Pillar GuideCareerNetworking
Aviation Networking That Actually Gets You Hired
“Networking” isn’t collecting contacts. It’s building trust + clarity so the right people can vouch for you. This guide gives you a simple system to create referrals, interviews, and opportunities—without being awkward or spammy.
Goal
Turn conversations into warm introductions and repeat opportunities.
Method
Target roles → ask good questions → follow up → provide value → stay consistent.
Rule
You’re not asking for a job. You’re asking for guidance and direction—then you execute.
Table of contents
1) Core principles2) Who to network with (targets)3) Your 15-second intro (no cringe)4) Questions that build rapport fast5) How to provide value as a low-time pilot6) Follow-up system that works7) Airports, events, and online communities8) Turning networking into referrals9) Copy/paste templates10) FAQ
1) Core principles
You win networking with consistency and professionalism—not charisma. The biggest advantage is being someone others feel safe recommending.
Be specific
“I want to fly jets” is vague. “I’m targeting entry-level Part 135 SIC roles in Florida or willing to relocate” is useful.
Ask for direction, not favors
People help when the ask is low friction: “Who should I talk to?” “What should I prepare?” “What would you do in my position?”
Follow up like a pro
Most opportunities come from the 2nd or 3rd touch. Set reminders, be polite, and keep updates short.
Protect your reputation
Aviation is small. Don’t complain, don’t exaggerate hours, don’t trash companies. Be the adult in the room.
2) Who to network with (targets)
Focus on people who can influence your next step—not just people with fancy titles.
High-value targets
- Chief pilots / assistant chief pilots (hiring influence)
- Line pilots at the company you want (best intel + internal referrals)
- Flight school owners / chief instructors (first-job gateway)
- Dispatchers / schedulers (often know who’s hiring and why)
- Maintenance leaders (small operators trust their MX team’s judgment)
- Recruiters (good for process, timelines, and requirements)
Your target list should look like this
10 companies in your lane
→ 2 pilots per company
→ 1 hiring influence contact
→ 1 ops/scheduling contact
Total: 40 people to reach out to over 6–8 weeks
3) Your 15-second intro (no cringe)
Keep it calm, specific, and operational. One line for who you are, one line for what you’re targeting, one line for your next action.
Template
“I’m a commercial [instrument/CFI] pilot with [TT] hours. I’m targeting [lane] roles and I’m focused on safe, procedures-based flying. I’m building my pipeline now and would value any guidance on what your company looks for.”
If you’re low-time
Don’t apologize for hours. Just be accurate and confident. Your professionalism is the differentiator.
Pro move
End with a question that makes it easy for them to help: “Who should I talk to next?”
4) Questions that build rapport fast
Good questions show maturity and make people enjoy talking to you.
1
Hiring reality
“What’s the real minimum to be insurable in your operation?”
2
Training
“What does new-hire training look like, and what makes people succeed?”
3
Lifestyle
“What’s the schedule actually like—on paper vs in real life?”
4
Selection
“What are red flags that immediately remove candidates?”
5
Preparation
“If you were me, what would you do in the next 60 days to be competitive?”
6
Next step
“Would you be open to introducing me to the right contact if I’m a fit?”
5) How to provide value as a low-time pilot
You don’t need to be “important” to be useful. Value = reliability + effort + consistency.
Be easy to schedule
Offer flexible call times, keep calls short, and show up prepared.
Share useful intel
If you learn something helpful (event, hiring window, requirements), share it politely with your network.
Be a strong student
Ask for critique, apply it, and follow up with results: “I fixed X and practiced Y.”
Support the community
Volunteer at safety seminars, help at the flight school, help coordinate events. People notice effort.
6) Follow-up system that works
Most pilots fail because they don’t follow up. You will stand out by being consistent.
Simple follow-up cadence
- Day 0: initial message
- Day 7: polite follow-up
- Day 21: update + ask for direction
- Monthly: light touch update (progress, new rating, availability)
What to say in updates
“Quick update: I’m now at [TT] hours, current in [aircraft], and I just completed [rating/checkout]. I’m still targeting [lane]. If you hear of anything, I’d appreciate the direction.”
Keep it short. One paragraph.
7) Where to network (without wasting time)
Local airports
FBOs, flight schools, safety seminars, maintenance shops. Show up consistently and be respectful.
Professional orgs
Safety foundation events, pilot associations, alumni groups, type club events.
Online (use wisely)
LinkedIn for professional reach. Aviation groups for discovery. Keep your footprint clean.
Inside Aviator Network
Use Connections to track who you met, what you discussed, and your follow-up dates.
The “3 visits” rule
Most meaningful relationships happen after repeated exposure. Go back to the same places and be consistent.
8) Turning networking into referrals
A referral is earned when you reduce risk for the person recommending you. That means: clarity, proof, and professionalism.
Ask the right way
“If you think I’m a fit, would you be comfortable introducing me to the right person?”
Make it easy
Have a one-page resume + pilot packet ready. Give them a short blurb they can forward.
Forwardable blurb (copy/paste)
“Hi [Name] — sharing [Your Name]. They’re a commercial [instrument/CFI] pilot with [TT] hours, targeting entry-level [lane] roles. Professional, coachable, and available [timeline]. Thought it might be worth a quick conversation.”
9) Copy/paste templates
Cold intro message
Hi [Name] — I’m [Your Name], a commercial [instrument/CFI] pilot with [TT] hours.
I’m targeting [lane] roles and I’m building my pipeline now.
Would you be open to a quick 10-minute call? I’d value your advice on what matters most for hiring in your operation.
Thanks — [Name] • [Phone]
Thank-you after a call
Thanks again for your time today, [Name].
Your advice about [X] was very helpful. I’m going to [action you will take].
If it’s okay, I’ll send a quick update in a couple of weeks as I progress.
Respectfully — [Name]
Follow-up (7 days)
Hi [Name] — just following up on my note below.
I’m still targeting [lane] roles and would appreciate any direction on who I should speak with next.
Thanks — [Name]
Ask for referral
Hi [Name] — quick update: I’m now at [TT] hours and current in [aircraft].
If you believe I’m a fit for your operation (or know someone who’s hiring), would you be comfortable introducing me to the right contact?
I can send a one-page resume + pilot packet to make it easy.
Thank you — [Name]
10) FAQ
How many people should I reach out to per week?
A good baseline is 10 new contacts per week plus follow-ups. Consistency beats intensity.
Is it okay to network without asking for a job?
Yes—often it works better. Ask for guidance and direction, then execute. When you show progress, referrals happen naturally.
What if I feel awkward?
Keep it short, be respectful, ask good questions, and follow up. Professional beats confident.