When Should a New Pilot Begin Applying ?

[anewpilot]

Hi there,

Curious as to everyone's opinion as to when a new pilot should begin applying to jobs.

Should I wait until I officially have my license ?
Or should I put my expected CPL completion date with the current hours and expected completion hours ?

Would hate to ruin my one chance with an employer by applying too early, but would also love to have something lined up to eliminate sitting around and waiting after my license is completed.

Any input is greatly appreciated !

[mixturerich]

Probably the worst place to ask this question, on here you are scum unless you throw bags for min wage for 3 years and sit right seat on a Ho for 5 more, then get a king air left seat medevac job and once you have 3 ATPL’s and 2000+ tailwheel only then may you apply to the regionals, and then you will reject the job offer because taking a pay cut is the devil, get a 1900 command somewhere, then somewhere else, then start a 703 company, go bankrupt, and spend your the rest of your days sharing your infinite wisdom and knowledge on avcanada.

[digits_]

Probably the worst place to ask this question, on here you are scum unless you throw bags for min wage for 3 years and sit right seat on a Ho for 5 more, then get a king air left seat medevac job and once you have 3 ATPL’s and 2000+ tailwheel only then may you apply to the regionals, and then you will reject the job offer because taking a pay cut is the devil, get a 1900 command somewhere, then somewhere else, then start a 703 company, go bankrupt, and spend your the rest of your days sharing your infinite wisdom and knowledge on avcanada.

Now now. Don't forget you also have to develop an all consuming hate towards tc inspectors before you can make any valuable contributions to this website or be a half decent pilot.

[skybluetrek]

Probably the worst place to ask this question, on here you are scum unless you throw bags for min wage for 3 years and sit right seat on a Ho for 5 more, then get a king air left seat medevac job and once you have 3 ATPL’s and 2000+ tailwheel only then may you apply to the regionals, and then you will reject the job offer because taking a pay cut is the devil, get a 1900 command somewhere, then somewhere else, then start a 703 company, go bankrupt, and spend your the rest of your days sharing your infinite wisdom and knowledge on avcanada.

[altiplano]

Start researching operators and get your resunes and cover letters all ready and fire off resumes the day you get signed off on your CPL.

CPs look at resumes to hire someone and if you don't have a license they can't hire you and put it in the bin.

[C-GGGQ]

Altiplano is right. Hiring is at break neck speeds these days. Before I would have suggested applying early get your name out there, but now you basically have to be ready to go the cal/ start date if successfull will come fast. Good luck!

[co-joe]

If you want a flying job, you must have the license appropriate to the job.

If you want a foot in the door job, and are ready to start tomorrow, then apply today.

My last job for example had a boat load of pilots working the ramp waiting for a flying spot. Only a few of them had their licenses, most were at some point along the way in their training. Several mid MRU college diploma, a foreign exchange student who had just started her PPL, a few people who wanted to become AMEs, and a few poor lost souls who just thought aeroplanes were cool and needed a job.

It's a great way to learn the business, gain contacts, get relevant references, get a RAIC, and a few other handy things that will help you get hired elsewhere or there.