working for an airline other than as a pilot
 

I think I am going to live in the PHL area soon and an idea dawned on me. While I am working on my CFI here in NJ, I was thinking about working full time at PHL as a ramp/customer service guy for a major/regional airline. I have put in some apps and have not heard anything yet. But I was wondering if anyone has done this to get ahead in the company or any company for that matter. I was thinking it could help me out in the long run possibly.

My humble opinion is to put in for holiday help at UPS and/or Fedex.

Those two corps have very bright futures. Even Airborne (I don't know much about them)

Especially Fedex, work history could ace you a pilot job later.

Good Luck

At the very least, you'll be top of the class in seniority when you get hired as a pilot, unless somebody else has worked for the company longer than you, obviously.

This is just my observation but it seems to me like the people that work the ground (USAir Express) in PHL HATE their jobs. Hmm maybe they just hate us pilots.

FSU, I have flown with numerous FO's that had lower employee numbers (we don't reuse #'s) than mine because they had been Mechanics, Ops Agents, rampers, Training center instructors, etc. They worked for SWA while doing flight training, quit under good terms, went to a commuter/regional or military and then got rehired at SWA as a pilot and issued their original employee #. You have the opportunity to make some good contacts/recommendations if you do a good job. Best of luck to you.

or both

At least at comair most of the ramp and gate people like there jobs. Theres a few everywhere that dont like it but a good majority of people Ive worked here enjoy the work

What he said! Valuable advise. I'd take it if i were you.

Working the ramp is a good way to get a leg up. However it's not a fun job, and I don't know too many that last that long doing it. If you want soem good aviation experience, work at an FBO. Great networking, and when customers find out you're a CFI you may have a great chance to log some dual given.

Worked the gate and check-in for Virgin-Atlantic, as well as ticketing and ramp for ExpessJet...

I also did it as a leg-up - of course, it didn't end up working out how I had planned, but I wouldn't have changed a thing. I don't know, maybe I'm just a major Pilot-nerd, but I absolutely loved going to work for both VA and XJet...the only job I have ever enjoyed more is now as a Pilot.

One recommendation: there are a lot of sick people out there. I made the mistake of not hiding my desire to become a Pilot. People can get jealous and it only makes for an antagonistic working relationship. It is a great job, and the opportunity to network is endless (countless offers to walk-in my resume while I was pushing a crew back LoL). Just be smart about it!

Working as a CSA/ramp isnt terribly bad (except in -30F windchill). I work with a bunch of other younger folks who are aspiring airline pilots or airline managers, so for the most part, everyone has a good time. Of course, dealing with whiny customers always gets old, but when things run smoothly, it can be qutie fun. Unfortunately in my company the CSA seniority does not transfer to pilot seniority when you get the job, only for pass travels does it matter.