Update from '02 student

[FSIPILOT]

Thought I’d drop a line, see how things are going at FSA and give a personal update. I was a FSA student in 02’ and have been fairly busy since.

After leaving FlightSafety I took a job at a well established northern 135 and started paying those pesky dues. For those interested in the business jet route I’d highly recommend getting started by learning how to quote charter trips, as a charter qouter for lack of a better term. These jobs are comparatively easier to get than flying jobs, and you’ll develop relationships with other charter operators nationwide very quickly. Regardless of what any p.c. HR recruiting officer has said about getting these charter pilot jobs it is almost only on a who you know basis. Question is, is that how do you ‘get known’? Walking in the front door with zero jet time, zero ratings, a still wet commercial pilot certificate and several hundred hours will only separate you from the other 1000 résumés most operators receive weekly in a negative way. A way to stand out in a good way might be to (how I did it) develop phone relationships while working with other charter operators. Often a charter operator will be called to supply ‘supplemental lift’ by other operators. You’ll also find yourself in need of supplemental lift for a client when your company’s aircraft are not available. Anytime you call another company to put a costly aircraft to work you’ll quickly become a friend. Just being an enthusiastic employee will earn some notice with the crewmembers of your own company that can turn into flying an Mx or dead head legs here and there. Over time you may be able work into your conversations with contacts at other companies that you’re a pilot yourself and are looking for work. That way your résumé has a chance to make it to the Chief Pilot’s desk or hand by way of a trusted employee who may be able to say ‘hey he’s an o.k. guy’, sometimes that’s all it takes. Not the only way to make it happen, but it sure seemed to work for me. Personally after about a year a working in the charter quoting game and building time most days after work and every weekend I took a south Florida tour of contacts I had made. I setup meet and greet appointments with about 10 companies flew to Florida, grabbed a rental car and went on tour for three days. I had two job offers before I returned home. Right time right place and a lot of luck, but having an ‘inside’ introduction really makes the difference.

I accepted a Learjet position flying 35/55 series Lears. At first flights were very few and far between mostly riding along as a ‘third’ pilot flying empty legs and maintenance check flights. I took over responsibility of maintaining fleet wide, nation and world wide subscriptions (8 jets) of all Jepps. Trust me… taking care of Jepp revisions will put you on the good side of all pilots from the young to the old and crusty. For months I generally helped out and jumped hoops before I took my first 135 checkride. A few thousand hours and almost four years later I’ve flown nearly every type jet on any ramp to all corners of the world: BD700, GIV/III/II, CL604/601, DA50/10, HS125, LR60/55/35/31, NA265, CE500. For those of you looking for the first break I know it seems like an uphill battle, keep truckin and keep in mind in the right company many ‘minimums’ have been over looked and jobs have been gotten over a good happy hour! For those alumni out there living it up, hope all is turning out for the best.

The opportunities are out there guys, good luck and go get em!

Brandon

[RynoB]

Good post. I'd like to add that getting a job as a scheduler/dispatcher at a charter company is a great way to get your foot in the door as well. I know 2 guys who have entered the business that way.

[rausda27]

Hey Brandon..

Nice update, sounds like you are doing well. Do you still have the 'vette?

[FSIPILOT]

I’m guessing this is Dan R.? What’s up man?! Actually I don’t have that Vette anymore, god I loved that car. Times got pretty tough about four years ago, was going to have to put money into it and had to let it go. But… I spent a month this summer out at SimuFlite getting the CL600 type and when I came home I bought a newer C5 Corvette as a pat on the back to myself. What the hell right?

So how about you, congrats on ASA is it? What are you guessing time wise to upgrade? You guys should be having some movement right? We just had a CL850 in inventory… for about a day. To bad it sold so fast, I was looking forward to getting a little stick time on it. From what I understand it’s the same as a RJ just decked out corporate and holds more gas. I guess then your living in Atlanta? Drop a line when you get a chance brother, would be great to catch up.

[meyers9163]

Great post and keep up the good work. Sounds like things are going great for you and best of luck in the future!