new in town, need help

maninblue · Post by **maninblue** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:09 am

hey everyone, i'm just starting my fixed wing course at the age of 31. I have been reading how hard it is to get jobs just coming out of school and how long people have to work on the ramp, which i don't mind. i was just wondering if it would be hard for someone of my age to get started. any other advice on what to start working on would be a great help. thanks.

North Shore · Post by **North Shore** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:57 am

Oh, man, where to start with this? there's about 50 past pages full of advice, some good, some bad, some indifferent. Try there first. Run a search on a poster called "Just Curious" he had a few gems a while back about getting a job, and the search.
My 2c:

1.) Consider a diferent career - lots of guys chasing few seats - difficult to get ahead.
2.) Make sure you have another career to fall back on in any case. Things have a nasty habit of going sideways in aviation, and it would sure suck to lose your job and not be able to do anything else to pay the bills other than 7-11.
3.) Cultivate friendships with other guys/gals you work with. Most of my jobs came from doing so.
4.)Have fun.

SkyKing · Post by **SkyKing** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:58 am

Welcome to aviation maninblue,

I have a friend who who started his training at the age of 32, and he had a job before his training was complete.

While you are doing your training, try and pick up a job on the ramp, in the office etc. with a company that could potential move you into a flying position once you are finished your training. And, if nothing else you will have made contacts and gained invaluable experience depending on the position you get. Getting any job can be who you know as much as what you know....especially in aviation it seems.

So, yes there is hope, work hard at it and keep a positive attitude.

stewie · Post by **stewie** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 8:43 pm

Maninblue that is very good advice that Skyking has given. I started my commercial when I was hmmm.......28 years old and didn't get my first job till 31 years old. Jobs are out there but the question you have to ask yourself is "Am I willing to move North if I have to?" or "Am I willing to work as a fueller for a year or even more?" plus a lot of others. The job can be fun but you also can be cursing yourself for why you got in it in the first place, be prepared for a lot of heartache and headache, but it does get better. You do make alot of friends in this industry, yoiu think it is big but it is very small.

ScudRunner · Post by **ScudRunner** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 9:03 pm

All good advice, But check your bank account and budget not just for training but once you start flying. If you got a family to support it will be tough or go find yourself a sugar momma.

some places youd be lucky to earn 1500 a month

Rubberbiscuit · Post by **Rubberbiscuit** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:10 am

If you want it bad enough you will succeed!! Good luck!

flynfiddle · Post by **flynfiddle** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:20 am

It all has to do with how well you can adapt to change and most importantly, can you afford it (personally and financially) at this stage in your life?

Should you decide that flying is what you want to do, for the love of God do NOT run yourself so in debt that you cannot afford to take the sh!t paying ramp job that leads to a right seat.

Food for thought

... · Post by **...** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:55 am

What you dish out financially to aquire your tickets, expect to pay twice as much in aggrivation and disheartening job search...(in the begining)

Stay true to honest, hard working values...it's seems to be a less travelled path but it is the one that is most rewarding.

Above all remember this:

The road to success is ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION...pack a lunch.