Trying to figure my aviation life out..

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Salmonela132
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Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by Salmonela132 »

Hello , I have a question that maybe some of the more experienced pilots out there may be able to answer or at least give me an idea on what I should do. Here's my situation. I currently hold my PPL, multi engine rating , INRAT complete , all my hours for IFR and have my commercial flight test coming up soon. The school that I'm currently training at only has one multi that we use for our IFR training but it is always breaking down and also only have one instructor to teach. It's becoming a hassle and I'm not so sure whether I will be able to complete my IFR flight test in a suitable time for me. My question is once I'm done my comm flight test and have my license signed off (which should be in a few weeks) would I be able to apply for a ramp job of some sort and still be considered without my IFR? I plan on switching schools to finish my IFR if this situation keeps going the way it's in. I'm at flight test prep right now but I keep having to relearn my stuff because the plane goes down for weeks at a time. So if anyone can give me an idea or shed some light on this messy situation I would greatly appreciate it. Cheers.
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ahramin
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by ahramin »

If your ambition is to get a ramp job, I'm pretty sure you don't need a pilot's licence for that, let alone a signed off commercial with multi and IFR. Go get the ramp job now, then finish the licence as quick as you can.
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Salmonela132
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by Salmonela132 »

My ambitions are to get a ramp job with the hopes of moving into a pilot position. My worries are that they might not take me as seriously as the guy who applies and has the IFR completed.
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Changes in Latitudes
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by Changes in Latitudes »

I did the same as you with the IFR, but applied for a pilot's job after completion. The way it works is the aircraft does the flying while the ramp remains relatively stationary. Why not try for the one with the great view that requires the license you worked so hard and paid so much to get?
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ahramin
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by ahramin »

If I'm understanding you right, you're worried that someone else might get the ramp job that you haven't yet applied for because their IFR is done and yours isn't? I'd worry more about someone else getting the job because you haven't applied yet.

Apply for the job. Now. And follow up on it.
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Prairiefire
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by Prairiefire »

I first applied for ramp jobs about 3-4 months before I got my license signed off. I then did a second round of applications and wa-la, a couple ramp offers. I hammered out my remaining time building during the following two weeks and left 3 days after the sign off. My timing was impeccable and not everyone can get that lucky, but I'd definitely start applying now.
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chinglish
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by chinglish »

At my company, the best ramp employees are the ones that aren't pilots. Having an IFR will not make me take you more seriously. Apply for the job, work your ass off and you will be taken seriously.
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aycarumba
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by aycarumba »

Get another career.

This is the best advise you will hear in your life if you choose this career path
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matt foley
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by matt foley »

Commit fully to aviation as a career.
This is the best advice you will receive.

MF
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sanjet
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by sanjet »

Having a solid work ethic will get you far regardless if you have the licenses or not.
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TheStig
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by TheStig »

ahramin wrote:If I'm understanding you right, you're worried that someone else might get the ramp job that you haven't yet applied for because their IFR is done and yours isn't? I'd worry more about someone else getting the job because you haven't applied yet.

Apply for the job. Now. And follow up on it.
I agree with ahramin, start sending out some resumes and make some follow up calls. If can get a hold of any CP's who seem interested in hiring you ask them if they want a you to hold a fresh IFR.
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bushhopper
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by bushhopper »

Good companies wont skip you because you need to go get your IFR. Some will some wont. I personally think getting $10,000 + Group 1 rating to throw bags for many many months is all that smart. Can invest that into stocks, property and most likely end up with a return good enough to pay for your IFR when time comes? Just saying. Finding a actual flying job is the most important.
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skydivepilot
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Re: Trying to figure my aviation life out..

Post by skydivepilot »

Aim for a flying job, not a ramp position. There are flying jobs out there that do not require an IFR. Get one and then finish your IFR if that is what you want to do. You might even find that you enjoy flying VFR. I know I do :). There are a lot of different paths to take in aviation and not all lead to airlines. I hate how the accepted reality for a lot of people is to work the ramp, pay a training bond, and accept sh!t wages sitting right seat. I turned down ramp jobs and bonds and feel good about it and where I am now in my career. Good luck. Its not always an easy road.
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