Here is my story:
I am a Junior at Purdue University (Professional Flight program) and very interested in corporate aviation. Purdue no longer offers any courses pertaining to corporate flight operations, and I figured I would turn to the forums for some advice and guidance.

First of all, I have been looking for internships within corporate flight departments and have found they are much less visible than those with an airline. Is this because they are usually awarded to candidates with connections inside the flight department, or because they are so few and far between (or maybe some combination thereof)? If anyone knows of upcoming opportunities, any information would be greatly appreciated.

Secondly, I plan on graduating in May 2009 with about 500 TT, 25 multi. Although I plan on instructing after graduation, I was wondering if there are any jobs out there for someone in my position.

Oh, and speaking of connections, if anyone is ever in the area, shoot me a message for a steak dinner at the best restaurant in town.
Actually, maybe China Buffet is more in my price range right now.

Thanks for any help.
Brendan

 

Your right, corporate flight departments don't advertise their internships much. I applied to a few, but ended up taking an airline internship. A few companies that I remember applying to are Coca Cola, General Mills, and Hawker/Beechcraft.

-Brett

 

its all about who you know.... that how the corprate world works, thank god

 

Hi Brendan,

I'm an 04' Purdue Grad. Anyways, there used to be two big corporate internships, and I know the one went wayside my junior year, but is Coca-Cola still doing theirs? As far as big ones doing such activities, I really don't know. Maybe you could get onto some of the fractional companies webpages and try contacting them to see if they offer anything. Honestly, if you have time this summer, I'd work on building some more dual-given time etc. If you're in the area, and it works out, I could offer you some turbine experience if the timing and conditions work out. I'm out of MIE, and feel free to PM me anytime. You need 10-15 posts though before you can do that on this site

 

Thanks a lot Ewfflyer, what a great offer! I actually decided to stick around West Lafayette this summer and instruct at Hangar 6. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll only be getting AT 210/211 (simulator) students so unless Lafayette Aviation is hiring, I don't think that I'll be doing much flying.

I'm definitely going to stay in touch, thank you so much for even offering. I actually just finished my last flight in the King Air, so I've been feeling some letdown not being able to mix in some turbine time with the Warrior flying!

 

You don't have to wait for an internship to come to you. Purdue is an NBAA member allowing you access to the online directory. Draft a letter to flight departments that interest you and offer your internship services to them. You will at least have the experience of contacting flight department managers. Don't overlook management companies and charter operators. Nothing in corporate aviation is going to find you, you have to politely and professionaly find it.

Good Luck

 

Thats good bc lord knows your piloting skills couldnt get you a job anywhere... thank god u know people is right

 

you have to usually make your own internship with the corporate places. Get the NBAA book and start calling places. I worked for ERAU career services and its what I had to do.
We worked our asses off to get Coke to start an internship, which i was the first to do. Philip Morris was also one we worked on while I was there.
I believe since then they got Johnson and Johnson and a few others.
Good luck

 

So, just curious what types of duties do they have the interns do. A little bit of everything? Do these internships usually last one semester? Is there any flying involved or riding in the jumpseat? Sounds like a win/win situation. Thx

 

I helped re-do the Ops manual, dispatch, and anything else that needed to be done. Got to ride jumpseat a few times and went to recurrent with a couple of the pilots. Very good experience. Most of these companies will pay you as well. As opposed to the airlines that expect you to live 3 months on air. Internship time can be whatever you work out with the company