So I am in the middle of a career change. I am in flight school right now in Flordia. Just getting started. I am trying to figure out the best way to get to where I want to go. I will eventually fly with a friend of mine that a privately owned 707(i think) anyway he has told me to give him a call when I get my training and hours.Which I do understand is a long way away. So since everyone at my school (instructors included) all seem to want to go the airlines they are not alot of help. So I was hoping people that read this section would be of more help. I have options like be a flight insrtuctor at this school for a while to build hours(slow and poor) paying for first officer training(I have read opinions of that), flying somewhere like the grand canyon or touristy(lots of paid multi time), coming back to CA working at my local FBO and intruct. privatly(meeting the right people), I know so many different avenues
any suggestions on how you guys got there besides 'hey right place right time'
sorry to be so long winded.

 

Corporate jobs are really, right place at the right time. I make and keep contacts at the airfield I operate out of. Between them I'm able to keep track at what's happening around the field.
Unfortunately, the first 3-5 years are the hardest. This is when you're building the time to get that first job.
But things you should consider are your circumstances? Are you married, or can you move and stay mobile?
If your friend resides in FL, maybe look for jobs out there. I have a friend that speaks very fondly of his time banner towing out in FL. Also I've heard of new small airplane owners that need additional instruction, to one that want a CFI to accompany them on a long X-C. Also there are some island-mainland commuters that would offer a good first "structured" job.
You have some time while getting your certificates, just keep your eye's open and an ear to the ground.

 

Checkout the FlightSafety or Simuflight companies around there. I know of a couple people that were hired to sit-in as the co-pilot for jet training. When people go to training with no partner it's better for them to pay someone other than an instructor to sit in. They ended up getting an SIC type-rating and got a jet job after getting to around 1000 or 1500 hours from flight instructing. One of them did contract work with the SIC type for a little extra cash. Also apply for scholarships--anything you're elligible for. I got a scholarship for Citation training that more or less got me my current job.

 

Is your friend John Travolta?

 

I really appreciate the imput, I am sure I will put it to good use. Right now I am going to just consetrate on getting myself through my first solo cross country--oohh remember when huh?