Cubdriver

FlightExpress is another low-time pilot venue. Low pay, C210s are in rough shape etc. but a possibility nonetheless.

Make little ads for yourself- not so big they will get ripped down- and go around to as many FBO's and put them up. While there, talk to people and let them know what you are after and what you can do. Keep you eyes peeled on these missions for possible opportunities. I have scared up several opportunities this way, it works.

Another trick is to simply listen to an airband radio and try and figure out who and what comes across it. I discovered numerous local skydiving operations this way, some completely off the map operating out of a grass strip, when I heard a faint "jumpers away" on the local radio. By the same token, look up when you go to footbal games and other large events (even on tv) and you will see banner tow planes. If you can get a tail number you have a ready make contact for a job.

Get a list of all the banner tow ops in Florida and New Jersey and call literally every single one of them. These guys advertise in Trade A Plane, some of the pilot hiring rags and even a few free job boards. They will either hire you on the spot if you are close to qualifiying, or tell you what you need to do to get hired. The best time for this is in the early spring so don't expect to get hired in late fall. These guys all know each so even if they dont need you they will steer you somewhere they heard needs help.

One time I decided I needed a summer pipeline inspector job and cold called gas companies in Texas with no clue as to what they did or any possibility of getting hired. I scared up several solid job leads this way, some not even in pipeline flying. I would call the front desk and ask for the chief pilot not even knowing if they had one. He or she would say call back, he's having sandwich or just put him on and then this guy would come on and say how can I help you.

I don't think anyone mentioned forestry pilot jobs. You can get these by going on the website for every single state in the United States and looking for them under forestry jobs. I have seen these jobs come and go and have never had one, but I know they come up from time to time.

A word on the magic 500TT number. This number is frequently spoken yet seldom a rock hard number. A skydiver firm I applied to wanted to hire me with only 300 hours and got it through their insurance company by special request. When they say 500 hours it is almost always a number given to them by their insurance company. In my case I had over 50 hours of C182 time so they waived the requirement. My point is, don't get discouraged people make the rules and there are ways to get to 500.

thesweetlycool

Thanks for all the awesome suggestions. Since I am still in college for another year, I can't really leave the area for a job or for long-term training. My goal is to get a CFI job here and then transition into the regionals, but I appreciate all the other suggestions.

I am in the military (the Coast Guard) and everyone's asking me why im not going to flight school for them. Im really set on going to the airlines and since I already paid 80k for civilain college school... don't really feel like going through it all over again with the military.

BoredwLife

Stay current and profecient. When you graduate find a instructing job. This will mean you have to move. You will have to get used to relocating for a career in aviation. My best advice is to get your personal belongings to a minimum.