Working For an Airline While Training
 

Hi All,

I live in the STL area and hoping to begin flight training this summer at a local FBO after saving up some money. Currently, i am working a 9-5 outside of the aviation industry and was wondering if making a switch to one of the local airlines (GoJet & Trans States) might open up some doors. Could there be any benefit in this (Helping employees with financing training, etc..) outside of gaining exposure to the industry?

Yes and no.
It will expose you to a different side of the industry which is always good.
It won’t help you get a job as a pilot because you’ll need to leave in order to get the experience required to get hired.
Aka work as a pilot somewhere else in a more entry level job.
Ramp or gate agent/checking would probably be good exposure.
Different shifts will help in the continuance of your flight training.

As far as jobs that could be helpful:
Work at the FBO or on the ramp at your local airport.
One of my CFI students got hired right off the ramp into the right seat of a turboprop. Apologized that he couldn’t finish his CFI training with me.

I have been strongly considering working the ramp for one of the airlines at KSTL. The problem is i make decent money where I am at right now, and the ramp would be a sizable pay cut. I've seen a few postings for crew schedulers, would you recommend that?

I definitely would not recommend a job as a crew scheduler for a regional. Even though it sounds tempting to network and get your foot in the door with the company and even pick up flight benefits, the schedules can be brutal and unforgiving with no flexibility. There is very high turnover which as well may led you to a poor employee history with a potential employer. I am a part time seasonal ramper with a mainline carrier. Its been great, but less than helpful with the flying, and to get a flying job, I will have to leave anyway.

One day at an interview at a place where you really want to be be prepared to explain your resume.
Working a non-flying airline job is low hanging fruit for an interviewer.
And easy for you to talk about you general interest in aviation and your desire to learn about the different facets and so on....

You do not need anything other than 1475 hours and a pulse to get hired at a regional. I would not waste time working a non-flying job at a regional, unless that was the best pay and QOL move you have available anyway. Ie don't pay a price for the "privilege".

If you can get a job at a major, that might help you get hired down the line (obviously be a good employee).