I Made $50,000 in ONE MONTH as a Private Jet Pilot!

Welcome back to another flight vlog! I made $50,000 in one month as a private jet pilot and in this episode, I break down my month day by day and discuss exactly what I did and what I made. This all takes place as Paul and I fly the Gulfstream G-IV from San Jose, CA to Los Cabos, Mexico! I hope this is eye opening to some of you who are interested in flying corporate. While it’s hard work, there’s definitely good money to be made. I will make a future episode breaking down how to become a contract pilot, as well as some of the do’s and don’ts. I hope you enjoy this episode, I’ve got alot more in the pipeline so be sure to subscribe!
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Edited by Sean: / @leppaviation
Music by Epidemic Sound
PLEASE NOTE: These videos are for entertainment purposes only. All of my videos, including this one, have been significantly edited down from the original full length raw footage. Many radio calls, checklist steps, and other procedures have been omitted to keep the videos a reasonable viewing length.
Please speak to a CFI with any flying questions you may have, do not use this video as instruction.

[@asteward5586]

I made twice that amount on the 650 (back when there were just a few of us who were qualified). If you’re making that kind of cash on a G-IV you’re doing well. Keep up the good work!

[@loganvass69]

What is a 650?

[@FlyWithOwen]

Nice! I hope to get on a 650 soon. Thanks for watching.

[@12349Nitin]

​@@loganvass69it's a boat

[@Ahmed-pw4tx]

So you were making over $1million dollars a year?

[@alexanderdavidson7837]

@@Ahmed-pw4txas a contractor it doesn’t work like that month to month. I dare say he’d have been 600-800

[@petertarantelli]

Excellent video Owen! Most people would say you lead a “charmed life”. That’s simply not true. Everything you do, you have busted your butt for and earned it, nothing was given to you. You pursued a career that you love and, as you said, if you’re willing to hustle you can make great money. There’s nothing “charmed” about that life, it’s hard work and you, my friend, are an inspiration! Thanks for taking me along on this adventure!

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Hard work pays off for sure.

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

"Charmed life" LMAO. This is a dog shit schedule and he's barely making more than $35-40/hr after expenses. I feel bad for the dude. Go airlines Owen, you'll make more money and get more time off. You just won't be able to fly like a hotdog pilot anymore because people will actually call out your mistakes.

[@peredavi]

@@daytonasixty-eight1354 There is nothing in your nasty little comments that are true. He’s doing a lot better than $40/ hr expense. He is getting days at home and he has nice long layovers. Sometimes with his girlfriend. I have watched a number of his videos and as a 38 years and 16,000 hour commercial pilot, there is nothing hotdog about his flying style. Very precise and very professional. Have a nice day.

[@TheHDAviation]

That's awesome Owen, congratulations on all your success! That must be a lot of fun hopping around on the GIV and the different turboprops.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks so much! It’s a nice variety.

[@franzgarciarce3467]

Really nice video Owen!! A great inspiration to new pilots looking into corporate/private flying, keep it up!!

[@christiansantillanes]

Looking forward to that contract pilot video brother!! Inspiring as hell. I like the freedom the contract life comes with! This is awesome. Good video man.

[@mrkc10]

This is probably one of your best and most relevant videos. There’s absolutely more to professional aviation other than just going to the airlines. I think this video will push a lot of your followers to get that commercial license and pound the pavement networking and meeting the right people and selling yourself. Like you said you gotta hustle. There’s so many opportunities out there right now. Great work sir.

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

over a lifetime... hell over the course of a year, an airline pilot will make more money with better benefits than a contract pilot ever will. Owen has to do these jobs because he is basically unhirable at airlines because of his history. His earnings will top out at like 120k at best with no stability. Do contract but get the hell out and don't listen to conmen like owen.

[@calebmiller6611]

Speaking from someone that has done charter/corporate and instructing now at the airlines (originally didn't want to) I'm glad I did.

[@GenXPatriots]

His schedule looks horrible. The dude had 3 days off total (nights in a hotel, although not flying are work days). Captain at an airline would make a little less but half the month off. And don’t have to pay for any expenses. And get 17% retirement added after normal hourly pay. I’ll stick to my job doing that. Also, I don’t have to hustle for jobs. It’s more consistent, I get health benefits, medical loss benefits, 17% retirement contribution as noted above, paid sick days and paid vacation.

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

@@GenXPatriots Dude regional FOs are making more money than contract pilots like Owen. This is schedule he posted is absolute dog shit. Airlines are far better income and schedule freedom. Corporate guys just like to cope but the reality is that they either can't make it into an airline job because of skill or training failures. Or they are knowingly taking an income and quality of life hit for some niche personal reason. There are even government part 91 jobs that pay more than this with better benefits like Forest Service and border patrol stuff. Independent contractor for private jets is bottom of the barrel. I'd rather CFI

[@GenXPatriots]

@@daytonasixty-eight1354 exactly.

[@chrisbeardsley5410]

Awesome video Owen, sweet shot outside of the taxiing GS! I could definitely put in that work. First time considering contract! Thoroughly enjoyed the breakdown. Thanks man. Good listening to you on the radio so smooth

[@michaelheine7505]

I remember O as a 15 year old kid taking pics of these planes on the other side of that cyclone fence. Great job bud pursuing your dreams and making a living at as well and helping others enjoy the journey. Very proud and have enjoyed watching you grow and become what you are today.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks Mike! You’re a big inspiration!

[@Matt-rt9ws]

great video cant wait for the video about how to get into that pilot contractor life!

[@lundbrad]

Well done Owen! You're living the dream! Good to see Paul there with you.

[@hibye-ep4jd]

i love this because im 23 too and my passion has always been becoming a pilot, after some struggles with life im going full into it!

[@bonjourbraxton]

How’s it been so far?

[@starz8227]

​@@bonjourbraxton its only been 1 month since you asked lol

[@bonjourbraxton]

@@starz8227 you do realize the person could’ve have started or just started flight school (that’s what I commented), right?

[@starz8227]

@@bonjourbraxton relax

[@guitarmasterf18]

Aye, go make it happen kid!!! You can do it!!!

[@braydenfookes4401]

I really enjoyed the video and it's very inspiring I must say! I'm really excited to see your video about how to properly get into contract flying because it's been the route I've wanted to take for a while now. It seems you can make it a lot more of a family friendly life style than going airlines and being stuck there! I'm still doing my CFI job building those hours but I'm trying to form a road map for myself and it's getting rather tough so I'll definitely be on the look out for that video!

[@andreymashchenko53]

Great video! Thanks for sharing! And we will be waiting for the next video how to become a contractor pilot!

[@Flyingrican2]

Absolutely fantastic! Cant wait for the next video.

[@laz288]

Cool thing about Owen is he Loves his job but also like to share his knowledge to help fellow humans and future pilots.

[@FlyWithOwen]

I want everybody to find success in aviation

[@gaborralutazz7535]

Im 39 years old! Its too late for me make this job?

[@ImperialImplant]

@@FlyWithOwen He helps us Aliens too🖖👽

[@chriscarey7554]

Great video! Would love to see another video like this about the nitty gritty of being a contract pilot and all the stuff it takes to become one. Thanks👍

[@FlyWithOwen]

Stay tuned! Will be filming one soon breaking everything down

[@justin_epperson]

@@FlyWithOwen Did you do a video yet breaking everything down? I just sent you a DM on IG. Thanks!

[@chrism7354]

Excited to see that video of “how to” I’m researching pilot schools right now.

[@72cmcinc]

Very cool, congrats on a great month, well deserved!

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thank you!

[@THELIFEOFPRICE]

Great video man! love the outside shots as well

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks!

[@robertomanicinasdiaz554]

Love the channel bro! Super motivating

[@nickpapagiorgio5056]

I’ve been wanting to get my ppl for years just as a hobby I hooked up with pilot institute and started putting in the book work recently and I’m not looking back but you really have inspired me to take it all the way Owen I hope someday to report back as someone doing similar work in a couple years thanks for the info always a delight watching your vids man.

[@abbieamavi]

Excellent stuff!! Well made video too, I enjoy seeing this because after I get my multi this year I’d like to go into the part 135 world, not 121. Thank you for sharing!

[@briankcr4306]

Congratulations! It's nice to see hard working people reaping the rewards. Keep it up!

[@sakaj]

Appreciate your transparency I would imagine a lot of people would not share what they make. Hope you had a good holiday season.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks for watching, hopefully this was eye-opening. Happy new year.

[@rnordquest]

It doesn’t matter how much he makes; it matters how much he keeps.

[@sakaj]

@rnordquest You have to MAKE IT to KEEP IT 🤫

[@pilotconnor2930]

Absolutely crushing it. Keep up the solid work.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks for watching!

[@DjP_beats]

What I am aiming for this is the absolue dream, great video Owen!

[@yanikcorneau5241]

awesome Owen! Great to see that hard work pays off!

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks!

[@effinator]

G O A L S ! ! ! Thank you for sharing your adventures, it is inspiring to watch!

[@7728abbott]

Great video, Owen. You are a man who loves is craft. Who could beat that!

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thank you very much! Yes indeed .

[@TheBestWill]

Great video, thanks! I'm working towards aviation as a 2nd career (3rd career... in addition to KZbin?!) and am working on my CFI rating now. My "career" goal is contract pilot. Please do that follow-up video on how to get into this career... ideally topics include ratings needed, is time as CFI desireable?, total time flown before you can start getting gigs, and how/when/which type ratings to get. Thanks so much!

[@bensonbowman9978]

Building time and network now! Hopefully I can make some good connections soon 🤘🏼. Contracting seems like the best QOL a pilot could ask for.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your trip at work!😊

[@michaelsmith5463]

Owen: Looking forward to hearing the story of how you got into Corporate flying & getting that Gulfstream rating!!! 👍

[@michaelhernandez5719]

This is the dream 🤘🏽just passed 500 TT and contracting seems like a solid gig to get into.

[@jonfelty6063]

Thanks for another great video journey! It's so cool how you are willing to help others find success. Just don't let your new bff be IRS!

[@markcoleman8568]

Well done, Sir glad to see again Owen

[@WHBVERDE69]

I can't wait for the "how to" contract pilot video. I wonder if it would be worth it to own the aircraft and fly it, kind of like an owner operator. I do trucking and am a private pilot. I am thinking of keeping the trucking business on the side and putting someone in the truck and doing something like this. Good flying man, thank you for making these videos 🫡

[@john-martin]

Get your license and network. Its all about who you know.

[@davidklassen2805]

Thanks for sharing! This video was some very helpful insight into my future career!

[@michaelsmith5463]

Looking forward to hearing how you got into flying contract, cost for ratings, how you get called, etc.

[@aldohattonduran5227]

Owen! I've been following your channel for a while! Excelente excelente work! Please continue to upload everything regarding your career please. Tips, advice, ideas! Thank you so much and best wishes 🛬👮🏼‍♂️👍🏼

[@alrad5686]

Thanks for an informative video. If I was young, I would definitely be interested, even though I realize its very tough just to get the licenses needed, and then getting hired. Its also hard to travel constantly, but that's something that would not bother me. Stay safe Owen.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thank you for watching!

[@waz121jk8]

I'm really happy for your brother. I'm tryna save up for my PPL, and hopefully, I'll go to Spain and get my flying hours done from there, in around May/June time. I know its a long way to go for me but I gotta make a start from somewhere lol.. your video was really motivational, and I hope you do even better with your business and earn even higher!! 👍🏻👌🏻

[@mianatwood]

Awesome as always, hope to catch you on NorCal sometime 😉

[@peterl358]

I'm 37 and looking to become a pilot as it's always been a dream of mine. Thank for the inspiration as I start my journy!

[@bigdogmn73]

Wow..that's amazing! Thanks for sharing!

[@normk5761]

This video is so much more about inspiring people to do what they love and much less about money. Yes, I understand the title, but anyone who has followed him knows what he's all about. For every video he could make about making money he could post 10 about flights he wasn't paid a dime! Thanks Owen for all you do.....

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks Norm! Appreciate the continued support.

[@maartenfrankvanderhaar5664]

Great Video and Very informative.

[@fspro4061]

Nice Video! Thanks for sharing your experiences :)

[@Space_Aviation]

You just gave me ideas I’m still trying to figure what type of piloting I want to do

[@benlefleming]

Good job, Owen. Stepping out of the safety of an employment contract takes some balls. Heading out into the unknown in life is where it's really lived though, and the uncertainty is all part of the adventure. You've put lots of time and thought into the video too - a man of many interests and talents. :)

[@idsawtooth]

Nice month! Would be interested to know what the type rating and recurrent training costs are as well as frequency, etc. for a contract pilot.

[@mojo7618]

I read somewhere that the type rating costs about 50 k and 20k for annual recurrency. Waiting for Owens to confirm or correct me.

[@Micg51]

@@mojo7618he has multiple types too so it’s gotta be over $50k a year in recurrent costs

[@sergiosauceda9836]

So cool see you guys landing at a place I am very familiar, about a year ago I was flying skydivers out of that airport, totally miss CSL, home to some day in the future be your right seater on a GIV, thanks for sharing great content ….!!!!

[@FlyWithOwen]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@PaulGarthAviation]

Really interesting breakdown of work and income. Definitely new information. Makes me now think of my own unique side-hustle...

[@AdamLinscott]

Great video! Would love to learn more about your corresponding business expenses

[@fatesandmyths]

Great video. You really love your job and put all your efford in it. How do you manage the usual life at home, when you are most of the month on tour?

[@luigipascucci6760]

Great job !! The Key- Put the Work in.

[@luigipascucci6760]

@WendyButler-ry1hd Thank you for being sweet, and nice Wendy. Always here to chat .

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

OUTSTANDING episode ---- VERY revealing, inspirational, and intriguing!!

[@kingsalmon5905]

Awesome! Love the vids!

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks!

[@brandandadoun222]

Keep up the great work! Just curious, how do you balance your work life and home life being as you are on the road for so long?

[@thomascrawford114]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks for watching!

[@corentinhamelin1212]

Thanks Owen for the video!

[@tinchote]

Awesome video. It would be interesting if you could also break down what kind of expenses you have. I assume at the very least you have to spend on insurance and some level of training (simulator)?

[@FlyWithOwen]

Yes I’ll cover that in a future video

[@ronrivers4261]

An awesome way to enjoy a career in corporate aviation. Very nice video! ❤😊

[@Codyy.s04]

Love it Owen, I wish I could sit down with you to talk. Embry riddle student just got my commercial working on multi.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks for watching, happy to answer any questions

[@user-pd8ld8os7u]

In flight training now. Very much looking forward to a lifestyle like this! Beautiful views up there!

[@Onemattressatatime]

Great video safe and healthy travels

[@W1RMD]

I really enjoy your videos! Thanks for sharing. If you're open to suggestions, I'm an electronics buff so I'm curious if you adjusted the sync rate on the camera(s) would it make the instruments not have the flicker effect? In short, they have so many frames per second and refresh at that speed. If the camera is capturing so many frames per second you can see the screens refresh. It's not a huge deal, I'm curious of what would happen if you adjusted it. You can't notice it while flying the plane due to an effect called persistence of vision. Let me know what you think. Thanks again for all you do and take care!

[@dmack1827]

It's a commentary on post-covid aviation. Good for you. I am at the back end of my career and favor quality of life over the money grind.

[@montestu5502]

You are the best pilot I have ever seen on KZbin. Amazing.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thank you so much!

[@jaimemariovillaescusa81]

Awesome video man ! How are the ProFlights btw? I’m thinking of getting into corporate as well once I give in my notice and I’m deciding between those or the A30s. Cheers !

[@user-tt6cn1sz2c]

I’m excited for your next video about how to become contract pilot

[@sqwk2559]

Thanks for the information, I for one, really appreciate it!

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks for watching!

[@Porschema79]

so freaking cool dude for guy like me CFI is so inspiring to keep pushing forward !!

[@Travelingchefmark]

This is incredible, the flying must be amazing so great to know there are more options besides corporate

[@robinharrison3907]

Great Video Again Owen 👍👍Fantastic watch 👍👍

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks!

[@jasoncrawford5350]

Thank you for going through that you have definitely given me something to think about in the future. I am currently a fighter pilot in the airforce and I have always seen my career going into flying commercial when I’m done flying fighters, as I want to continue flying but for whatever reason corporate had never entered my mind. Having watched this video and hearing you break it down it definitely has me thinking, and seems much more appealing. Not right now though lol. Though as my fiancée is pregnant with our first baby I may end up doing it sooner then I thought so I can be home more for my family

[@cwr8618]

It looked like he was away 27 some odd days a month. How would that bode for a new dad?

[@130shaan]

Great vid man! Very eager to see you break down how exactly one can become a contract pilot like yourself - I’m seriously considering transitioning to this career. Would also love to know how long the journey took you (from PPL to flying the G4)

[@loganvass69]

I am 15 and want this career too! I am working on my private pilots!

[@FlyWithOwen]

I will cover that in a future video!

[@legendarydaniel_.6883]

I might be tripping few months ago didn’t you get a job with southwest if so what happened?

[@loganvass69]

@@legendarydaniel_.6883 What are you talking about?

[@Certiwhipps]

Please do thanks ​@@FlyWithOwen

[@Jsiwnakxhenalancbdksmsl]

Well, looks like contract flying is out there still. But, typical GIV pilots will make about 200-250 yr on salary. It’s really about whom you have connections with to get the contract flying speed dial. Seems like you are doing pretty well, Owen, but with such schedule, how are you coping with rest and qol? Keep up the good work and fly safe! I think I once saw you at SNA ACI south sometime last year.

[@mojo7618]

Fantastic video thank you for putting in the effort. I was wondering how do you get contracts, is it a word of mouth kinda thing or is there a dispatch platform where you can electronically be notified when a trip bid shows up ? also do you have to always be a crew/company from the same city or can you be randomly paired with any captain ?

[@andrew-neal]

Super interested in a video on these topics: Personal journey/finances - - Is this personal gross pay or business revenue? I believe you mention it being revenue. - How did you get into contract flying? - How do you go about getting all of these type ratings? Business model- - Do you lease the various planes you contract in from 3rd parties? - I don't feel like $2000/day would cover fuel, food, lodging, insurance, personal take home pay, and the aircraft lease rate in the G4? I'm probably wrong? - Did you build the business yourself? My perspective-- I have all my ratings in helicopters and airplanes, absent CFI, ATP, and any type ratings. I have about ~500 hours total time. I have a big family so I can't afford to take the pay cut and go build time to 1500. My plan is to continue with my engineering career in aerospace and build time on evenings/weekends as time and money allow. Later down the road when I'm closer to retirement (sooner if able) I want to build a contract flying business that will become my retirement/second career.

[@herbh9348]

Love your videos. Owen, I couldn't quite make out your watch, very nice, can you tell me what you have on the wrist...I can appreciate your hard work to get where you are and it's well deserved , you are a consummate pilot sir.

[@monkeyboy8424]

Best to brief the departure on the stand where both pilots can refer to the SID etc. Full attention can then be given to taxi, particularly in low viz.

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

Which may well have been done

[@monkeyboy8424]

@@alexanderSydneyOz In which case it is normal to say "departure review".

[@MohammadZana.]

Hay man you are great Thanks for showing us this interesting things from your life ❤❤❤

[@luissousapinto1772]

Very nice and informative video as usual! Would also be cool to have an idea of how much you spent in that month on hotel fees and travel fees etc.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Zero. Those expenses are covered by the client

[@luissousapinto1772]

@@FlyWithOwen Awesome! Thanks for the reply!

[@RonHamill818]

What model sunglasses are you wearing? Are they non polarized? I like the gradient. Great video today. Thanks ahead of time.

[@maxiloading]

Fantastic video! Is there any sense in moving into the airlines money wise being a private jet pilot like you do?

[@alcameron6071]

Outstanding video! Lots of information to digest for those future corporate pilots considering contracting, which seems very lucrative indeed. excellent video, Owen. I'm sure your buddy Paul does quite well himself. Maybe the next time you guys are flying together we could hear a little background about Paul's career in aviation. Take care, Owen.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Absolutely! My previous G4 episode shares some background on Paul. Much more to come!

[@alcameron6071]

@@FlyWithOwen I remember that. You said you and Paul have some history. You guys complement each other in the front office. Looking forward to your next video.

[@rockycotugno5655]

Great video Owen Why did you grab the yoke on landing right before wheels down?

[@FlyWithOwen]

Thanks! Just backing up Paul he’s new to the left seat

[@JRich71]

New to your channel. Thank you for sharing and as a man that is divorced with no children you definitely have me reconsidering a career path shift. Great videos.

[@justmaverick985]

I'm sure you'll address it more in the next video, but I'm currently halfway through my commercial license on a pathway to the airlines, and I've always had the thought of corporate flying in the back of my mind; it seems to fit my lifestyle better. Does anyone have any tips on how to network amongst pilots (especially corporate)? It's been difficult to find a space where pilots interact with each other often. Thanks!

[@Banshee365]

Airlines all the way man. The only regret a corporate pilot that goes airline has is not doing it sooner, including myself. The career just isn’t even close, especially if you’re under 50.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Facebook is a great resouce

[@cbboiii1100]

@@Banshee365 Pros and cons airlines vs corporate?

[@martinelles]

⁠@@cbboiii1100agreed! @banshee365 can you provide some more details/context?

[@cliffordpenner1231]

​@@Banshee365would love to hear your perspective on why airlines over corporate.

[@hivoltagedriver]

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the path to get to being a corporate contract pilot, and how you chose and got your type ratings.

[@anikawhite8445]

I look forward to the contract pilot life!

[@tomcheslyn]

Thank you for the great video! Question - your expenses when on work days, hotels, transport, food etc. Do you take this out of your daily fee or do you bill the client extra?

[@danielesbordone1871]

Nice to see successful people doing well , enjoy.

[@UTarcher72]

Hey Owen, great video, quite eye opening. Regarding your daily rate, is that straight money to you, or do you subtract your hotel/travel expenses out of that? Or, do you have the clients pay the hotel/travel expenses apart from the daily rate?

[@leekarr5044]

This is also a question I have, what are the subtractions?

[@bennettashley925]

As a corporate pilot myself (contract on the side), I charge a daily rate that is straight money to me. Sometimes I book hotels and get reimbursed, other times they book the hotels. Either way, nothing gets subtracted from my daily rate.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Correct 👆🏻 the client covers all associated expenses.

[@FlyWithOwen]

Correct. The client covers all associated costs 👆🏻

[@leekarr5044]

@@FlyWithOwen thanks for the info!

[@dougnval]

what happens if you are doing your pre flight checks while taxiing and something isnt working, or a light doesnt come on? do you abort the trip or do a quick troubleshoot and then keep going?

[@Lacrossedude21]

I'd be really interested in a video like you mentioned of your journey to be certified and becoming a corp pilot ie. what ratings you need/ don't need

[@Rafa_Herrera]

I am looking forward to your How to become a contract pilot video.

[@averygentry35]

I want to ask about in the take off roll, the power was full, and you reached over and pulled it back a little, were you correcting him? Or just standard redundancy? Just wondering

[@alexander8806]

Can we get a talk about training expenses for the g4, recurring training, costs and expenses during trips