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4 Answers

Freelance Flight Instruction

Asked by: 7656 views Flight Instructor

What is the best way to set up a business as a Freelance Flight Instructor?  There are so many choices to make when starting any business.  But what are the most typical types of businesses formed by independant flight instructors?  LLC or S Corporations, etc...

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4 Answers



  1. Matthew on Oct 26, 2012

    I might start by going to my state’s corporation commission or secretary of state’s website. Even Google would be a good start. From those resources you can usually find a search page. If you know the names of freelance instructors, they might have registered themselves or a business name. If so, the type of business would be listed.

    Every state is different, of course. In addition, each state has different registration requirements and fees. I’m not a business expert by any means, but liability is a key factor when determining which you want to register. The number of business partners also plays a part. The state’s office dealing with these issues should be experienced with this and answer questions, but they usually cannot or will not provide advise. If you want that kind of advice, there might be state or local small business association resources that provide free or fee-based information.

    I know that’s not a lot of specific information, but hopefully enough to get you pointed in the right direction. Good luck.

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  2. Nathan Parker on Oct 26, 2012

    ” But what are the most typical types of businesses formed by independant flight instructors? LLC or S Corporations, etc…”

    Neither. Most just file as a sole proprietor. If you don’t have any partners, forming a corporation serves little purpose. The only way to protect you from liability is liability insurance.

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  3. Matthew Waugh on Oct 28, 2012

    I concur with Nathan. There are no tax or liability advantages to setting up any kind of corporation as a sole proprietor flight instructor. If you start hiring flight instructors and renting them out, well that’s a different path. But if it’s just you providing flight instruction then no corporation will shield you from your individual liability.

    The far more important question is – where are you going to find students?

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  4. Cory on Nov 08, 2012

    I am looking for a freelance instructor. I have a Cessna 150 and live in the Portland Oregon area. Anyone out there?

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