Pilot positions for new commercial pilots
09-25-2008, 09:39 AM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Posts: 9
Pilot positions for new commercial pilots
Hello,
Recently I earned my CFI, CFII, and MEI licenses and ratings. I am also a college senior. My original intention was to instruct during the school week and also on the weekends. Unfortunately, the work load this semester is very high and the local school don't want to hire someone for just the weekend.
I've thought of doing traffic patrol, but that is done by law enforcement, I believe. sky dive schools want atleast 500 hours( I have 270). I'm too far away for banner towing. What other options are there for me? Thank you for your help.
Recently I earned my CFI, CFII, and MEI licenses and ratings. I am also a college senior. My original intention was to instruct during the school week and also on the weekends. Unfortunately, the work load this semester is very high and the local school don't want to hire someone for just the weekend.
I've thought of doing traffic patrol, but that is done by law enforcement, I believe. sky dive schools want atleast 500 hours( I have 270). I'm too far away for banner towing. What other options are there for me? Thank you for your help.
09-25-2008, 10:25 AM
#2
Works harder not smarter
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Position: A320 CA
Posts: 142
Your best bet is to dress professional (not formal) and drive to the airport(s). As real estate is "location, location, location," aviation is, "who you know, who you know, who you know."
Bring a stack of resumes and/or create your own business cards (business cards are easy to create, easy to give and easy to later reference by the recipient - they could show name / student / college major / pilot license qualifications / contact information).
Your mission? See who needs a 'warm body in the right seat.' This might be a last minute call by a charter operator or long lasting relationship with a cargo operator - you're open to anything (as long as it's legal, safe, etc). Also, don't shy away from 'sweeping the floor' of a fortune 500 company who owns 5 corporate jets. (Just an example.) You have tremendous work ethic and would like the opportunity.
We have all been in your shoes. We also enjoy helping those who are motivated. You sound like one of those people.
Yes, there are the publications (web, etc). Yet nothing proves to be more invaluable than face to face contact. Be persistent and you'll find something. Something maybe better than CFI’ing or banner towing! Good luck!
Bring a stack of resumes and/or create your own business cards (business cards are easy to create, easy to give and easy to later reference by the recipient - they could show name / student / college major / pilot license qualifications / contact information).
Your mission? See who needs a 'warm body in the right seat.' This might be a last minute call by a charter operator or long lasting relationship with a cargo operator - you're open to anything (as long as it's legal, safe, etc). Also, don't shy away from 'sweeping the floor' of a fortune 500 company who owns 5 corporate jets. (Just an example.) You have tremendous work ethic and would like the opportunity.
We have all been in your shoes. We also enjoy helping those who are motivated. You sound like one of those people.
Yes, there are the publications (web, etc). Yet nothing proves to be more invaluable than face to face contact. Be persistent and you'll find something. Something maybe better than CFI’ing or banner towing! Good luck!
09-25-2008, 10:26 AM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2007
Position: JS32 FO
Posts: 848
You may not be able to do a lot of flying for at least this semester. Look for students who only have time to fly on the weekend as well. They may have a full-time job or still be in high school, etc. that prevents them from flying during the week. If you have a base of potential students, the flight schools might possibly reconsider.
You may also be able to do some intro flights or find a job as a freelancer. Freelancing is much easier when you have more experience, but you never know. I suggest you fly when you can and keep proficient and make sure you will be able to work some over the holidays and next semester.
You may also be able to do some intro flights or find a job as a freelancer. Freelancing is much easier when you have more experience, but you never know. I suggest you fly when you can and keep proficient and make sure you will be able to work some over the holidays and next semester.
09-25-2008, 12:32 PM
#4
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,307
Traffic Watch is usually hired by the news stations to provide live rush-hour updates from the air, look into that.
The cops might have their own, which probably would be flown by sworn officers.
The cops might have their own, which probably would be flown by sworn officers.
09-25-2008, 04:25 PM
#5
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Posts: 9
The news has their own helicopter that flies around in the morning and evening rush hours and other various times. From what I gathered from research, the police do other type of traffic/highway patroling and they do have their own aviation unit.
09-25-2008, 04:28 PM
#6
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Posts: 9
the C.A.P. said they are always looking for pilots. I forgot about that avenue. Though, I do know it won't be paid, getting "free" hours in the plane will help me stay current and will be for a good cause, plus it could be valuable experience in future careers in aviation...
09-26-2008, 07:02 AM
#7
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,307
The TV news may use a helo in large metro areas, the helo can carry a gyro-cam and is a better film platform...but that's more for wrecks, shoot-outs, fires, and other news events. Traffic watch is often done in an ASEL, to save money. Radio stations also usually use an ASEL.
10-01-2008, 09:02 AM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Position: retired
Posts: 645
Originally Posted by redbaron586
Recently I earned my CFII
Every airport has 1 or 2 airplane owners that are ticked off with the on-field FBO/flight school...
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