Rick Koubsky’s Advice for Becoming a Successful Contract Pilot

Contract flying can provide pilots with flexibility, variety, additional income, and opportunities to build relationships throughout business aviation. As discussed in our article on 10 reasons corporate pilots should consider contract work, it can also expand a pilot’s professional network and create future career opportunities.

But succeeding as a full-time contract pilot requires more than maintaining the appropriate qualifications and being available for trips.

According to BizJetJobs founder Rick Koubsky, the best contract pilots approach every assignment as though they are a permanent member of the flight department.

Treat Every Contract Trip Like a Real Job

A contract pilot should never simply go through the motions, complete the flight, and collect a paycheck. Even if the assignment only lasts a few days, the pilot is still part of the crew and represents the flight department.

That means being willing to help wherever needed. A dependable contract pilot may assist with:

• Cleaning and preparing the aircraft

• Moving or pushing out the aircraft

• Identifying and communicating maintenance concerns

• Supporting the other pilots and crew members

• Working professionally with executives and aircraft owners

• Cooperating closely with flight attendants

These responsibilities may extend beyond physically operating the aircraft, but they are an important part of professional business aviation. Pilots who willingly contribute demonstrate that they care about the overall success of the trip—not only their own flying responsibilities.

Become Part of the Flight Department’s Team

The strongest contract pilots do not behave like temporary outsiders. They pay attention to how the flight department operates, communicate well with everyone involved, and look for ways to make the assignment easier for the entire crew.

Aircraft owners and flight departments remember pilots who are professional, helpful, and easy to work with. That reputation can lead to repeat assignments, referrals, and potentially even full-time employment opportunities.

Technical qualifications may help a pilot receive the initial call, but attitude and teamwork frequently determine whether that pilot is invited back.

Build a Strong Network of Qualified Contract Pilots

Connections are especially important for pilots who want to pursue contract flying full time. This is true throughout business aviation, where professional relationships often play a major role in finding new opportunities. Pilots interested in strengthening those relationships can also read our corporate aviation networking advice.

As a contractor becomes established, trip requests may begin coming from several different operators. Trips can also extend unexpectedly, creating scheduling conflicts with assignments the pilot has already accepted.

When that happens, simply canceling and leaving the operator to find another pilot at the last minute can damage an otherwise good professional relationship. A better approach is to develop a trusted network of qualified, type-rated contract pilots who may be able to take the assignment.

A pilot can then tell the company:

“I’m unable to fly this trip, but I know another highly qualified pilot who may be able to help.”

Providing a trusted replacement shows that the contractor is still thinking about the operator’s needs. Instead of creating a staffing problem, the pilot helps solve one.

Your Network Makes You More Valuable

Helping an operator locate another qualified pilot makes you more than someone they call to occupy a cockpit seat. You become a trusted resource for the flight department.

In a sense, you are helping with part of its pilot-recruiting process. The company does not have to begin a last-minute search without knowing whether the available candidates are qualified, reliable, or professional.

This benefits everyone involved:

• The operator finds a qualified pilot more quickly.

• Another contract pilot receives an opportunity.

• You protect your relationship with the company.

• The aviation community gains another valuable connection.

Referring another pilot does not necessarily mean losing future work. It can reinforce your reputation as a dependable professional who helps the operator—even when you cannot personally accept the trip.

Relationships Drive a Successful Contract-Pilot Career

A successful contract-flying career is built on both performance and relationships. Each trip is an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, support the crew, and earn the operator’s trust.

Rick Koubsky’s advice is straightforward: treat contract flying like a job, become a genuine part of the team, and create a circle of qualified pilots you trust.

Pilots who consistently do those things are more likely to receive repeat calls, recommendations, and new opportunities throughout their careers.

▶️ Watch Rick Koubsky’s full video on becoming a successful contract pilot.

BizJetJobs helps pilots connect with business-aviation employers searching for qualified talent. Learn more about how BizJetJobs helps pilots get hired, create your professional profile, and search current contract and full-time opportunities at BizJetJobs.com.