By Brandon Martini, COO, Stratus Financial
One of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—things about aviation is the sheer number of paths you can take. Maybe you dream of flying for a major airline. Maybe you want to run your own charter operation. Or maybe you’re not quite sure yet.
Regardless of where you’re headed, one thing is certain: you need a plan. Aviation career planning doesn’t just happen—it’s built step by step, with intention and strategy. Whether you’re a student pilot just starting out or a new CFI beginning to build hours, creating a career plan gives you clarity, motivation, and direction in an industry known for its complexity.
Here’s how to start your aviation career planning journey and build a roadmap that works for you—and sets you up for long-term success.
1. Start Your Aviation Career Planning With Your “Why”
Before you chase titles or aircraft types, take a moment to think about what drives you.
- Do you want to travel the world?
- Are you passionate about teaching others to fly?
- Do you thrive in structured environments—or prefer flexibility and independence?
- Do you want to be home every night or live a more nomadic lifestyle?
Knowing your “why” helps filter your choices. It keeps you focused when the road gets bumpy and helps you make decisions that align with your long-term goals.
2. Explore Aviation Career Paths to Find Your Fit
There are many ways to be a professional pilot. Here are a few common ones:
Airlines (Regional and Major):
- Predictable schedules
- Union benefits and seniority-based progression
- Competitive pay at the senior level
- Strong demand for the next 10+ years
Corporate/Business Aviation:
- Fly high-end clients in jets or turboprops
- Often more variety in routes and roles
- Requires flexibility and professionalism
- May include additional duties (trip planning, customer service)
Charter and Air Taxi:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Strong foundation for decision-making and time building
- May require more on-call hours or short notice
Flight Instruction:
- Great way to build hours while reinforcing your own knowledge
- Flexible and rewarding for those who love teaching
- Often the first step after earning a commercial certificate
Other options:
- Cargo
- Aerial survey or photography
- Agricultural aviation
- Military or government flying
Tip: No matter where you start, many pilots switch paths over time—so plan for flexibility.
3. Define Milestones for Your Pilot Career Plan
You don’t need to know everything about the end of your career. But you should know your next step.
Ask yourself:
- What license or rating do I need next?
- How many hours do I need for my target job?
- What experience do employers in my ideal role look for?
Break down your big goal into smaller chunks—your first job, your next 250 hours, or your next interview prep.
Example Career Milestone Plan:
Finish instrument rating → Become a CFI → Instruct to 1,000 hours → Apply to regionals → Upgrade to Captain → Consider corporate/major airline transition
4. Track Flight Hours and Progress for Better Planning
A successful pilot career is built on hours, ratings, and experience. Make sure you’re tracking them meticulously.
Use logbook software or digital apps like LogTen or ForeFlight to:
- Monitor total time and PIC time
- Track night, cross-country, and instrument time
- Log types of aircraft flown
This not only helps you stay organized, it also makes you more confident and professional when it’s time to apply for your next role.
5. Build Your Professional Pilot Brand Early
Even as a student pilot, how you carry yourself matters.
- Keep your logbook clean and current
- Be on time, prepared, and professional
- Network with instructors, classmates, and aviation professionals
- Attend job fairs, webinars, and aviation conferences
- Update your resume and LinkedIn as you gain experience
Tip: Opportunities often come from relationships. Someone you meet in ground school today could be your chief pilot tomorrow.
6. Stay Adaptable in Your Aviation Career Planning
The aviation industry is constantly evolving. New hiring trends, aircraft, and regulations can shape the landscape quickly.
- Subscribe to industry newsletters (AOPA, NBAA, AirlinePilotCentral)
- Join professional organizations like Women in Aviation, ALPA, or the 99s
- Be open to detours—sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected directions
Strong aviation career planning also means staying flexible and ready to adjust as new opportunities arise.
7. Remember: Financial Planning is Career Planning
Flying is an investment. So is every rating and job move. Building a financial plan is essential to staying on track.
- Know what each phase of training will cost
- Plan for transitions (like the gap between instructing and your first airline job)
- Explore scholarships, grants, and smart loan options
- Keep your credit healthy—it affects your career more than you may think
At Stratus Financial, we work with student pilots every day to create custom financing solutions that support both your training and your career goals—not just get you through the next checkride.
Final Thoughts
Your aviation journey won’t look exactly like anyone else’s. And that’s the beauty of it. But with clear aviation career planning, regular check-ins, and the right support system, you’ll move forward with confidence and purpose.
You already have the passion. Now add the plan.
From all of us at Stratus Financial, we’re proud to be a part of your journey—from student pilot to pro—and every climb, turn, and landing in between.