The Ultimate Side Hustle for Pilots: How to Start a Thriving Aircraft Sales Business

Are you an airline or corporate pilot with a passion for aviation that extends beyond the flight deck? Have you ever considered channeling that passion into a lucrative side business, but weren't sure where to start? If you've got downtime in hotels and a desire to build something of your own, I'm here to tell you that one of the most rewarding side hustles for pilots is aircraft sales.

As a fellow corporate pilot, I've walked this exact path. I know the 8/6 schedules, the long layovers, and the unique skillset we possess. I also know that it's entirely possible to build a six-figure aircraft brokerage business alongside a flying career. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme; it takes dedication. But for those willing to put in the effort, it's a game-changer.

This post will serve as a foundational guide, drawing from my own experiences and the lessons I've learned, to show you how you can start your own side business for pilots in aircraft sales.

Why Pilots Make Excellent Aircraft Brokers

Your career in the cockpit has already given you a massive head start. Unlike someone coming into this industry cold, you have inherent advantages:

• Technical Expertise: You understand aircraft systems, performance limitations, and what to look for in maintenance records. This knowledge builds immediate credibility with buyers and sellers.

• Industry Network: You're already connected to a world of aircraft owners, mechanics, and other aviation professionals. This network is a goldmine for finding your first clients.

• Operational Understanding: You know what makes a good aircraft for a specific mission because you've flown them. You can advise clients with a level of practical insight that few others can offer.

Can I Really Do This as a Full-Time Pilot?

This is the number one question I get, and the answer is an absolute YES. I built my brokerage while flying, and it's completely doable with an 8/6 schedule. The key is to use your downtime productively. Those hours in a hotel can be spent researching markets, contacting potential clients, and managing deals.

The First Steps: Building Your Brokerage Foundation

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but it boils down to a series of manageable steps. Here’s what you need to focus on initially.

Step 1: Research Licensing and Legal Requirements

While you don't need an FAA license to be a broker, some states have their own rules. For example, states like Arizona and Washington require an Aircraft Dealer License. You may also need to file for a surety bond, which sounds expensive but can often be secured for a few hundred dollars a year. The first crucial step is to research the specific requirements in your state to ensure you're operating legally from day one.

Step 2: Gain Specialized Knowledge

You know how to fly, but now you need to learn how to sell. This means becoming an expert in a specific market segment. Trying to be an expert on everything from a Cessna 172 to a Gulfstream is a recipe for failure.

• Select a Niche: Start with a market you're familiar with. Given my background as an A&P mechanic on piston airplanes, I started there. Maybe you're a King Air or Citation pilot—that's your natural starting point.

• Become the Expert: Once you've chosen a niche (e.g., turboprops), specialize further in one or two models (e.g., Pilatus PC-12 or King Air series). Learn everything about them: common maintenance issues, Airworthiness Directives (ADs), typical lifecycle costs, and avionics. Resources like VREF.com are invaluable for market reports and valuation data.

Step 3: Finding Your First Clients

This is where many new brokers stumble. They spend money on fancy offices or ineffective advertising. When I started, I learned the hard way that the most effective strategies are often the most direct.

• Passive Lead Generation:

  • Build a Simple Website: Create a professional online presence. Your site should have four key pages: Home, Aircraft Inventory, About (tell your story!), and a Blog.

  • Content is King: Use the blog to share your expertise. Write articles about buying specific aircraft models or tips for first-time buyers. This positions you as an authority and boosts your site's SEO.

• Active Lead Generation:

  • Networking: Attend events hosted by organizations like EAA and NBAA. Go to gatherings at your local airport. People do business with those they know, like, and trust.

  • Direct Outreach: Don't be afraid to reach out. Look for "For Sale By Owner" listings on platforms like Trade-A-Plane or Controller. Often, these owners are overwhelmed and need expert help. A personalized message offering your services can be incredibly effective.

Your Downtime, Your Opportunity

Every hour you spend on a layover is an hour you could be investing in your future. Imagine turning that idle time into a thriving business that not only provides a significant second income but also deepens your connection to the aviation world you love.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

This article just scratches the surface. If you're serious about building your own aircraft brokerage, you need a detailed roadmap. That's why I created the Aircraft Broker Academy. Our comprehensive course offers in-depth video lessons, templates for contracts and agreements, and step-by-step guidance that I wish I had when I started.

We teach you how to set up your business, generate leads, price aircraft correctly, handle negotiations, and manage clients on both sides of the transaction.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Visit the Aircraft Broker Academy today to learn more and take the first concrete step toward launching your successful aircraft brokerage business. I also recommend you watch my video on "How to Start an Aircraft Brokerage Business"