Pilots on Call
Consistent with world-wide trends, Australian operators report a massive upturn in demand for charter services, as those who can avoid airline cancelations, crowded terminals, and aircraft with people of unknown COVID status. The desire to fly privately, setting your own timetable, and destinations, has never been stronger. Operators report that the cashed up “grey” baby-boomer market for outback, safari, and see-the-country tours, is also strong and rebounding fast.
Charter flying can be the well-worn, hours, experience, and career building path to bigger and better things, like flying for the airlines. For others, it is a fun-filled and varied flying life they wouldn’t swap for quids. In non-legal terms, charter pilots fly non-scheduled flights of people and/or freight for financial reward. Timing and route are tailored for customers, be they organisations or individuals.
To fly as pilot in command (PIC) on a charter flight, you will need, as a minimum, a commercial pilot license (CPL). Some operators require a command instrument rating (CIR), plus minimum total and time-on-type. There are also endorsement and currency requirements. As you progress up the charter pilot tree, especially if you aspire to be the chief pilot, an instructor rating is valued by employers, so you can train and check the “newbies.”
As the complexity of the aircraft flown increases, the type rating can be a barrier to gaining a position. If pilots are in plentiful supply, you may have to pay for your own,
