Ways to build time over summer?

[Chaz]

I currently a college student and plan to go back home over the summer with my private pilot license and instrument rating. I don't want to get rusty on my skills and can't afford to rent a plane so what are some other ways to fly. I have considered Angel flight but I think you need your own plane, maybe I could act SIC. I have also thought about getting a job at the local FBO and maybe making some new contacts. By the way, I live really close to NYC if that makes a difference. If anyone knows of things I could do that would be great. I just want to get involved and start networking as much as possible.

[Chaz]

nobody has any ideas or thoughts?

[jrh]

Without a commercial certificate, you're pretty limited in what you can do, other than the couple of things you already listed. I think working at an FBO and trying to meet as many aircraft owners as possible is your best bet.

[moxiepilot]

washing planes is always a good way to get a flight

[Chaz]

Thats what I thought. Has anybody volunteered for Angel Flight or any other voluntary pilot service. I guess I should call since I sent an email to a bunch of FBOs asking a few questions and they never respond. Why don't FBOs respond to interested applicants for internships or employment? I do state that I am a college student in an aviation program but nobody ever replies to my email. I find that quite rude. Does anybody know why they do that?

[E_Dawg]

because they can't put a face to the name.

[GaTechKid]

Safety pilot time

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Chaz

I guess I should call since I sent an email to a bunch of FBOs asking a few questions and they never respond. Why don't FBOs respond to interested applicants for internships or employment? I do state that I am a college student in an aviation program but nobody ever replies to my email. I find that quite rude. Does anybody know why they do that?

Why do you think that they owe you a response? They are not in business to answer your questions, and unless there is an overiding business reason for them to answer your email (i.e. a way for them to increase their bottom line), it does nothing except cost them money to spend time on your email. Whoever takes the time to reply to you is on the payroll, and it is not unreasonable that an employer would not want their paid employees spending company money on random unsolicited email. The best way for you to handle it is to go to the FBO in person, talk very nicely to whomever is at the desk, and hope that you can get a couple of minutes of someone's time. Impress that person with your sincerity, willingness to work hard, and humility and they might just help you out. Look them in the eye, stand tall, talk clearly, don't use slang, and be confident in yourself. Not cocky, confident. Follow up with a phone call or another visit, depending upon the outcome of your first visit. Plan on having to try two or three or four times just to talk to someone. Just remember that they have absolutely no obligation to give you a job or an internship or even 30 seconds of their time for that matter. Don't assume that they will respond to your email, or that a simple phone call will get you any further than a foot in the front door. Go in person and impress the heck out of everyone you meet. Good luck.