From Baggage to Flight Deck?
 

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.

My cousin worked his way up from baggage handler to pilot and he believes it gave him an advantage in the total time department when he applied. I believe he had about 250 hrs or so less than the next lowest guy in his class.

If you've never worked in the industry I think it's a good change to get an idea of what you're getting yourself into. I worked as a gate agent for about a year before I began flying and still use skills I learned as a CSA now as a line pilot. Plus it's a great way to meet the crews and make friends in the industry. Just don't be the obnoxious guy that never leaves anyone alone. Every airline at one station or another has "that guy". :)

I started off chucking bags for NWA way back in the day... ok it was only 4-5 years ago but it seems like a lifetime. I just recently helped a guy I used to chuck bags with get a job with my current employer and he is probably the lowest time dude in the class. It can't hurt your chances plus if you can seamlessly go from chucking bags to flying you might be able to keep your seniority number for non rev travel... which would be nice.

I worked for Menzies Aviation and while it wasn't an airline, I still made a lot of connections in the pilot corp as well as the station managers for many international airlines. That got me a lot of letters of recommendations from big name airlines. Also helps for the future in case I apply to those big name airlines. Additionally, I know many in the hiring department who like people who work within the airline industry, so I agree that it can never hurt, only help.

i've worked baggage for ExpressJet and Frontier. Don't think it'll be a huge difference but it cant hurt. If anything it shows your future airline that you have some understanding of how a 121 operation works.

It will help a little, but probably only at the airline you work for. If that's your motivation for taking the job, make sure you fit the pilot profile at that airline (ie eagle = very clean record all around, no checkride failures).

I wouldn't pass up a better paying job to throw bags...tens thousands of people have been hired at regionals without ever working the ramp. But if that's the payscale range you'll be in regardless, might as well. Plus you get travel bennies, for whatever that's worth to a non-pilot.

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.

nah thats just to upgrade from ramen

I worked the ramp for UA for 12 years before I left in search of a cure for my SJS. Actually took a huge paycut to do this.....I need a drink..

I'd agree with him. Once I got out of the military I got a job with Colgan as a station agent while I was working on my ratings. Once I was able to apply for the pilot position I made some calls, talked to some people and here I am now. But thats only cause I already worked for them I'm sure. Good Luck with everything, its worth it in the long run if this is what you want.

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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.[/QUOTE]

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

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.

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.

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:

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...

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...!