Expert: D. Norkus - 4/7/2004

Question
Ms. Norkus,
My question is a simple one to ask, but not so simple to find an answer.  I currently hold the following certificates and ratings: Comm., ASEL, AMEL, instrument, CFI, CFI-I, and MEI, but I cannot seem time find work. My career goal is to be a Major Airline Capt.  Simply put how do I get out of the rut of looking for a job to "build" hours and into that job?

Thank you very much for your help.
John Doughty


Answer
"Simply put how do I get out of the rut of looking for a job to "build" hours and into that job?"

John,

You  sure do have plenty of ratings even if you are lacking in the flight time department. If you look in the right spot, you can surely parlay that into a job that will get you to minimums. All you need is the right job, which I assume for which you are still searching. (I am guessing things are slow right now at your flight school or there are too many instructors?) Perhaps one of these sites can help you in your job search:

This page has several dozen job sites listed. Some are free, some not-

http://www.ninety-nines.org/careers/jobplacements.html

If you have not seen them, I suggest visiting these message forums for more job search info and leads:

www.jetcareers.com
http://forums.flightinfo.com

Also check out the local phone book or search the internet for the banner tow outfits or aerial survey companies in your area. Call the radio stations and ask who does their traffic watch. All these companies would be great job leads. If you have a skydiving drop zone near by, go in and talk to them. They usually hire in the spring for the busy summer season, as do banner tows. Most of these kinds of jobs are low time. (However, depending upon the type of aircraft they have, 300TT may not get your resume across the desk like it will at some places. I got hired at a drop zone with 300TT to fly a C182.)

Good luck

Dottie
www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html