Part-time flying?

[320fly]

Hey guys,

I am currently doing the modular route for ATPL here in Europe. I love flying and I'd love to fly commercially for all my life. Despite I am wondering if there are any part-time flying jobs out there, and if its realistic to fly part-time? I have my work on the ground too which I would like to retain (yes its flexible) and would like to give flight instruction too. The things I am thinking of are contract work, seasonal flying, flying part-time at a Ryanair/Easyjet for example, or flying for a private owner. It seems that most of us here, as far as i've seen, are flying full time for a big airline. Of course it depends on the market, but I am not in a rush, so generally; is this something that could be done in the industry? It a slight other path than most of us are following so I am curious if there is room in this industry for part-time pilots like I envision.

Would be great to hear your advises/visions on this subject in general and if you guys know people who are working like this.

Many thanks!

[EcamSurprise]

Originally Posted by 320fly

Hey guys,

I am currently doing the modular route for ATPL here in Europe. I love flying and I'd love to fly commercially for all my life. Despite I am wondering if there are any part-time flying jobs out there, and if its realistic to fly part-time? I have my work on the ground too which I would like to retain (yes its flexible) and would like to give flight instruction too. The things I am thinking of are contract work, seasonal flying, flying part-time at a Ryanair/Easyjet for example, or flying for a private owner. It seems that most of us here, as far as i've seen, are flying full time for a big airline. Of course it depends on the market, but I am not in a rush, so generally; is this something that could be done in the industry? It a slight other path than most of us are following so I am curious if there is room in this industry for part-time pilots like I envision.

Would be great to hear your advises/visions on this subject in general and if you guys know people who are working like this.

Many thanks!

I am a part time Captain at the orange company you mentioned. It’s a great lifestyle balance and allows me to do other projects.

However and it’s a big however, there is no way you would join onto a part time contract. If you then gained part time as an FO you would loose this to take command, joining at the bottom of the part time waiting list that can take years.

In addition you will be on a random roster in the early years and minimal control on what days and what times you work. Sorry.

[320fly]

Thanks for your explanation @Ecam. Sounds fair that people who are working full-time get preferences over people who want to join part-time from the beginning. I guess it would be the same within other EU companies, right? Would it make a difference if I gain like 500-1000 hours on a type, so working full time for 1-2 years and after those years work, part-time on 50%? Otherwise I think I have to orientate on flying jumpers, aerial photography and so on.. But there is something strange in me that keeps attracting me to short haul EU flights in an airline, especially part-time. The combination of that with my current projects would be lovely.

[OSDriver]

Well, the orange company now hires mostly, at least within the EU, for part time bases. However that is a part time scheme that is based on the whole year, not per month. Contracts are 8/12, so you fly for 8 months and then have, during the winter, four months off. From what i see they only hire their own cadets and rehire those they fired for the time being.

[Airone2977]

You should know that despite the fact that the demand is now picking up, the job market in EU is tough with a lot of experience pilot still looking for a position. As a cadet you'll be lucky to find a RHS on a CS25 jet nowadays, and you simply cannot be picky.