21 Business Ideas For Pilots [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a pilot in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a pilot could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for pilots?
We put together 21 of some of the best pilot business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other pilot businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a travel agency ($174K/month)
As a pilot, your extensive knowledge of global destinations and firsthand travel experience could serve as a solid foundation for starting a travel agency. With your unique insights into the best travel routes, accommodations, and local adventures, you could craft personalized travel packages that cater to the needs and desires of avid travelers.
Additionally, your understanding of the aviation industry can help you negotiate better deals with airlines and other travel service providers, allowing you to offer competitive prices. Performing market research, obtaining necessary certifications like an IATA number, and building a robust online presence would be essential steps in this entrepreneurial venture.
Starting a travel agency could be a seamless extension of your passion for travel, allowing you to supplement your income while sharing your expertise with others. This business could be managed alongside your flying career, eventually transitioning to a full-time endeavor if desired.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.
2. Start a travel company ($259K/month)
As a pilot, you already have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the realm of travel, making the idea of starting a travel company a natural extension of your career. You could leverage your extensive experience with different destinations and your understanding of the logistics of travel to create tailored travel packages that cater to specific niches, such as adventure tourism or luxury getaways.
By organizing trips and handling everything from transportation to lodging and entertainment activities, you could provide a seamless travel experience that aligns with your clients’ desires. This entrepreneurial venture offers you the opportunity to supplement your income and share your passion for travel while utilizing your industry insights to differentiate your travel company from competitors.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Under30Experiences is a travel company for people aged 21-35 that runs small group trips around the world, with over 800 five-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp combined, and nearly hitting $5M in revenue before the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Start a travel blog ($119K/month)
As a pilot, your unique perspective and extensive travel experience could serve as the foundation for a successful travel blog. The constant movement to diverse and exotic locations grants you firsthand knowledge of tropical island destinations, which could be invaluable content for readers seeking authentic travel advice. By sharing your experiences and insights, you could attract a dedicated following, eager to learn about the hidden gems and must-see sites you’ve visited.
A travel blog not only allows you to share your passion for exploration but also serves as a platform to monetize through advertisements, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. Writing about the best sightseeing spots, water activities, and local attractions can cater to a niche audience looking for credible recommendations from a well-traveled expert. This side venture could supplement your income, potentially growing into a significant revenue stream while leveraging your profession as a pilot.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Two friends started an online book club that now has 570 members and generates £10,500 MRR, by addressing the problem of 'Tsundoku,' charging a monthly subscription fee for one non-fiction book, one inspiring meetup, and one custom cocktail, inspiring conversation and community.
4. Start a travel guide website ($14.2K/month)
As a pilot, starting a travel guide website could be a highly lucrative venture that leverages your extensive travel experience and insider knowledge. You could offer specialized information about air travel, unique insights into various destinations, and tips on making flights more enjoyable. Given your frequent travels, you could effortlessly create content that includes up-to-date reviews, destination guides, and travel tips, making your website an authoritative source for travelers.
Additionally, your professional network within the aviation industry could help you secure insider tips, special deals, and collaborations that add value to your site. Whether you're creating detailed guides about specific destinations like Kenya or offering general travel advice, your unique perspective as a pilot can make your site stand out. With a well-designed, mobile-friendly website, you could attract a large audience and generate revenue through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content, supplementing your income or even transforming it into a full-time business.
How much you can make: $50 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
TravelMamas.com founder Colleen Lanin shares how she turned a family travel blog into a business that generates $15K in monthly revenue through ad network sales, affiliate sales, sponsored posts, book sales, public speaking appearances, and media campaigns.
5. Start a travel products business ($314K/month)
As a pilot with firsthand travel experience, you could leverage your unique insights into the needs of frequent travelers to start a successful travel products business. By offering a range of essential travel items like neck pillows, waterproof backpacks, travel masks, and hand sanitizers, you could cater to the comfort and convenience of your fellow travelers.
Imagine creating an online store that becomes a one-stop shop for high-quality travel gear. By understanding the common pain points of travelers, such as comfort and preparedness for various weather conditions, you could curate an assortment of items that truly enhance the travel experience, making it easier and more enjoyable.
To achieve rapid success, you could emphasize a seamless shopping experience, ensuring that your customers can quickly and easily find the products they need. This entrepreneurial venture could not only supplement your income but also allow you to share your passion for travel with others while solving their travel-related challenges.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
TourScanner, a meta-search engine for tours and activities, achieved monthly net revenue of $60k and plans to reach $1M ARR in 2022, utilizing a lightweight business model based on affiliate programs that earned a commission from referrals sent to major travel companies like Viator, GetYourGuide, Musement, and Groupon.
6. Start a mobile photography business ($104K/month)
As a pilot, starting a mobile photography business could be an excellent way to supplement your income and capitalize on your unique vantage points and travel experiences. Your job already takes you to various destinations, providing endless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes and cityscapes that others might not have access to. Additionally, your understanding of aviation could offer unique perspectives that appeal to niche markets like aviation enthusiasts or travel blogs.
Being a pilot means you likely have a flexible schedule where you could fit in photography gigs around your flights. Whether it's shooting weddings, creating content for ad campaigns, or freelancing for magazines, your creative vision backed by your aviation expertise could set you apart in the competitive photography market. All you need is to invest in high-quality camera gear and photo-editing software, and your mobile studio could take off just like your next flight.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.
7. Become a corporate photographer ($23.4K/month)
As a pilot, you could harness your unique perspective and travel opportunities to start a corporate photography business. Given your experience with different corporate environments and your keen eye for detail, you could offer specialized services such as event photography, marketing material shoots, and executive portraits that align with companies' branding strategies. Your flexible schedule could allow you to take on photography projects during your off-duty time, making it a great way to supplement your income.
Furthermore, your ability to travel regularly can broaden your client base and expose you to diverse business settings, which could translate into a more versatile and impressive portfolio. Networking with businesses you come across during flights and leveraging social media and local events will be crucial in attracting clients. With strong communication and customer service skills, you could build strong relationships with clients and meet their specific brand needs, making your corporate photography business not only feasible but also potentially very rewarding.
How much you can make: $8,300 — $50,001/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.
8. Become a game developer ($88K/month)
If you're a pilot with a passion for video games, you could consider starting a game development business. Your unique experiences and travel stories can inspire engaging and immersive storylines for your games, setting them apart in a crowded market. Moreover, the flexible schedule of a pilot could allow you to allocate time for game development, making it an ideal side business.
You could leverage your problem-solving skills and attention to detail honed from flying to create and debug complex coding tasks. Additionally, your understanding of digital systems and quick decision-making could give you a competitive edge in designing and testing dynamic and reliable games. With the right mix of creativity and technical know-how, you could transform your love for gaming into a profitable venture.
How much you can make: $200 — $580,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Construct 3, a browser-based game engine that allows anyone to create games without coding, has grown from a pay-once model to generating $100k per month in revenue through a subscription-based system, after launching with the help of early-adopter customers and a focus on organic growth, customer feedback, and white-hat SEO.
9. Become a storytelling speaker
As a pilot, you could leverage your unique experiences and perspectives from the sky to become a captivating storytelling speaker. Sharing thrilling tales of in-flight adventures, the challenges faced during turbulent conditions, and the serene beauty of aerial views, you can engage various audiences, from corporate events to educational institutions. Your firsthand aviation stories can provide inspiration and valuable insights, making your speeches not only entertaining but also educational.
In addition to enhancing your professional profile, this role offers flexible scheduling, allowing you to continue flying while speaking at events. By crafting compelling presentations and honing your public speaking skills, you could turn this side gig into a lucrative business, reaching a wide audience and even publishing your stories in written form for additional revenue streams.
10. Start a video production company ($156K/month)
As a pilot, you could leverage your unique access to stunning aerial vistas and the aviation community to start a thriving video production company. With your insider knowledge, you could create captivating footage for commercials, online ads, product showcases, and corporate videos, tapping into the demand for high-quality marketing content. Your familiarity with aviation could also give you a unique angle in producing niche content that resonates with a specific audience, such as pilot training videos or promotional material for airlines and aircraft manufacturers.
Additionally, your flexible schedule as a pilot might allow you to manage video production projects on the side, making it an ideal supplementary income source. You could network within the aviation industry to find initial clients, gradually expanding your portfolio to other sectors. This venture allows you to blend creativity with your professional expertise, enhancing your entrepreneurial journey.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 72 days (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
11. Start a media business
As a pilot, you could leverage your unique experiences and insights to start a media business. Consider creating a YouTube channel, blog, or podcast where you share captivating stories, travel tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at the aviation industry. Your firsthand knowledge could attract a niche audience of aviation enthusiasts, aspiring pilots, and frequent travelers who crave authentic and engaging content.
Additionally, you could offer specialized courses or webinars focused on pilot training, aviation safety, or navigating the complexities of different airports. This kind of content could be especially valuable to aspiring pilots and those looking to break into the industry. By monetizing through ad revenue, sponsorships, or subscription services, you could turn your passion for flying into a lucrative side business or even a full-time endeavor.
12. Start a mobile yoga business
If you're a pilot with a passion for yoga and an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a mobile yoga business could be an excellent way to supplement your income. With the busy schedules that both you and potential clients likely have, mobile yoga classes offer the flexibility and convenience that traditional studio classes may not provide. You could begin by offering 1:1 sessions and expand to group classes as you build a client base.
Imagine being able to offer yoga sessions tailored specifically to the high-stress, high-travel lifestyles of fellow aviation professionals. This personal understanding of your target market could set you apart from other yoga instructors. By leveraging an active online presence and sharing videos on social media, you could attract more clients and grow your business steadily.
How much you can make: $6,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
Chakra5 is a mobile wellness team that generates $6k per month doing yoga/meditation/pilates classes, vegan cooking classes and sound baths on demand, boasting a strong online presence to attract and retain customers while also using free tools to keep monthly business costs below $100.
13. Start a window cleaning business
If you are a pilot with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a window cleaning business could be an excellent way to supplement your income. Given your likely flexible work schedule, this business allows you to choose when to take on jobs, fitting seamlessly into your existing career. The repeat business aspect ensures a steady stream of clients, as windows require regular cleaning to maintain their pristine condition.
Moreover, a window cleaning business is not capital-intensive and involves minimal overhead costs, making it an attractive option for someone looking to start small. With your attention to detail and precision—skills honed through your aviation training—you could offer a high-quality service that stands out in the market. This side business could eventually grow into a full-time venture, providing financial stability and independence.
How much does it cost to start: $50 (?)
14. Start a music store business ($275K/month)
As a pilot, starting a music store business could allow you to blend your love for music with entrepreneurial ambitions. Imagine creating a space filled with guitars, keyboards, violins, and drums, serving as a local hub for musicians and enthusiasts in your community. Your store could become the go-to spot for anyone looking to start or continue their musical journey, offering not just instruments, but a sense of community.
This venture requires more than just a passion for music; it also involves managing inventory, building relationships with suppliers, and providing exceptional customer service. Additionally, offering workshops or instrument repairs could differentiate your store from competitors. If you’re seeking a fulfilling business that allows you to make a tangible impact on local culture and art, opening a music store could be an exciting and rewarding opportunity.
How much you can make: $100 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 5 days (?)
Flute Center of New York is the largest flute-centric company in the world, servicing musicians globally with an impressive retail level sales of over 7 million USD in 2019 by selling flutes and piccolos ranging from $500 to an astonishing $75,000.
15. Start an entrepreneurship blog ($23.2K/month)
If you're a pilot with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting an entrepreneurship blog could be a fantastic way to supplement your income. You could share your journey, insights, and strategies for building various businesses, offering how-to guides, interviews with successful entrepreneurs, and tips on overcoming obstacles. This not only allows you to help aspiring business owners but also positions you as an authority in the growing field of practical business advice.
Given the high demand for real-life success stories and practical guidance, your blog could quickly attract a devoted audience. Furthermore, by leveraging consistent content creation, SEO techniques, and effective social media marketing, you could grow your readership and monetize your blog through advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. If you enjoy writing and are passionate about business, this venture could be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $240,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $225 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
From blogging about the best technology ideas to earning $10K/month through paid newsletters and courses, this case study explores the journey of entrepreneur and blogger Thomas Oppong and his successful online platforms.
16. Create an online course ($83.3K/month)
As a pilot, you could leverage your extensive aviation knowledge and experience to create an online course tailored for aspiring pilots, aviation enthusiasts, or even frequent flyers seeking a deeper understanding of air travel. By identifying educational gaps and sharing your specialized skills through engaging video lessons and supplementary materials, you have the opportunity to fill a niche market with valuable content.
Creating an online course offers the flexibility to build a student base at your own pace, providing you with a source of passive income. This venture entails small startup costs and allows you to monetize your instructional talents while serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to aviation-related subjects. By launching an online course platform, you not only supplement your income but also contribute to the growing community of aviation aficionados.
How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
17. Start an online community ($21.6K/month)
As a pilot, starting an online community could be a fantastic way to supplement your income or even develop a full-fledged side business. By creating a space where aviation enthusiasts, aspiring pilots, and industry professionals can gather, you could leverage your expertise and industry insights. This online hub could offer valuable content such as flight training tips, aviation news, or personal experiences, which resonate with your audience.
Within this community, you could monetize by selling aviation-related products, promoting affiliate links for gear and educational resources, or running ads for relevant companies. Additionally, you could offer premium membership for exclusive content or charge for sponsored posts from aviation brands interested in your engaged community. This approach not only allows you to share your passion but also turns it into a viable business.
How much you can make: $100 — $162,620/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week
VC-turned-entrepreneur Phil Strazzulla, who previously built a successful b2b SaaS business, shares how he bootstrapped an online review site for HR software into a viable business with over $1k monthly revenues in just 3 months through organic search traffic growth and selling high intent leads.
18. Start an outsourcing business ($484K/month)
As a pilot, you could capitalize on the growing demand for outsourcing by starting a business that caters to small companies looking to delegate their non-core activities. Your unique schedule and time spent in different locations might provide valuable insights into identifying a specific niche and potential opportunities in various markets.
By creating a well-researched business plan and investing in the appropriate technology, you could efficiently deliver services to customers even while managing your primary responsibilities as a pilot. Whether you're flying internationally or domestically, the flexibility of an outsourcing business allows you to manage operations remotely. This venture could provide a substantial supplementary income or even evolve into a full-time business if desired.
How much you can make: $50,000 — $1,399,996/month
How long does it take to build: 140 days (?)
This case study follows the founder of SupportNinja, a company that specializes in providing back-office and customer support outsourcing for tech companies, which generates over $9M ARR, has over 100 clients, and has seen a growth rate of 3,684% in the past 3 years.
19. Start a flip flop brand ($270K/month)
Starting a flip-flop brand could be an exciting and viable side business for you as a pilot. Your unique travel schedule and exposure to different cultures and climates offer you valuable insights into global footwear trends, allowing you to design flip-flops that cater to diverse tastes and needs. Additionally, your international layovers provide the perfect opportunity to source high-quality, durable materials at competitive prices, giving you an edge in ensuring your products meet consumer expectations.
Supplementing your income with a flip-flop brand involves overseeing the design, production, and sale of stylish and comfortable open-toed sandals. With the growing global population, you could tap into the increasing demand for casual and sustainable footwear, especially during the summer season. Combining your entrepreneurial mindset with the flexibility and resources your aviation career provides, you could successfully launch and grow a flip-flop brand, all while keeping startup costs to a minimum.
How much you can make: $40,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 720 days (?)
Combat Flip Flops is an e-commerce business that employs artisans and entrepreneurs in conflict zones and has funded 217 years of school for Afghan girls and cleared 2814 square meters of landmines in Laos through direct-to-consumer sales and social media distribution.
20. Develop a car rental software
As a pilot, you could leverage your unique schedule and downtime to develop a car rental software that addresses inefficiencies within the car rental industry. This software would streamline operations by automating vehicle management, customer bookings, payments, and maintenance schedules, significantly reducing operational headaches for rental agencies. By providing a seamless experience for customers and integrating with various rental agency websites, mobile apps, and kiosks, you could make the process versatile and scalable.
With the growing demand for rental vehicles and the ongoing digital transformation across industries, entering this field could yield substantial rewards. Crafting the software would require thorough market research and a deep understanding of industry pain points, but your aviation background and attention to detail could give you an edge. If you have a knack for technology and an interest in the automotive sector, this business opportunity could be a perfect fit for your entrepreneurial aspirations.
21. Start a junkyard furniture creations business
If you're a pilot with a knack for creativity and a passion for repurposing, starting a junkyard furniture creations business could be a fantastic way to supplement your income. This side business would allow you to transform discarded materials into unique, artistic furniture pieces, providing an outlet for your entrepreneurial spirit during your off-duty hours.
You could capitalize on the growing trend of sustainable and eco-friendly living by marketing your creations to environmentally conscious consumers. With your flexible schedule as a pilot, you could dedicate ample time to sourcing materials, crafting pieces, and promoting your products, all while enjoying the satisfaction of turning trash into treasure.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
