Finding Non-flying Airport work

[EineBeBoP]

I'm looking for a summer job (possibly extending through Feb. depending on my school's upcoming fall schedule.

I was wondering what kind of work you guys would suggest? I cant fly for hire yet, so I figured driving the fuel truck / cleaning planes / FBO stuff I guess.


I was also hoping that someone who flys out of VNY, BUR, or WHP might know someone high-up and could make a call or two for me. I cant even find a number for VNY's main office online, so even minor help like that would be appreciated.

Anyways, any suggestions, hook-ups, and advice would be appreciated!

[jspeed87]

I'm on the same boat as you. Lots of airlines are hiring for rampers. TSA is another option and the pay is great. The thing that sucks about airport jobs, is the long wait to actually start working. 9-11 is the reason for that.

[v1valarob]

Originally Posted by EineBeBoP

I'm looking for a summer job (possibly extending through Feb. depending on my school's upcoming fall schedule.

I was wondering what kind of work you guys would suggest? I cant fly for hire yet, so I figured driving the fuel truck / cleaning planes / FBO stuff I guess.


I was also hoping that someone who flys out of VNY, BUR, or WHP might know someone high-up and could make a call or two for me. I cant even find a number for VNY's main office online, so even minor help like that would be appreciated.

Anyways, any suggestions, hook-ups, and advice would be appreciated!

Just go up to VNY, walk into the FBOs and either hand them your resume or fill out an application. I'm sure VNY has many FBOs and I'm sure one of them is hiring for a position you could apply for.

-Rob

[fly4food84]

Don't call the airport. They have no control of you being hired by an airline or FBO.

Your best bet is a FBO. My understanding is airlines do not work with your school schedule and your shifts can vary.

[DZERO]

Originally Posted by fly4food84

Don't call the airport. They have no control of you being hired by an airline or FBO.

Your best bet is a FBO. My understanding is airlines do not work with your school schedule and your shifts can vary.

Your understanding is correct. Airlines do not work with your school sked at all. It makes it super difficult to get done with school in a timely manner if you're at the mercy of changing shift bids in the middle of a semester. I eventually got done with college....eventually being defined as my late 20's.

[Ramp Romeo]

Originally Posted by DZERO

Your understanding is correct. Airlines do not work with your school sked at all. It makes it super difficult to get done with school in a timely manner if you're at the mercy of changing shift bids in the middle of a semester. I eventually got done with college....eventually being defined as my late 20's.

If I may interject........

Typically, yes, airlines might not "work" with your schedule per se.
But a few factors should be considered.

When I went to school, I choose the schedule of classes, they didn't choose me. If need be, I'll take physics instead of chemistry if it fit my schedule, either way, I got my the lab credit.

Also, while the airline might not "work" with you, the system does!! (Usually). Most people who get a sub-par schedule do shift trades with others. (I'll work your friday if you work my monday) Most companies will allow this, either a one day thing or a permanent change. I know a few guys who condense a 5 day/40 hour week into three work days by doing shift trades and putting 2 shifts as doubles. (16 hour, 16 hour, 8 hour.) That gives them 3 days for school, and one for rest,fun,flying, whatever. They've been doing this for over a year now.

Lastly... if you end up on the ramp......
Being that bidding is done by seniority, the best time to get in is spring. When the summer months hit, and the temperature gets wicked, people drop like flies. (At least here in the Arizona Desert). By the time the summer is over, the guy who started in January is about half way in seniority. It's rediculous. (Disclaimer, your results may vary).

You can also do part time.