Time Building in Florida: How to Build Flight Hours Without Overpaying

After the private pilot license, most career pilots face a long stretch of hours: 250 total hours for a commercial certificate, and up to 1,500 for an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate, with reduced minimums for some graduates of approved programs. Time building is where many pilots spend the most money. Here is how to do it smartly in Florida.

Why Florida

Year-round weather, many airports within a short flight and a large pilot community make Florida one of the most popular places to build time. Cross-countries to the Keys, the Gulf coast or the Bahamas also build real-world experience, not just hours.

Common ways to build hours

• Renting aircraft: simple but expensive if you fly alone.
• Block time packages: some schools and clubs sell prepaid hours at a discount.
• Flying clubs: lower hourly rates in exchange for a membership fee.
• Becoming a CFI: many pilots build most of their hours by instructing.
• Sharing flights with another pilot: splitting costs on cross-countries.

Sharing costs legally

Under FAA rules, a private pilot may not pay less than their pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight (fuel, oil, airport fees and rental) with passengers. Two pilots splitting a rental evenly is a common arrangement. Only one pilot can log pilot-in-command time for a given flight unless specific conditions apply, such as acting as a required safety pilot. Check the rules with your instructor before you plan.

Make the hours count

• Plan real cross-countries with different airports and airspace.
• Practice night flying and instrument approaches with a safety pilot.
• Keep a clean logbook from day one.

Find a time building partner

On Skye you can find time building partners by route and split costs, or browse aircraft for rent.