Pilot Time Building Strategies: How to Reach Your Goals

Accumulating flight hours is essential for every pilot looking to advance. Whether you’re aiming for a commercial license or an airline career, pilot time building helps you gain experience, sharpen skills, and reach required milestones. The key is to find smart, cost-effective ways to log hours efficiently. 

At Leopard Aviation, we offer structured training, flexible scheduling, and access to a modern fleet, making it easier to build hours while refining your technique. From flight instruction to ferrying aircraft, we help pilots maximize every flight. The right strategy ensures you’re not just flying more—but flying smarter.

1. Flight Instruction

One of the most effective ways to log hours while refining skills is by becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Teaching others to fly not only builds experience but also sharpens communication, problem-solving, and cockpit management. Many pilots take this path because it provides a steady flow of flight time and a paycheck.

Earning a CFI certificate requires additional training, but the benefits are worth it. Pilots who instruct develop a deeper understanding of aerodynamics, emergency procedures, and flight regulations. Plus, the structured environment allows for consistent flying, helping pilots reach their required hours for commercial or airline jobs.

At Leopard Aviation, we offer a comprehensive CFI program that prepares pilots to teach effectively while growing their own expertise. Our modern Cessna 172S Skyhawks, equipped with Garmin G1000 avionics, provide an advanced training platform that benefits both students and instructors. With personalized training and a professional flight environment, our CFIs gain real-world teaching experience while rapidly building flight time.

2. Safety Piloting

Another way to log flight time is by acting as a safety pilot. When a pilot practices under instrument flight rules (IFR) using a view-limiting device, a second pilot is required to observe and ensure safety. This allows the safety pilot to log flight time, even though they are not the primary pilot in command.

Safety piloting is a cost-effective way to build hours since both pilots can split expenses. It also helps pilots improve situational awareness, navigation skills, and ATC communication. For those working toward an instrument rating or simply looking to add hours, this is a great strategy.

At Leopard Aviation, we connect pilots looking for time-building opportunities, including safety pilot partnerships. Flying with a fellow pilot in our advanced fleet allows for shared learning experiences and efficient time-building. Whether you’re working toward commercial requirements or an airline career, we help create the right opportunities to log more hours while improving skills.

3. Specialized Flying Jobs

Building hours doesn’t always require traditional training flights. Many pilots find work in specialized aviation roles that provide real-world experience and steady flight time. These jobs not only increase hours but also introduce pilots to different flying environments, making them more well-rounded aviators.

Aerial Survey and Photography

Aerial survey pilots fly missions to collect data, conduct land assessments, or capture high-resolution images. This type of flying requires precision, often at lower altitudes, making it excellent for honing aircraft control and navigation skills. Some positions require additional training, but they provide consistent flight hours.

Banner Towing and Glider Towing

Pilots can also build time through banner towing or glider towing operations. These jobs involve flying at low altitudes over busy areas, such as beaches and stadiums, with large advertising banners or towing gliders for recreational flying. While they require special training, these roles offer reliable hours and help pilots develop precise maneuvering skills.

At Leopard Aviation, we prepare pilots for diverse career paths by offering quality training that meets industry standards. With experienced instructors and access to real-world scenarios, we help pilots gain confidence in handling various aviation roles.

4. Ferrying Aircraft

Aircraft ferrying is another exciting way to accumulate hours while gaining experience flying different planes across various locations. Ferry pilots transport aircraft between owners, maintenance facilities, or dealerships, often flying long cross-country routes. This job exposes pilots to different airspace conditions, weather systems, and navigation challenges.

Ferrying requires strong flight planning skills and the ability to adapt to new aircraft quickly. Pilots who take on ferry flights not only increase their total hours but also develop problem-solving abilities that make them more marketable in the aviation industry.

At Leopard Aviation, we emphasize strong cross-country and navigation training to prepare pilots for real-world flying. Our structured approach ensures that pilots are ready to handle longer flights, unfamiliar routes, and changing weather conditions. We train our students to be confident in their decision-making, making them well-prepared for ferrying and other long-haul flying jobs.

5. Time Building Programs

For pilots who need a structured and efficient way to build hours, time building programs provide a great solution. These programs allow pilots to rent aircraft at discounted rates, often with block-hour packages, to accumulate the necessary flight time for career advancement.

Time building programs are ideal for those working toward a commercial pilot license (CPL) or an airline transport pilot certificate (ATP). They provide focused flying time without the unpredictability of job-based flying opportunities. The best programs offer well-maintained aircraft, flexible scheduling, and access to experienced instructors for additional guidance.

At Leopard Aviation, we offer tailored pilot time building programs designed to help pilots reach their goals efficiently. Our Cessna 172S Skyhawks with Garmin G1000 avionics provide a state-of-the-art training platform, allowing pilots to refine their navigation and fuel management skills while logging valuable hours. With flexible scheduling and a supportive training environment, we ensure that every pilot maximizes their time in the air. Whether you’re preparing for a commercial career or an airline job, our programs give you the experience and confidence to move forward.

6. Networking and Community Engagement

Building Relationships in the Aviation Community

Success in aviation isn’t just about logging hours—it’s also about who you know. Building strong relationships with other pilots, instructors, and aviation professionals can open doors to new opportunities. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, career advice, or more flight time, connecting with the right people makes a big difference. 

Attending aviation events, joining local flying clubs, and participating in online aviation communities can help you expand your network and gain access to valuable resources. Many pilots secure extra flight time through partnerships, referrals, and even informal flying opportunities with experienced aviators.

Opportunities for Flight Time Through Networking

Engaging with the aviation community can lead to unexpected chances to build experience. Many pilots find co-piloting opportunities, safety pilot roles, or ferrying gigs simply by staying involved and making connections. Flight schools, FBOs, and charter operators often look for dependable pilots to assist with various missions. 

At Leopard Aviation, we encourage our students to engage with fellow aviators, instructors, and industry professionals. Our flight training environment fosters connections that help pilots grow, gain experience, and discover new ways to meet their pilot time building goals.

How Leopard Aviation Helps

We understand that pilot time building isn’t just about flying—it’s about learning, growing, and becoming part of a supportive aviation community. Our students train with experienced instructors who provide guidance beyond the cockpit, helping them navigate career paths and make industry connections. 

Our Scottsdale and Mesa locations give pilots access to a vibrant aviation network, ensuring they’re surrounded by opportunities to advance. Whether you’re training with us or looking for ways to maximize your time in the air, we provide the resources and mentorship to help you reach your goals.

Build Hours, Build Your Future

Pilot time building is about choosing the right strategies—whether through flight instruction, ferrying aircraft, or structured programs. The best path depends on your career goals. At Leopard Aviation, we make it easy with flexible training, experienced instructors, and modern Cessna 172S Skyhawks equipped with Garmin G1000 avionics. 

Our tailored programs help you log quality hours while improving skills and confidence. Whether you’re aiming for airline requirements or sharpening your experience, we provide the support and resources to help you succeed. Fly with us and take control of your time-building journey today.

FAQs

1. Why is time building important for pilots?

Pilots need flight hours to qualify for advanced ratings and career opportunities. Time building helps meet minimum requirements for commercial licenses, airline transport certification, and specific endorsements. Efficiently accumulating quality hours improves skills and career prospects.

2. What are the best ways to build flight hours?

Pilots can build hours by flight instructing, ferrying aircraft, banner towing, pipeline patrol, leasing aircraft for cross-country trips, or joining time-building programs. Sharing costs with other pilots on long flights can also reduce expenses while logging valuable hours.

3. Can flight simulators help with time building?

Some FAA-approved flight simulators allow pilots to log limited hours toward specific ratings, like instrument or commercial requirements. However, most hour-building must be done in an actual aircraft. Simulators are great for sharpening skills but do not fully replace real flight experience.

4. How can I build time affordably?

To save money, consider flying with a safety pilot, renting aircraft with other pilots, or working as a flight instructor. Seeking part-time flying jobs, taking advantage of discounts at flying clubs, or ferrying aircraft for owners are also cost-effective ways to accumulate hours.

5. How many hours do I need for an airline job?

Airlines require at least 1,500 hours for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, though some regional airlines offer programs with reduced minimums. Time-building strategies should focus on gaining diverse experience, including cross-country, night, and multi-engine flight hours.