We all like to take control!

That’s the feeling we get when we take hold of the yoke, or side stick, whether it’s a small single-engine plane, or a transport category aircraft and guiding it skyward, or manipulating the controls for a greased landing!

While we are in control of our flight path, many of us haven’t had the education or the checklist to take control of our financial flight path.

Even on a good day our income depends on so many factors out of our control: the weather; mechanical issues, ground stops, union negotiations, company policies and FARs (that’s Federal Aviation Regulations, for the non-aviation geeks reading!)

Then there is the once, or twice a year medical exam and scores of periodic training sessions, computer-based training and practice in the full-flight simulator.

Few other professions face our unique situation that often spans multiple time zones.

Few other professions face periodic layoffs and displacements – which either eliminate or decimate your ...

When you fly for a living - it's the best job in the world....until you get laid off, or displaced and have to juggle flying with the "real" world of paying bills.

In creating an additional source of income, it can be daunting to decide what to do, what to create, which opportunities to pursue.

Most businesses, and investments for that matter, can be tucked neatly into one of four business models.

Knowing which category your idea fits will provide guidance, to pinpoint your direction as to how to capture opportunity, minimize risks and avoid threats.

This is the part they don't teach you in basic flight school (which fits nicely in a B2C business model).

The four business models are:

1. B2C - business to consumer. This is the most common businesses module, where a business sells to a consumer. Basically anything you buy either in a store, or on line, say household supplies, light bulbs, clothing, entertainment (anything from Target or Home Depot!) fits in this category.

2. B2B - business to...

When flight planning, do you begin with the departure point, or your destination?

How about planning for retirement, even if it's a few decades away?

Did you start when planning for retirement when you started flying, or will you begin right before you turn 65, when you're grounded by federal law?

Airline pilot unions do an amazing job with retirement seminars. But other than signing up for the company 401k or other retirement programs, there is little to no education on what to do with your money.

Do you roll the dice with a pre-selected investment strategy? Do you manage the account your self or get help?

One area to start is to work the numbers backwards. Where do you want to be at the end of your flying career? Start a Point B. You already know where your starting point.

Do you want to retire with $3,000 a month income?

$10,000 a month?

$20,000 a month?

Is it all going to come from your 401k, or defined benefits plan? Or will a portion of that co...

Today we hear from a Guest Writer, Tim Glasser with Franchise Copilots!

Nearly every pilot I’ve talked to is interested in ways to invest some of their money that will result in predictable additional income with a good rate of return. Obviously you can invest in mutual funds and perhaps get an 8% return over time. This is almost entirely a passive investment, as it consumes very little of your time.

But what if you expect to get significantly more than 8%? If you are willing to spend some of your time and energy to manage your investment, but want to keep the aviation career you love, then a semi-passive franchise business opportunity might be right for you.

Semi-passive franchise businesses are found in a range of industries, but they tend to have some common characteristics:

● The business model has already been proven to be successful if you follow the playbook

● The operational systems and supporting technology are provided by the franchisor

● They are driven by m...