working for an airline other than as a pilot
12-04-2007, 03:11 PM
#1
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Joined APC: Jun 2007
Position: Right Seat Gear Swinger
Posts: 490
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.
12-04-2007, 03:22 PM
#2
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Joined APC: Aug 2007
Position: 737 CA MIA
Posts: 1,042
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
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
12-04-2007, 03:37 PM
#5
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Joined APC: Jun 2005
Position: B737, Capt.
Posts: 384
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.
12-04-2007, 03:43 PM
#7
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Joined APC: Aug 2007
Position: 737 CA MIA
Posts: 1,042
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.
What he said! Valuable advise. I'd take it if i were you.
12-04-2007, 03:57 PM
#8
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Joined APC: Jun 2005
Position: Retired
Posts: 2,934
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.
12-04-2007, 04:10 PM
#9
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Joined APC: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,814
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!
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!
12-04-2007, 04:13 PM
#10
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Joined APC: Jun 2007
Position: East coast
Posts: 380
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.
Last edited by Ramprat; 12-04-2007 at 04:24 PM.
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