Experience

[sigleave]

Hello

I'm 17 years old and at the moment, I am doing maths A level at home (Distance learning). I am planning to do my PPL in the next year and when the economy picks up i am hoping to go to BCFT to get an ATPL. However because I know there is no point in rushing into training any time soon I am taking my time with my maths, meaning I have quite a bit of time on my hands. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of what sort of things would look good on a CV, that i could do why i have the chance. I have a part time job aswell which isnt much but every bit of money counts and to be honest, i will probably work full time for two years before training. I have looked at work experience at Manchester and Barton ,however i've not got too far, but will keep trying. I have also started reading the ppl books to get a bit more knowledge.

Basically i am asking if there's anything that you think airlines would be pleased to see on a CV , even non aviation related.

Many Thanks (Please correct me if this is in the wrong section).

Si

[Lew747]

Hey,

I always ponder what would look good on my CV. I ended up doing a distance learning physics course last year (As you can never have too many qualifications as they say! :}). I was in the Air Cadets for a few years too, I don't know if you are, your still old enough to join. It will put you in good sted.:ok:

I don't know if you've started driving either but i've just started a course on advanced driving with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), that should hopefully look good!

I've also been thinking about doing something like a first-aid course. I always like adding another bullet point to my CV! Aviation is my main passion but I'm trying to show that I have a much broader range of interests. (I.e. driving, Mountain Biking, Photography, Engineering etc) I'm told airlines enjoy this as it will give you something else to talk about to the chap sitting next to you on the flight deck on an 8 hour flight!

[Brian304]

Well getting a job in an airline would help, small jobs such as sales or ramp agents would gather connections for you in the airline industry for the future....

[Aerouk]

Have you looked at things like the TA, Police Special Constables, Ambulance volunteer service, youth workers etc?

You're looking at some sort of organisation that will develop particular skills such as working in a team, communication, first aid etc.

[Leezyjet]

If you do fancy something aviation related - try this :-

RAF Reserves - Homepage (http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafreserves/)

:ok:

[Prophead]

'Basically i am asking if there's anything that you think airlines would be pleased to see on a CV , even non aviation related'

How about putting on the amount of equity your parents have in their house and your fathers credit card number. That should get you a place in the RHS at a few airlines!;)

Seriously, the thing i wished i had done at your age was to get down the local small airfield and offer my services cleaning aircraft helping refuel, washing cars for pilots etc. If you like aviation you will enjoy it and you will probably get a few free flights and make some good contacts for the future.

[C-141Starlifter]

I could not agree more. I have tried to convince quite a few folks to do just what you said but they don't believe in showin initiative!

Lifter

[GearDownFlaps]

Sig , it has been suggested RAF reserves etc ect, have you not thought about the military route , far cheaper than BCFT and their pass rates are better

[sigleave]

Thank you all very much for your replies, lots of good ideas.

[Wyle E Coyote]

.........get down the local small airfield and offer my services cleaning aircraft helping refuel, washing cars for pilots etc.

Really? Starting your career as a but kisser isn't a good idea, no one will have any respect for you.

It's a tough industry to break into, especially now. The hangars, baggage bays, and offices are full of wannabe pilots. I even know of people who have taken jobs as hosties who want to be pilots. For some reason, some people seem to think that if you have a job near an aircraft, you'll end up in the cockpit one day. It doesn't work that way.

If you want to be a pilot, then target that from day one. A job (a PAID job) at the aeroclub to help suppliment your training might help you make contacts. But remember all the instructors are already one rung higher up the ladder than you, and aren't going to help you much, beyond ensuring they get to log the most instructional time with you.

if you're that keen, then read. Read everything you can. Knowledge is everything. Talking intelligently with a chief pilot about how the recession is affecting the airlines will earn you more street cred that washing his car.