I have written a fair number of articles for both Pilot (longer ago) and Flyer (more recently). Some have been trip reports and others on technical matters.
The amount they pay is definitely better than a poke in the eye (I have had cheques for between £200 and £600, ISTR) the rates depending on the number of words and the number of pictures.
Obviously the mags have standards to maintain in terms of the quality of both copy and photos. They will only accept amateur digital shots for very small reproduction. If you do not provide piccies they will source them from libraries, but that obviously reduces your income.
They might also edit your copy, and you can end up saying things that you never said. Some editors will resubmit to you with alterations, some don't. The worst case was once when they editied the copy, sent it to me for approval, I highlighted a load of errors, then they printed without correcting them. But that's what happens when you are published, and you just have to live with it!
W