CPLMike89 wrote:Ramp is a gamble I worked on the ramp/dock for two companies one while completing my training then moved away to work at a 705 operation. The carrot always seemed to get further away and at the end of the season I left. Best decision I ever made and Ive been flying ever since.

Mike W

Completely agreed! You need to work ramp for a reputable company or it won't be worth the risk. Ramp/ground at a smaller company that doesn't have to abide by certain company policies is a big risk.

The downside with a bigger company is you must deal with politics

airborn0710 wrote:

CPLMike89 wrote:Ramp is a gamble I worked on the ramp/dock for two companies one while completing my training then moved away to work at a 705 operation. The carrot always seemed to get further away and at the end of the season I left. Best decision I ever made and Ive been flying ever since.

Mike W

Completely agreed! You need to work ramp for a reputable company or it won't be worth the risk. Ramp/ground at a smaller company that doesn't have to abide by certain company policies is a big risk.

The downside with a bigger company is you must deal with politics

Both true, but keep in mind that ALL of the smaller companies owe you nothing. It is a gamble. You are bound by no contract that guarantees you the offer of a flying position, and even if you join a company with a union that protects your interests (are there any that allow non-flying members, I.E: you got squat until you make the flight line??), the company will only move you up when there is need.

All that said, there are many that go this route, including myself, and it pays out. Be patient, GO TO WORK FOR A COMPANY WITH A GOOD REPUTATION, work hard, keep your head down, ignore the bullshit politics, only play the light game that puts you in the best light possible. I started in this business with Buffalo. The carrot was clearly getting away from me there, the dis-function of it all made the obvious choice for me (and a few of my friends there); quit and start somewhere else. I didn't do my research and wanted a job at an operator. Live and learn. Once I finally started at a decent company, the path opened up . . .

Brown Bear wrote:Any company who would put a 250 hour pilot into a 1900, is doing a disservice to their passengers. Please supply the name of the company you use as an example. Some of our family members would like to take alternate means of transportation.

Judging by how this message board works, are you sure that's not your sneaky way of asking so YOU can apply for the position?

DBA wrote:

Brown Bear wrote:Any company who would put a 250 hour pilot into a 1900, is doing a disservice to their passengers. Please supply the name of the company you use as an example. Some of our family members would like to take alternate means of transportation.

Judging by how this message board works, are you sure that's not your sneaky way of asking so YOU can apply for the position?

Really? Reeeeally?
A 250 hour Captain, now that's a concern. Pretty sure a 250 hr FO can handle a 1900 right seat with some training (unless they can't fly for shite).

The reason your working the ramp for 2+ years is because of the amount of people waiting for a flying position ahead of you. The company isn't making you pay your dues, it's supply vs demand. Seems like some of you have no clue how the world works, you should be on the ramp for 2+ years so you understand how it all works before you're cut loose on a multi million dollar plane.