Going to an Airport Bar

sorrygottarunway · October 29th, 2003, 08:48

I was recently talking to a coworker of mine about getting more exposure in the aviation field and networking... I have my PPL, but usually I'm never at the airport unless I'm going somewhere or taking a lesson. Otherwise I'm here at the office or at home or doing a number of other things.

Her thoughts about persuing a professional career include hanging out at the airport bar at our local passenger airport, Westchester Co. HPN. I am now 21, so I guess I could legally go...

I am aware of the importance of networking, and while she says she has met many a pilot/controller at this bar (she says its where they all hang out), I am not sure that this place would be the best for showing an interest/making connections. Maybe it's just me, but I've always been weary of alcohol consumption in respects to aviation- would it look bad to be sipping a beer while reading my IFR procedures book? On the other hand, if this airport bar is the hotbed that it seems, would it not be a great way to meet new people?

Doug Taylor · October 29th, 2003, 09:03

Might work.

I know a guy who ran into the Cecil Ewell (AA Chief pilot) at a bar years ago and ended up becoming one of the first pilots hired in 1998 when hiring resumed.

In my opinion, when you're trying to network, you've got to do the standard stuff, but nothing is really off limits. Golf courses, auto dealerships, where ever pilots go, there are networking opportunities.

I have a very good friend that got F'd (furloughed) that got a job doing line work at an airport fueling jets and ended up landing an uber-swank Falcon 900 corporate job.

Make up some el cheapo business cards and run out of them monthly. When I was jobless, I'd hit the airports, shake hands and deal out business cards like a blackjack dealer.

95% of the time, it didn't work too well, but that 5% that suceeded were the people that helped springboard my career.

ready2fly · October 29th, 2003, 09:17

Maybe you could try what your friend suggested... OH - and wear a tight little red dress and some stilettos.... that'll get you some attention.

Kidding.

Never rule out any avenue or any opportuntiy to NETWORK.

No one is telling you to go get falling-down hammered while carrying around "Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge".

Just go hang out, strike up conversations. You never know where they may lead.

My wife and I were on a cruise and happened to meet a DAL pilot (who, BTW, knows Doug) in the Martini Bar on ship. We ended up hanging out with him and his wife and friends quite a bit.

Now... will that land me a job with DAL? Doubtful. Highly doubtful. But, pilots know pilots who know pilots who know pilots.

Always always always network network network.

Best of luck!!

R2F

Doug Taylor · October 29th, 2003, 09:27

It may not land you a job, but if DAL was hiring you'd have two non-flying references!

ready2fly · October 29th, 2003, 09:36

See?

Doug Taylor · October 29th, 2003, 09:45

Plus, Plato Ryhne, Jr is a lurker on the forums so "Ya better not pout, you'd better not shout, you'd better not cry cuz I'm tellin' you why!"

ready2fly · October 29th, 2003, 09:51

<showing my ignorance> And Mr. Ryhne would be, who again??

Doug Taylor · October 29th, 2003, 09:57

Actually, his father was the head cheese in charge of pilot selection for Delta.

They started a company recently called pilotapplication.com

sbe · October 29th, 2003, 10:04

I've never met a pilot in a bar but I've had GREAT luck with networking and I'm still a couple months short of my CSEL! First off, I joined the Airline History Museum in Kansas City. Mostly because I like vintage airliners (great-grandpa flew DC-2s for TWA). They've got a Constellation, Martin 404 and DC-3 in TWA livery. Anyhow, a LOT of TWA retireds, furlougheds, and AA current pilots in the mix there.

Joining that organization not only has put me in regular contact with current AA pilots and former TWA pilots, but scored me an hour in the left seat of a 767 sim at the AA training ctr in STL. Also, at our open house, a nonprofit organization brought a brand spanking new Citation CJ1 over for static display, and I met the pilot. 6 weeks later I was riding right seat on a night trip all over the midwest. And most importantly, I work on the organization's marketing committee with a pilot who flies a Bonanza for a local law firm. As he also has a full time office position in the firm, he can't fly all their trips. I've flown with him quite a few times now (both in 'my' planes and in the Bonanza) & have been told I have a flying position with them as soon as I get that CSEL and we can get me in the Bonanza enough to meet insurance reqs. The firm plans in about 18 months to sell the Bonanza and acquire a twin...

One organization joined. 3 incredible opportunities gained and I'm sure it won't stop there...

Sarah

MikeD · October 29th, 2003, 12:19

[ QUOTE ]

Make up some el cheapo business cards and run out of them monthly. When I was jobless, I'd hit the airports, shake hands and deal out business cards like a blackjack dealer.

.

[/ QUOTE ]

No one wants my business card.

Doug Taylor · October 29th, 2003, 14:13

Well Mikey, the market for thru-the-window AGM-65's is kind of soft now!

How 'bout one of those Michigan militia types?

rausda27 · October 29th, 2003, 14:18

Thinking about becoming a mercenary Mike D?

Mike D...qualified to blow up just about anything...call 555-5555

EatSleepFly · October 29th, 2003, 14:25

[ QUOTE ]
Mike D...qualified to blow up just about anything...call 555-5555

[/ QUOTE ]

lol...

sorrygottarunway · October 29th, 2003, 21:38

yeah that huge picture freaks me out.

Jeff told me not to go. Not at my age.

Tonight, I walked into the FBO of my flight school and asked to have a job on the weekends. Just flat out... I have now a job on the weekends.

freaks me out how easy that was...

-B

sbe · October 30th, 2003, 07:53

[ QUOTE ]
Tonight, I walked into the FBO of my flight school and asked to have a job on the weekends. Just flat out... I have now a job on the weekends.

freaks me out how easy that was...

[/ QUOTE ]

AWESOME! See? And now that you're working there, you'll be amazed at the people you'll meet...

starcheck1 · November 1st, 2003, 06:08

The bar at HPN looked pretty quiet last time I was there.....but you never know who you will meet sippin a martini at 9 in the morning ....hopefully not the captain for the 11 am flight.

Doug Taylor · November 1st, 2003, 15:55

[ QUOTE ]
Thinking about becoming a mercenary Mike D?

Mike D...qualified to blow up just about anything...call 555-5555

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps run an ad in "Soldier of Fortune" magazine:

Need precision guided ordinance delivered fast?

Need a weapons delivery platform with the ability to loiter for hours?

Call 1 800 A10-FORU

Eagle · November 1st, 2003, 16:03

Trying to pick up pilots in a bar.. what a concept

PhilosopherPilot · November 9th, 2003, 13:52

[ QUOTE ]

Make up some el cheapo business cards and run out of them monthly. When I was jobless, I'd hit the airports, shake hands and deal out business cards like a blackjack dealer.

95% of the time, it didn't work too well, but that 5% that suceeded were the people that helped springboard my career.

[/ QUOTE ]

So Doug, what type of business cards should someone like me, with right at 300 hours and a multi-commercial, print up? "No-time Commercial Pilot Will Fly Anything, Anywhere..." LOL

Is it worth doing at this point in the game, or should I just wait until I have more flight time before I start trying to market myself?

Grayson

Doug Taylor · November 10th, 2003, 11:39

What I did was have my name, my telephone number and Commercial Pilot: Multi-engine Instrument or something like that.

I wish I could find an old example, but it was cheap and easy.

pilot602 · November 10th, 2003, 13:05

I made up a bunch with a layout program I have and heavy card stock (110lbs) - the "perforated" business card "paper" looks cheesey IMHO.

The card says commercial pilot across the top.
Then I list my ratings and what I'm currently working on.
I have my name and phone number and the (all three of them, woohoo) aircraft I've flown.

It's cheesey, it's stupid, it's goofy but if someone remembers me or calls me just once it's worth the time and effort it takes to put one one every airplane that stits still for a day around my airport ...

ready2fly · November 10th, 2003, 14:26

I've seen Pilot602's card and it rocks!

I'm going to steal... er .. I mean "use some of his ideas"

Might even incorporate my avtar into it. Might be silly - but folks will remember it.

sorrygottarunway · November 11th, 2003, 08:22

1st day on the job:

I drove two chopper pilots to the local red lobster for the FBO. I probably should start printing those cards- they WILL NOT remember who I am.

sbe · November 12th, 2003, 09:41

I've been told to make cards up also to have ready as soon as I get my commercial - my CFI recommended it. I've seen others who have done the same.

As a graphic designer, I definitely agree with Pilot602 on NOT using the perforated business card sheets. Get some HEAVY card stock, and if you have access to a layout software program and a decent color printer, print your own (you can fit 8 to a sheet). If you draw some crop marks in for each card, you can use an xacto and a ruler, or a paper cutter if you have access to one, to trim them out.

Once finished they don't look much different from a professionally printed job. Our company in fact prints temp cards for new employees in this manner.

Sarah

av8rmsu · November 14th, 2003, 22:11

A little idea....

My instructor at home had a flight plan format on the back of his cards. I use it all the time to file flight plans. Its handy and fits right in my wallet. It's a good reason for people to keep it.

October 29th, 2003, 08:48	#1
sorrygottarunway Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: DXR, Connecticut Posts: 1,154	Going to an Airport Bar I was recently talking to a coworker of mine about getting more exposure in the aviation field and networking... I have my PPL, but usually I'm never at the airport unless I'm going somewhere or taking a lesson. Otherwise I'm here at the office or at home or doing a number of other things. Her thoughts about persuing a professional career include hanging out at the airport bar at our local passenger airport, Westchester Co. HPN. I am now 21, so I guess I could legally go... I am aware of the importance of networking, and while she says she has met many a pilot/controller at this bar (she says its where they all hang out), I am not sure that this place would be the best for showing an interest/making connections. Maybe it's just me, but I've always been weary of alcohol consumption in respects to aviation- would it look bad to be sipping a beer while reading my IFR procedures book? On the other hand, if this airport bar is the hotbed that it seems, would it not be a great way to meet new people?

October 29th, 2003, 09:03	#2
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,825 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Going to an Airport Bar Might work. I know a guy who ran into the Cecil Ewell (AA Chief pilot) at a bar years ago and ended up becoming one of the first pilots hired in 1998 when hiring resumed. In my opinion, when you're trying to network, you've got to do the standard stuff, but nothing is really off limits. Golf courses, auto dealerships, where ever pilots go, there are networking opportunities. I have a very good friend that got F'd (furloughed) that got a job doing line work at an airport fueling jets and ended up landing an uber-swank Falcon 900 corporate job. Make up some el cheapo business cards and run out of them monthly. When I was jobless, I'd hit the airports, shake hands and deal out business cards like a blackjack dealer. 95% of the time, it didn't work too well, but that 5% that suceeded were the people that helped springboard my career.

October 29th, 2003, 09:17	#3
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,080	Re: Going to an Airport Bar Maybe you could try what your friend suggested... OH - and wear a tight little red dress and some stilettos.... that'll get you some attention. Kidding. Never rule out any avenue or any opportuntiy to NETWORK. No one is telling you to go get falling-down hammered while carrying around "Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge". Just go hang out, strike up conversations. You never know where they may lead. My wife and I were on a cruise and happened to meet a DAL pilot (who, BTW, knows Doug) in the Martini Bar on ship. We ended up hanging out with him and his wife and friends quite a bit. Now... will that land me a job with DAL? Doubtful. Highly doubtful. But, pilots know pilots who know pilots who know pilots. Always always always network network network. Best of luck!! R2F

October 29th, 2003, 09:27	#4
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,825 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Going to an Airport Bar It may not land you a job, but if DAL was hiring you'd have two non-flying references!

October 29th, 2003, 09:36	#5
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,080	Re: Going to an Airport Bar See?

October 29th, 2003, 09:45	#6
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,825 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Going to an Airport Bar Plus, Plato Ryhne, Jr is a lurker on the forums so "Ya better not pout, you'd better not shout, you'd better not cry cuz I'm tellin' you why!"

October 29th, 2003, 09:51	#7
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,080	Re: Going to an Airport Bar <showing my ignorance> And Mr. Ryhne would be, who again??

October 29th, 2003, 09:57	#8
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,825 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Going to an Airport Bar Actually, his father was the head cheese in charge of pilot selection for Delta. They started a company recently called pilotapplication.com

October 29th, 2003, 10:04	#9
sbe Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KC Posts: 540	Re: Going to an Airport Bar I've never met a pilot in a bar but I've had GREAT luck with networking and I'm still a couple months short of my CSEL! First off, I joined the Airline History Museum in Kansas City. Mostly because I like vintage airliners (great-grandpa flew DC-2s for TWA). They've got a Constellation, Martin 404 and DC-3 in TWA livery. Anyhow, a LOT of TWA retireds, furlougheds, and AA current pilots in the mix there. Joining that organization not only has put me in regular contact with current AA pilots and former TWA pilots, but scored me an hour in the left seat of a 767 sim at the AA training ctr in STL. Also, at our open house, a nonprofit organization brought a brand spanking new Citation CJ1 over for static display, and I met the pilot. 6 weeks later I was riding right seat on a night trip all over the midwest. And most importantly, I work on the organization's marketing committee with a pilot who flies a Bonanza for a local law firm. As he also has a full time office position in the firm, he can't fly all their trips. I've flown with him quite a few times now (both in 'my' planes and in the Bonanza) & have been told I have a flying position with them as soon as I get that CSEL and we can get me in the Bonanza enough to meet insurance reqs. The firm plans in about 18 months to sell the Bonanza and acquire a twin... One organization joined. 3 incredible opportunities gained and I'm sure it won't stop there... Sarah

October 29th, 2003, 12:19	#10
MikeD Administrator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pinal Airpark Posts: 6,897	Re: Going to an Airport Bar [ QUOTE ] Make up some el cheapo business cards and run out of them monthly. When I was jobless, I'd hit the airports, shake hands and deal out business cards like a blackjack dealer. . [/ QUOTE ] No one wants my business card.

October 29th, 2003, 14:13	#11
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,825 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Going to an Airport Bar Well Mikey, the market for thru-the-window AGM-65's is kind of soft now! How 'bout one of those Michigan militia types?

October 29th, 2003, 14:18	#12
rausda27 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 1,230	Re: Going to an Airport Bar Thinking about becoming a mercenary Mike D? Mike D...qualified to blow up just about anything...call 555-5555

October 29th, 2003, 14:25	#13
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: Going to an Airport Bar [ QUOTE ] Mike D...qualified to blow up just about anything...call 555-5555 [/ QUOTE ] lol...

October 29th, 2003, 21:38	#14
sorrygottarunway Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: DXR, Connecticut Posts: 1,154	Re: Going to an Airport Bar yeah that huge picture freaks me out. Jeff told me not to go. Not at my age. Tonight, I walked into the FBO of my flight school and asked to have a job on the weekends. Just flat out... I have now a job on the weekends. freaks me out how easy that was... -B

October 30th, 2003, 07:53	#15
sbe Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KC Posts: 540	Re: Going to an Airport Bar [ QUOTE ] Tonight, I walked into the FBO of my flight school and asked to have a job on the weekends. Just flat out... I have now a job on the weekends. freaks me out how easy that was... [/ QUOTE ] AWESOME! See? And now that you're working there, you'll be amazed at the people you'll meet...

November 1st, 2003, 06:08	#16
starcheck1 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 16	Re: Going to an Airport Bar The bar at HPN looked pretty quiet last time I was there.....but you never know who you will meet sippin a martini at 9 in the morning ....hopefully not the captain for the 11 am flight.

November 1st, 2003, 15:55	#17
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,825 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Going to an Airport Bar [ QUOTE ] Thinking about becoming a mercenary Mike D? Mike D...qualified to blow up just about anything...call 555-5555 [/ QUOTE ] Perhaps run an ad in "Soldier of Fortune" magazine: Need precision guided ordinance delivered fast? Need a weapons delivery platform with the ability to loiter for hours? Call 1 800 A10-FORU

November 1st, 2003, 16:03	#18
Eagle Banned Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 1,272	Re: Going to an Airport Bar Trying to pick up pilots in a bar.. what a concept

November 9th, 2003, 13:52	#19
PhilosopherPilot Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Providence, RI Posts: 454	Re: Going to an Airport Bar [ QUOTE ] Make up some el cheapo business cards and run out of them monthly. When I was jobless, I'd hit the airports, shake hands and deal out business cards like a blackjack dealer. 95% of the time, it didn't work too well, but that 5% that suceeded were the people that helped springboard my career. [/ QUOTE ] So Doug, what type of business cards should someone like me, with right at 300 hours and a multi-commercial, print up? "No-time Commercial Pilot Will Fly Anything, Anywhere..." LOL Is it worth doing at this point in the game, or should I just wait until I have more flight time before I start trying to market myself? Grayson

November 10th, 2003, 11:39	#20
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,825 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Going to an Airport Bar What I did was have my name, my telephone number and Commercial Pilot: Multi-engine Instrument or something like that. I wish I could find an old example, but it was cheap and easy.

November 10th, 2003, 13:05	#21
pilot602 Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: who haa Posts: 3,750	Re: Going to an Airport Bar I made up a bunch with a layout program I have and heavy card stock (110lbs) - the "perforated" business card "paper" looks cheesey IMHO. The card says commercial pilot across the top. Then I list my ratings and what I'm currently working on. I have my name and phone number and the (all three of them, woohoo) aircraft I've flown. It's cheesey, it's stupid, it's goofy but if someone remembers me or calls me just once it's worth the time and effort it takes to put one one every airplane that stits still for a day around my airport ...

November 10th, 2003, 14:26	#22
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,080	Re: Going to an Airport Bar I've seen Pilot602's card and it rocks! I'm going to steal... er .. I mean "use some of his ideas" Might even incorporate my avtar into it. Might be silly - but folks will remember it.

November 11th, 2003, 08:22	#23
sorrygottarunway Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: DXR, Connecticut Posts: 1,154	Re: Going to an Airport Bar 1st day on the job: I drove two chopper pilots to the local red lobster for the FBO. I probably should start printing those cards- they WILL NOT remember who I am.

November 12th, 2003, 09:41	#24
sbe Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KC Posts: 540	Re: Going to an Airport Bar I've been told to make cards up also to have ready as soon as I get my commercial - my CFI recommended it. I've seen others who have done the same. As a graphic designer, I definitely agree with Pilot602 on NOT using the perforated business card sheets. Get some HEAVY card stock, and if you have access to a layout software program and a decent color printer, print your own (you can fit 8 to a sheet). If you draw some crop marks in for each card, you can use an xacto and a ruler, or a paper cutter if you have access to one, to trim them out. Once finished they don't look much different from a professionally printed job. Our company in fact prints temp cards for new employees in this manner. Sarah

November 14th, 2003, 22:11	#25
av8rmsu Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pickwick Lake Posts: 448	Re: Going to an Airport Bar A little idea.... My instructor at home had a flight plan format on the back of his cards. I use it all the time to file flight plans. Its handy and fits right in my wallet. It's a good reason for people to keep it.

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