Cover Letter Question

[razorblade]

Hmmm, so..
I'm trying to write a cover letter - what's the best way to phrase "I'd be okay with a ground position for a bit before moving up to the flight line", without sounding too on-my-knees?

[Beach 200]

Easy, just tell them your interested in a flight crew position. If they offer you a ramp job, take it. They know you want to eventually work the flight line at some point. If you say your interested in a ground handling position, that's all they will hire you for!

[4hrstovegas]

"I am seeking a pilot position with your company, but would gladly accept any entry level position that would lead to the flight line."

If you don't mean it, don't say it, though.

[Krashman]

well put.

+1

[Clodhopper]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am seeking a position as Neuro Surgeon at your hospital. I am fully trained and licenced in accordance with all applicable regulations. I would, however; accept a position as janitor, so that I may learn the ins and outs of other aspects of the hospital which have little bearing on my ability to do the job I am actually hoping to be hired for.

Regards

[V1ummmm]

Yeah, you're right. A fully-trained neurosurgeon and a 200-hr flight school graduate have spent about the same amount of time training.

[KK7]

Yup. Clodhopper's comparison of a pilot to a neurosurgeon is bang on. They are very similar professions and industries. A pilot has nothing else to learn. Pilots are the cream of the crop. Most of my non-flying friends call me Maverick. As proof, I've submitted to an aviation journal with a breakthrough flying procedure reviewed by my peers and therefore demand a six figure salary with my fresh CPL and 200 hours.








Why do so many pilots insist on comparing themselves to doctors? I'd have to say they aren't even on the same level as an orderly - nowadays even they require a college education.

[Bobby868]

Why do so many pilots insist on comparing themselves to doctors? I'd have to say they aren't even on the same level as an orderly - nowadays even they require a college education.

There was a time when we as pilots were as respected as doctors. We pilots have worked hard at convincing ourselves and the public that we aren't professionals. Seems we've done a very good job of convincing everyone.

Formal Education ok maybe not comparable. But it will often take you less total time to become a surgeon than it will to be PIC on an A340.

When a doctor / surgeon makes a bad decision he risks losing a single patient on an operating table. A pilot makes a bad decision it could costs hundreds of lives.

[V1ummmm]

Point taken, Bobby. Perhaps an A340 Captain IS comparable to a neurosurgeon (with respect to being in the upper echelon of one's industry). But no A340 Captain is looking for a ground position, Clod. Apples to apples, oranges to oranges. Get over yourself!

[Clodhopper]

V1 - Or, you can get over it and take a sarcastic post to be exactly what it is.

If you'd like a more "apples to apples" comparison, fine:

Take a new med student trying to become a doctor. Start as an intern (still in the field you initially trained for), work your way up through the ranks to be a resident, or branch off into a speciality that interests you. Sounds kind of familiar to a new CPL student: multiple options for different career paths facing you after your licence is signed off. But at least the intern can start in a hospital working with patients, instead of sitting at the loading dock bringing in boxes of medical supplies and new pens for the "real doctors".

Or, another more similar comparison:

My brother works as an apprentice automotive mechanic. Takes a course at a college as well to speed up the licencing process. Starts out limited in what he can work on at a shop, but still works at the shop, turns wrenches, fixes/maintains cars. Some would argue its a more similar career progression to a pilot, that most pilots go through an "apprenticeship" of sorts.

There's nothing wrong with expecting my first flying job to be an actual flying job. It certainly doesn't mean I need to get over myself. It just means I place value in the training I received, and the amount of time I put into getting licenced.

[xsbank]

As a low-time pilot, you will not impress a CP with your hours, but your work ethic and personality will be what gets his attention. I think you should put in your cover letter what you want to do, which is fly. If they do not have a flying opening for you 'yet' but they offer you a ramp job (or whatever) you can decide for yourself at the time if you wish to take it.

I do not agree with working the ramp, I think it is slave labour and indicates the attitude that management will take towards you for your whole time with them. They will expect you to always be grateful and they will expect you to treat the next poor low-timer who comes along the same way you were treated. UNLESS they promise to check you out during slow times, during positioning flights or freight runs and you will be paid to help out on the ramp, office, whatever while this process unfolds. The difference is you will be actively being checked out, not waiting for 2 years until there is an opening.

Good luck - there is some good advice on the resume thread...

[Doc]

Hmmm, so..
I'm trying to write a cover letter - what's the best way to phrase "I'd be okay with a ground position for a bit before moving up to the flight line", without sounding too on-my-knees?

Well, how much more "on your knees" can you get??? Willing to be your "slave", might get it done.
Leave the whole "work the ramp", etc. etc. etc. OUT of your letter. If that floated across my CP's desk, it'd be tossed out.
Grow a pair!
Did you just spend $30-40K to work a ramp??? NO!
You're applying for a job as a PILOT!
When will you people get it???
My guess is.....NEVER!
You come across as a desperate piss ant. That's how you'll be treated.