make a year?

The average Bush Pilot in the US makes $84,788. The average bonus for a Bush Pilot is $2,277 which represents 3\% of their salary, with 100\% of people reporting that they receive a bonus each year. Bush Pilots make the most in San Francisco, CA at $101,376, averaging total compensation 20\% greater than the US average.

How much is a bush plane license?

A Bush- and Mountain flying course includes 5 hours ground- and 5 hours flight training and costs around $1400 with two nights lodging. An Advanced Bush Pilot Course can take up to 5 days, and will include 5-7 hours ground training and 5-7 hours flight training.

How many people in Alaska have pilots license?

The Alaska pilot population is around 8,000. That means 1\% of the state’s residents are pilots. The plane is a big part of everyone’s life in Alaska.

How do I become a commercial pilot in Alaska?

Requirements

1. A minimum of 2,000 hours total flight time in a fixed wing aircraft or 1,200 hours total flight time in a high performance military aircraft.
2. Minimum of 50 hours of flight time within the last 12 months.
3. A current First Class FAA medical certificate.
4. An FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

How much is a bush plane cost?

These may be purchased new, for an up-front cost of $8,000 to $15,000. Single-Engine Planes: These planes, which hold two or more people and are more economical to operate and maintain than multi-engine planes, typically cost between $15,000 and $100,000.

Where can I start my first flying job in Alaska?

Start your first Alaska flying job in Bethel. The town of Bethel is one of the Alaska locations where pilots new to Alaska obtain their first flying job. There is a fairly high turnover of pilots in Bethel because it is not an ideal place to live for most pilots.

What is it like to be a pilot in Alaska?

The town of Bethel is one of the Alaska locations where pilots new to Alaska obtain their first flying job. There is a fairly high turnover of pilots in Bethel because it is not an ideal place to live for most pilots. Nevertheless, Bethel is the main aviation hub for more than 50 Eskimo villages within the greater Yukon-Kuskokwim delta area.

What are the requirements to become an air taxi pilot in Alaska?

To be employed as a pilot for any Alaska air taxi operator regulated by Federal Aviation Regulations Part 135 (almost all of them) you would need to have at least a commercial pilot single-engine-land license with an instrument rating.

How do I build flight hours in Alaska?

Build time by giving flight instruction. If you’re a low-time commercial pilot and want to build flight hours toward an eventual Alaska flying job, the best way is to give flight instruction. There are several flight schools in Alaska. A couple of them specialize in bush flying techniques.