How to Become a Charter Pilot (Part 135)
Fly on-demand passenger or cargo charter under FAR Part 135 — typically light-jet to mid-size jet operators serving private and corporate clients.
Salary by Career Stage
Entry
$60,000-$95,000 (SIC turboprop / light jet)
Mid-Career
$110,000-$170,000 (Captain mid-size)
Senior
$180,000-$280,000 (Captain heavy iron at premium operator)
Top charter operators (NetJets is technically Part 91K but similar pay) approach airline mainline rates.
Requirements
Licenses & Ratings
- • CPL minimum, ATP for PIC of multi-engine turbine ≥ 7,500 lbs
- • MEI/IFR
- • Type rating per aircraft
Flight Hours
1,200 hours total, 500 cross-country, 100 night, 75 IFR
Medical
Class 1
Min Age
23
Additional Certifications
- • RVSM, NAT, RNP for international ops
- • FAR 135.293 / 135.299 checks every 12 months
Pros
- + Faster captain upgrades than airline
- + Variety — different airports daily
- + Better food/passenger interactions
Cons
- − On-call schedules at smaller operators
- − Less union protection
- − Quality varies wildly between operators — vet carefully
Top Employers
A Day in the Life
On-call status, callout 24-72 hours before trip, fly to passenger origin, transport to destination, hotel layover, reposition. Some carriers do fixed schedules now (NetJets style).
Training Path
- 1PPL → IR → CPL → CFI/CFII
- 2Build to 1,200 hours, get hired by a Part 135 SIC seat
- 3Earn first turbine type rating at operator expense
- 4Upgrade to PIC after 1-3 years
Key Traits for Success
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Part 135 better than airlines?
Different. Faster upgrades, more variety, but lower ceiling and less labor protection. Best for pilots who value variety over predictability.
How long until captain in Part 135?
Typical 2-4 years for first jet captain seat, vs 5-15 years at major airlines for the same equipment.
Continue Your Journey
Pass your exams. Live your career.
Rotate gives you 3,500+ FAA & EASA exam questions, AI tutor, and structured course paths -- $7.49/mo with code PILOT50.
Start Free 3-Day Trial