Bons

I'm a low time pilot 350TT/45ME (CFI too) looking to get my resume in before the busy season to get my foot in the door. Does anyone know of any good places to build a lot of time at? I'm in the midwest but am willing to go anywhere in the states. Anything like CFIing, jump pilot, banners, air tours, pipeline, or any of the like would be cool. If anyone has any suggestions or know of anyone hiring low timers shoot me a PM. That would be AWESOME.
-Bons

mcis987

I'm in a similar boat (470 TT, 30 ME, CFI/CFII/MEI). Instead of PMs, could people possible just post any hiring news in the midwest area? Especially instructing jobs.

Thanks!

dn_wisconsin

Try findapilot.com, climbto350.com, planejobs.com all cost around $12 a month. Besides that network at your local FBO, maybe work the line for awhile. Do a search on here for aerial photo companies, there are quite a few people that did that. Look into pipline patrol, you'll find most of those in Texas and the southwest. Right now its a difficult time for everyone so don't give up, keep trying and eventually you will find something.

Kilgore Trout

For Jump pilot stuff try this one. Have not looked at it in a while, but there's usually (?) some gigs on there.

Dropzone.com - The single best source for skydiving information

dn_wisconsin

Good thinking Kilgore I almost forgot. Usually the jump school in Northern WI and Northern IL are looking for people this time of year so they are ready come spring/summer.


Orlando Flight Training in Kissimmee is looking for instructors hope that helps with the start of your search.

FastEasy

I tried to get into the Sky diving thing, but usually you either have to have prior experience or an in somewhere.

Cubdriver

Be a little more willing to eat humble pie for your first job as a paid pilot. I had zero Skylane time, no jump experience or training, no "ins" among drop zones in the area, and I did not even have a hi-perf signoff when I started working. All I had was a wet commercial ticket and a mild desire to be Luke Skywalker. In order to qualify for the 25 hour insurance mins on the Skylane, the local drop zone would let me fly to and from demo jumps the first few months. For the drop training itself, I rode along on the floor the first 20 loads to observe. For the hi-perf signoff, I asked the drop zone chief pilot who was a CFI for one, no problem there.

In a few months of weekends I was up and running in the business. It's not much of a job obviously but it is a good way to build time and to have some fun. That was a few years ago and I still do it as a hobby. Be resourceful about finding a drop zone, be ready to work a little bit and be patient when you get there, and be careful when you get going not to mess up. It's a dangerous gig in some ways and there are plenty of gotchas to avoid. Check your fuel every three loads, keep a watch out, and do not let those guys distract you.