New to this

Hey guys,

I am new to jc.com and was just wondering where I could go to look for jobs for a low time pilot. I will be graduating from Purdue in May 2012 with about 255 hours as a CFI. Purdue isn't going to be hiring CFI's in the near future. Also apart from being a CFI what other types of flying can I do to build time? I know of banner towing, diver driving, aerial photography.

Thanks guys!

Also I am not a US citizen. I am a dutch citizen from St.Maarten. But I will be getting a green card soon.

Try Lafayette Aviation if you haven't, I taught there while I was going to Purdue and was able to work my rear end off and fly a ton. Search for flight schools and FBOs and call or drive around and introduce yourself, inquire about their need for instructors and keep your resume updated and handy. I'm not sure if anything has changed but everything I heard about instructing for Purdue was that it was little flying for even less pay.

As far as non CFI jobs, outside the 3 you mentioned, try pipeline patrol, traffic reporting/watch, and don't forget to use the contacts you have through Purdue to help you hunt for work. You paid a lot of money to fly there, might as use them while you can.

Only things I have to add:
1. Have someone who has been around aviation look over your resume. Also have someone check it for grammar and spelling errors.
2. Use the "shot gun method". Send your resume to every flight school you can get your hands on. As pointed out if possible try to drive or fly to nearby schools. Start working your way out from your current location.
3. When ever you fly have a copy of your resume and dress as if you are going to be interviewed. No, not tie and jacket, but at a minimum nice jeans (by nice I mean no holes and proper fit), polo shirt, decent shoes.

Take a look at Part 119. It basically has a list for you.

The jobs section of this website comes to mind. Also, make yourself known around here. Participate in discussions and network. I have scored a few jobs from other members of this site. Three to be exact. One CFI position, two 135 positions. Networking does work. I know it may not help you right now, but later in your career, who you know will most likely get you farther than what you know. At the very least it will gove you a better chance at getting the interview.

Just to add to what mshunter wrote, many aviation jobs are never advertised. Many are based upon who you know and your reputation. Aviation is a small world.

If you haven't done it yet, try to look for a Flight Operations Internship. Not just the airlines have them, but also cargo outfits such as Ameriflight, and corporate outfits too.

There are many flight instructor positions available throughout the country. I know that ATP Flight School, Aerosim Flight Academy, and US Aviation Academy are hiring flight instructors. You will be able to accumulate more hours flight instructing then you would working as a banner pilot or aerial photography pilot.

I beg to differ.

Thanks for the information guys. Don't CFIs move in and out from FBOs fairly quickly? If I am graduating in May, when do I start handing out resumes to become a CFI?

As soon as you pass your check ride.

Today

Start calling different companies right now. 3 months will go by quickly. What are your long term goals?

I would love to fly for a major airline one day. Im assuming the best route would be CFI -> regional -> major.

I don't agree, it depends on the company and the individual. As a flight instructor I would log between 750 and 1000 hours per year. As an aerial photographer, just about the same...

If you find the right FBO (good pay, good clients) you might find CFI's that stick around a while. I, for example, stayed at one FBO for 2.5 years because I was paid so well and had great clients.