Notes from the right seat
Short, specific writing about the business side of contract flying. No fluff, no listicles, no sponsored anything.
- 7 min read
What contract pilots actually charge in 2026 (and how to set your day rate)
Typical starting points for jet, turboprop, piston and helicopter contract pilots, what moves the number, and a method for setting a day rate you can defend.
- 6 min read
The contract pilot invoice: a line-by-line template
Every block of a contract pilot invoice that flight departments accept without questions, what goes in each line, and the mistakes that delay payment.
- 6 min read
How to get paid faster as a contract pilot (without being awkward)
A calm system for contract pilots: terms before the trip, invoice within a day, an approval path that takes one tap, reminders that are not personal, and when to stop flying for someone.
- 7 min read
A checklist for owners hiring contract pilots for the first time
What to settle before the first trip: insurance, qualifications, the rate card, expenses, invoicing, payment terms and the paperwork. Written for owners and new flight departments.
Reading is free. So is the app.
Rate cards, invoices, reminders and receivables for contract pilots.