Your Career in Charter and On-Demand Aviation: How to Become a Part 135 Pilot

If you are a commercial pilot or building toward your ATP, you have likely imagined the airline world: terminals, uniformed crews, predictable schedules, and large multi-crew aircraft flying fixed routes.

But there is another professional pathway that offers more flexibility, more variety, more unique flying, and often a faster upgrade into turbine aircraft:

Part 135 charter and on-demand operations.

Charter flying is a world of private jets, corporate clients, unique destinations, and real hands-on flying. If you want a career that blends professionalism with variety, this guide explains how to build a career under Part 135 and how SkyEagle and ATP.Academy can prepare you for success in this sector.

Why Part 135 Operations Are a Strong Career Path

1. Faster progression into turbine and jet aircraft

Part 135 operators frequently fly a full spectrum of aircraft, ranging from turboprops to the most advanced long-range business jets in the world. These include:

Turboprops such as the King Air 90, 200, and 350 series, PC-12, and TBM aircraft. Light jets such as the Citation CJ lineup, M2, Phenom 100, and HondaJet. Midsize jets such as the Learjet series, Hawker 800/900, and Citation Excel or XLS. Super midsize jets such as the Challenger 300/350, and Citation X. Ultra long-range, large cabin business jets including the Gulfstream G500, G600, G650, G700, and the Bombardier Global 6000, 6500, and 7500.

Because fleets are smaller and the operation is more dynamic, motivated pilots often upgrade into turbine aircraft earlier than they would in the airline world. and schedules are more flexible, motivated pilots often upgrade earlier than they would in the airline world.

2. More variety and more hands-on flying

Part 135 pilots regularly fly into:

• Short runways
• Mountain airports
• Non-towered fields
• Challenging terrain
• Island strips
• Busy executive airports

Unlike the predictable airline system, every day can be different. If you enjoy hand-flying, adapting to conditions, and using full airmanship skills, 135 flying delivers exactly that.

3. A different type of customer interaction

Instead of hundreds of airline passengers, 135 pilots transport:

Business executives, High-net-worth individuals, Medical flights, Sports teams, Families, Time-sensitive cargo

Professional appearance, strong CRM, etiquette, and customer service awareness are essential. The pilot is often the face of the entire operation.

4. More flexible scheduling models

Airline pilots follow fixed monthly bidding systems. Part 135 pilots may operate under:

7 days on / 7 days off 8/6 or 14/7 rotations, Trip-based schedules or On-call reserve windows

This gives pilots more blocks of time off and more flexibility, though sometimes with less predictability.

5. Exposure to real-world decision-making

Part 135 pilots handle more operational responsibilities, including:

• Weight and balance
• Performance calculations
• Fuel planning
• Weather evaluation
• Passenger coordination
• Ground logistics

This builds strong command skills early in your career.

Executive and
Private Jet Charter

Companies like NetJets, Flexjet, VistaJet, Wheels Up, and local or regional charter operators.

These companies operate business jets and fly VIP clients domestically and internationally.

Air Ambulance and Medical Charter

Operators flying King Air, Learjet, or PC-12 aircraft on medical transfers or critical-response missions.

Fast-paced, high-value flying with strong IFR requirements.

Cargo and On-Demand Freight

Part 135 cargo operations fly time-critical supplies, small packages, and specialty freight.

Often a strong entry-level opportunity in turboprop fleets.

Boutique and Corporate Flight Departments

Private companies operating their own aircraft.

These offer stable schedules, long-term positions, and business-focused flying.

What Does a Part 135 Pilot Actually Do?

The day-to-day life of a Part 135 pilot varies more than any other sector in aviation.

You may:

Fly a business executive to a meeting in a major city.
Land on a short strip in mountainous terrain.
Operate a medical flight at night.
Pick up passengers at a private hangar with no terminal.
Position a jet to another state or country for the next day’s flying.
Handle ground coordination for passengers and bags.

The flying is a blend of:

Licences, Ratings, and Experience You Will Need

Most Part 135 operators require:

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Instrument Rating (IR)
Multi-Engine Rating (if jets are involved)
Second Class Medical

Some operators also prefer or require:

Time in type
Turboprop or jet experience
Strong IFR background
High professionalism and customer-service awareness

How SkyEagle & ATP.Academy Fit Into Your Part 135 Career Path

SkyEagle Aviation Academy can train you from zero experience through: PPL, IR, CPL, ME, CFI/CFII/MEI.

Your Roadmap to
Part 135 Charter Flying

Part 135 Pilot Lifestyle:
Is It Right for You?

This sector is ideal if you:

Want to fly private jets instead of airliners
Enjoy unique airports and challenging conditions
Prefer flexible schedules over fixed airline bids
Like one-on-one interactions with passengers
Enjoy solving logistical and operational challenges
Value fast aircraft upgrades and varied flying

Part 135 flying offers:

Hand-flying opportunities
More PIC authority earlier in your career
High exposure to real-world decision-making
Fast-paced operations
A tight-knit pilot culture
Strong pay opportunities, especially in jet fleets

Conclusion

Part 135 flying is one of the most exciting, dynamic, and hands-on careers in aviation. With flexible schedules, rapid upgrade potential, and the opportunity to fly private jets into unique airports around the world, it offers a lifestyle and career path unlike anything else in aviation.

SkyEagle Aviation Academy and ATP.Academy are ready to guide you from your very first flight through your ATP rating and into turbine and jet operations.

Your next step is clear. Begin your training, build your experience, and start flying the missions that only Part 135 pilots experience every day.

About SkyEagle Aviation Academy

Based at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE), SkyEagle Aviation Academy provides comprehensive FAA-approved training programs for domestic and international students. The academy’s mission is to develop disciplined, skilled, and professional aviators through personalized instruction and a culture of safety, excellence, and inclusivity.