Airline Pilot Central Forums - From Baggage to Flight Deck?

Airline Pilot Central Forums (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/)

- Regional (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/regional/)

- - From Baggage to Flight Deck? (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/regional/56693-baggage-flight-deck.html)

Bag smasher to regional first officer....prepare for a pay cut!:)

I worked 10 years at SWA on the ramp before SJS made me leave for a much lower paying regional airline f/o position...

Yes, it will help. I did interviews at XJ while we were hiring pilots during the last wave. When somebody applied that had also threw bags, we were able to speak with that person's manager and get a good idea of what kind of worker that person was. Usually it was a good internal recommendation, but occasionally it was a negative recommendation (ie...called in sick a lot, late for work, hard to get along with).

If you do take a job throwing bags, show up every day on time, try to make friends with the right people, don't be annoying or the "over the top" geek, and it should work out good for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSpence (Post 942113)

Howdy Folks:

Well, I'm back again to inquire about something regarding airlines. I saw that SkyWest and American Eagle were both hiring for ground crew at LAX a few weeks back. I was quite interested and did apply to both, just to get my foot in the door somehow. So, I was wondering, does becoming a ground crew member for a regional (or any level airline) help your chances of getting on with them later as a Pilot? Have any of you personally done that or know of someone who has?

As for myself, I'm currently in training to get my Commercial and then CFI ... I've only got a mere 225TT. Yes, I'm a loooong way from applying for a Pilot spot, but, I'm always looking toward my future goal of getting to a regional and always trying to think of what will help me achieve that goal.

Thanks for your time.

CHA!!! YA dude, you can do it!!! I can tell you that from personal experience. It works! Keep your nose clean, cause the interview starts and continues while your working for them as a ramper. Blue skies and hope this helps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by frozenboxhauler (Post 942353)

(first two paragraphs deleted)

I have also heard of regional captains working the ramp at SWA, FDX, etc on their days off in order to take advantage of internal hiring preferences.

Rickaair7777, I know of quite a few here that have done so. It worked for me.
Cheers,
fbh[/QUOTE]

Thanks for sharing that. I may have to do that.:cool:

Quote:

Originally Posted by nedrierson78 (Post 942409)

If you do take a job throwing bags, show up every day on time, try to make friends with the right people, don't be annoying or the "over the top" geek, and it should work out good for you.

Yeah, don't act like you're better than the rest cuz you're a pylut...you have to make a favorable impression on the ramp to take advantage of the internal opportunity. Do chat up the flight crews though, somebody will probably give you a recommendation if you get to know them...if a senior check airman puts in a good word with the hiring manager, you are probably in the door...

Quote:

Originally Posted by nedrierson78 (Post 942409)

If you do take a job throwing bags, show up every day on time, try to make friends with the right people, don't be annoying or the "over the top" geek, and it should work out good for you.

No joke...consider it one helluva interview, every second of every day. I did the same and it ended up not working out in the short term. A word of caution: the pokes you'll be going to work with may have/had the same ambitions and have failed or couldn't hack it...if they know where you're headed, it can make for a nasty work environment. Trust me, I know from experience. Also, there will be others that won't be pleasant with you because you "won't be one of them." One girl I worked with got the job for the flight bennies, to see her family a few times a year in South America...she was ostracized for exactly that. Pretty sick if you ask me (why the hell else would you throw bags for a crap airline for lousy pay and no health-care?) As always, your mileage will vary. I'd still recommend you go for it, just be sure that whatever you do, don't get yourself written-up, canned, or on the wrong side of a sup.

Ditto on everything rickair said, as well...!