Low Timer, not complaining

[MDTS]

Good day to all! I have been on AVCANADA for quiet some time now, just monitoring what going on in the industry. A little about myself, I am currently working on my CPL, Multi/IFR. Hopefully ready to enter the industry next summer as a fresh 250TT Multi/IFR pilot. Yahoo! Tired of hearing from us low timers yet Well, even though my career is a ways away, I have been looking at job opportunities and what the situation is out there. I've been looking into Perimeter quiet extensively, they seem to be a fair company to get my foot in the door. Unlike a lot of people on here, I am looking forward to spending some time on the ramp getting to know people and learn a few things. It seems like a lot of people on here are looking to fast track there way into the right seat of something as quick as they can. I understand the want, because who doesn't want to fly ASAP? I've also looked into companies such as Canadian North, which would also be awesome to work for, but it seems like they require a 1500Hr to even apply. So I cannot see they would hire off the ground into the right seat with such high requirements. Well I was hoping to get some incite from some people who acquired jobs in the prairies regions. I would like to stay near big city areas, such as YEG, YWG, YYC, and so on. Any information about some companies who hire off the ramp in these areas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[berta']

A lot of companies will state requirements of 1500 hrs like Canadian North, WestJet and Air Canada. In reality they hire folks with much higher time, 3000+ hrs. You could try North Cariboo, Central Mountain Air or Sunwest for ramp jobs in YYC. They all seem to be about 2 yrs on the ramp right now. Or you could try up North it might be quicker to get into the right seat. I started up North and it put my career years ahead of peers that wanted to stay in major cities.

[MagicMilkshake]

Low timer not complaining... "yet"
Its going to be tough like with any new beginnings. The first day of work one may think the ramp wait of 2 years is a blessing, then after about 2 weeks, one may ask why do they have to clean the toilets and mop the floors.

I dont have any incite on working the ramp though, sorry

[Tail-Chaser]

The longer you're willing to be away from cities, distance and time wise, the easier it'll be to find a job.

[Needtofly]

My company take guys with 210 hours and puts them on a 10 day dispatch then 10 days fly the 206 then 10 days off. They usually get 300-400 hours a year. So no ramp wait time fly from day 1.

[Colonel Sanders]

2 yrs on the ramp

Not sure how that improves your flying ability.

Just once, I'd love to see a job ad for a janitor
that said after 2 years, you could look forward
to an upgrade to right seat turbine.

[notpaying]

would like to stay near big city areas, such as YEG, YWG, YYC, and so on. Any information about some companies who hire off the ramp in these areas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Wanting to stay near big city areas will most likely yield towards a slower career progression. The term pilot rhymes with sacrifice. Get used to it and go north, if you find a flying position excellent. If not, keep looking and keep in touch with companies, follow up every month or so, remember peoples' names and make sure you make a good impression. Good luck !

[Shiny Side Up]

2 yrs on the ramp

Not sure how that improves your flying ability.

It doesn't, but it probably improves one's usefulness before you start beating up the airplanes. Its my experience that only a small minority of fresh 200 hour wonders have any work experience, and many have the illusion that being a pilot is all get in the airplane, wear the uniform and jobs done when they aren't directly flying the airplane. Just like any other job place, you got to learn some ropes before you get to do the important stuff.

[Big Pistons Forever]

2 yrs on the ramp

Not sure how that improves your flying ability.

It doesn't, but it probably improves one's usefulness before you start beating up the airplanes. Its my experience that only a small majority of fresh 200 hour wonders have any work experience, and many have the illusion that being a pilot is all get in the airplane, wear the uniform and jobs done when they aren't directly flying the airplane. Just like any other job place, you got to learn some ropes before you get to do the important stuff.

+1

[Tail-Chaser]

My company take guys with 210 hours and puts them on a 10 day dispatch then 10 days fly the 206 then 10 days off. They usually get 300-400 hours a year. So no ramp wait time fly from day 1.

Nor-Alta?

[Koalemos]

I have found that people confuse learning how to load an aircraft in a safe (within C of G, tied down secure, not blocking exits) and efficient manner, with working ramp for X years.

While you have to take into account the current realities of the industry (whatever they happen to be when you are searching for a job), spending more than a few months on a ramp in the chase for a carrot is a waste of your time and results in flight skills deteriorating. If you are both flying and working ramp, that's great, so long as you are given sufficient chance for rest.

In any case, good luck to the OP in his career (if he wants to go to the airlines, he's gonna need it).

[Jack In The Box]

Hi MDTS,

I work for one such company you have listed. Send me a PM and I'll see what information I can get you.

Cheers,

Jack

[Krashman]

Good luck to you,

Even though you don't have the credentials yet right now I would still send out some resumes, make some follow up calls so the next time you send them out and make follow ups someone might remember you.

That might be the only difference between getting a call or not. Years ago I used to keep low time resumes in a file for when we needed someone, but I only kept the ones that called or made some sort of follow up.

Have fun with aviation, never limit yourself with preferences, go for the experience.

[Darkhorse]

My company take guys with 210 hours and puts them on a 10 day dispatch then 10 days fly the 206 then 10 days off. They usually get 300-400 hours a year. So no ramp wait time fly from day 1.

I applaud your way of at least giving a new guy a chance.

[Darkhorse]

The 2 year + wait is total BS. If you are working a bush operation then maybe some time (6 months) on the ramp to learn the operation is a good thing but beyond that the company is just taking advantage of the new pilot dreaming to fly.

Unfortunately, Canada is a dinasour when it comes to pilot advancement. Yes we pioneered bush operations and yes we have advanced in many areas of aviation, but when it comes to new pilots wanting to fly an airplane we are a throwback to the darkages. We have an excellent source of people who can fly and we have and excellent training facilities. Now once one is finished their training and start looking for a job, you are then faced with the mentality of the old timers. "oh you only have 2000 hours on a XXXX plane" Well I dont think you can fly this plane because "I know better" Dont get me wrong experience is invaluable, but it never ends. Little Johnny can fly the 180, 185, 206, and maybe the beaver.... Oh but god forgive if he can handle the Otter or Twin Otter.... Now I realize I am off a tangent here about flying experience, but it all comes from the same attitude in Canada. And it starts at companies who use the new guys for long periods of time on the ramp until they either quit and new guy shows up or finally after their 1-2-3 years of manual labour they get promoted.... There is something wrong with that.

How many doctors do you know finish their 10 years of training at University so they can apply for a secretarial position at the doctors office.... NONE!

[railroad]

How many Pilots do you know finish their 10 years of training at University so they can apply for a secretarial position at the Pilots office?

[Darkhorse]

Good one railroad.... Obviously missing the bigger picture and trying to use humour as your main argument... Well done touché. Carry on.......

[railroad]

Just keeping it real

[bushhopper]

Some pilots have mummies pitching in for their stupidity.