Power Hour Lesson Outlines

How to Build 1500 Flight Hours

Outline:

Barriers to Entry in Aviation
- Many low-paying, time-wasting roles falsely promise value.
- Competition is high because the entry barrier is too low.
- Until you have 1,000+ hours, many won’t take you seriously.
The Real Barrier: Professionalism
- The shift happens when flying becomes a job, not a thrill.
- Once you're willing to do anything to fly, you’re a professional.
- Early mornings, late nights, constant relocation—get used to it.
Lifestyle Tradeoffs
- Say goodbye to extreme sports—your medical certificate comes first.
- Your life becomes: fly or don’t fly—no in-between.
- Expect:
  - Reserve status and crash pads
  - Repetitive routes, hotels, and downtime
  - Living near the airport (even if you don’t want to)
Pros of the Career
- No office meetings, no emails to take home.
- Retirement benefits are strong.
- Eventually, the schedule gets easier with more time off.
Irreversibility of Commitment
- After committing to 1500 hours:
  - Other industries won’t hire you—you’re not current.
  - Aviation becomes your only viable career path.
  - You're seen as someone who’ll quit if recalled by airlines.
Location Strategy: Green, Yellow, Pink States
- Green States: High demand, fast hours.
- Yellow States: Moderate pace and workload.
- Pink States: Difficult regions—seasonal or slow progression.
Fastest Ways to Build Time (in order)
1. Buy a Champ and fly it yourself (150 hrs/month)
2. Flight Instructing (100+ hrs/month)
3. Banner Towing (50–75 hrs/month)
4. Air Tours (50 hrs/month)
5. Turboprop jobs (20–50 hrs/month)
Battleground Hours – The Hardest to Get
- Cross-country time: Need 500 hours (includes 100 PIC or SIC)
- Night time: 100 hours; 25 PIC
- Instrument time: 75 hours; up to 25 can be simulator or AATD
Urgency: Why Time Matters
- Every month not flying for an airline = ~$42K lost
- Delays cost you career years—retirement caps at age 65
- Bottom line: Get busy now, or pay for it later