First Job
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First Job
I'm a PPL holder, thinking of doing my commercial and wondering what the aviation scene is like in Canada. Its hard to get reliable info so I figured I'd ask here where everything is accurate and scrupulous 
I was wondering (from any commercial pilots) how many hours and what ratings you had when you landed your first paying job as a pilot. Also, what type of work were you doing and how did you work your way up to your present position? I need to know how much cash I'm gonna have to borrow before I can actually start paying some back. I'm guessing 200 hours aint gonna land me a job here, but I really don't know.
Thanks,
SpiralDive
[This message has been edited by SpiralDive (edited 16 March 2000).]
I was wondering (from any commercial pilots) how many hours and what ratings you had when you landed your first paying job as a pilot. Also, what type of work were you doing and how did you work your way up to your present position? I need to know how much cash I'm gonna have to borrow before I can actually start paying some back. I'm guessing 200 hours aint gonna land me a job here, but I really don't know.
Thanks,
SpiralDive
[This message has been edited by SpiralDive (edited 16 March 2000).]
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Well I am not a commercial pilot, but am doing it as we speak. I am at Selkirk College in the aviation program, in my second year. I will have spent almost 45K by the time I graduate. Not cheap. But that includes living expenses and tuition. The nice thing is we have free and unlimited simulators, including a King Air 200 turbine.
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23
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From: Canada
Had 214 hours total time when I landed my first job in '89. My commercial was only a week old. Back then it was all "right place at the right time". There seems to be more options these days than I had back then. It was pretty much single engine work up north for low time guys. In any case, good luck it you decide to go for it. Aviation's unpredictable but fun if you have a sense of humor!
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Thanks guys,
That's reassuring, I was wondering if you could find work with a reasonably fresh commercial in Canada or if you were stuck having to fund 100 hours of float training on top of it. Personally, I'd happily work anywhere around for a couple of years. I think I'd even want to work out of northern Canada or the Territories, as long as I knew it wasn't forever. Its the kind of stuff you can look back on and smile about when you're sitting for 8 hours at a time flying to Europe and back.
Cheers,
SpiralDive
That's reassuring, I was wondering if you could find work with a reasonably fresh commercial in Canada or if you were stuck having to fund 100 hours of float training on top of it. Personally, I'd happily work anywhere around for a couple of years. I think I'd even want to work out of northern Canada or the Territories, as long as I knew it wasn't forever. Its the kind of stuff you can look back on and smile about when you're sitting for 8 hours at a time flying to Europe and back.
Cheers,
SpiralDive
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I got my first job the same day I got my commercial licence.
I had flown about 400h or so before I was hired to ferry airplanes.
About half of that time for fun as a private pilot between training flights.
It might take some time before a fresh commercial pilot finds a job, but keep on trying.
Also setting your goals staright helps, that is apply to airlines you have a chance with and don't feel depressed if you are not hired in the first six months or so ...There are pilots around that have been looking for a job for a long long time.
Even though I have been employed Flying everything between a Piper Archer to a Boeing 737 ,I think I finally struck gold about three weeks ago.
I found a REAL job, perhaps not the retirement job but a good one anyways.
It took me about 2 years to get here and cost me about 60000 USD with all the ratings, training and living expenses during training.Eating badly and flying rediculous hours. Was it worth it, would I do it all again???? YES and YES.
Any questions you might have Email me.
JJ
[This message has been edited by JJflyer (edited 15 October 1999).]
I had flown about 400h or so before I was hired to ferry airplanes.
About half of that time for fun as a private pilot between training flights.
It might take some time before a fresh commercial pilot finds a job, but keep on trying.
Also setting your goals staright helps, that is apply to airlines you have a chance with and don't feel depressed if you are not hired in the first six months or so ...There are pilots around that have been looking for a job for a long long time.
Even though I have been employed Flying everything between a Piper Archer to a Boeing 737 ,I think I finally struck gold about three weeks ago.
I found a REAL job, perhaps not the retirement job but a good one anyways.
It took me about 2 years to get here and cost me about 60000 USD with all the ratings, training and living expenses during training.Eating badly and flying rediculous hours. Was it worth it, would I do it all again???? YES and YES.
Any questions you might have Email me.
JJ
[This message has been edited by JJflyer (edited 15 October 1999).]
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Well, the Canadian aviation industry is sure is on a slump...you hear many flight schools telling you the things you want to hear..but it may not be all true! Seriously think about a lot of all the sacrifices and a lot of BS making a career in flying. But if you can tough it out, you belong in the industry.
I guess the first job is the right place at the right time thing..and depending who you know makes a big help also!!
For me, a good buddy told me to do the road trip. Get a float rating too since it will expand your values a bit. I did the road trip in spring around NWOntario and Manitoba for float jobs. My first job was from a recommendation to work at a camp...and it wasn't the best, wasn't the prettiest..that's why it's called the "firs" job!! But stick it out and others will notice and people will respect you for your hardwork and dedication!! When others take notice, they might even hire you..that's how it lead to my 2nd job..and so on...
Be positive...ATTITUDE IS everything!!! No matter how tough it is, stick it out and rewards do come later when it's your turn to fly the heavies. Also, enjoy the process of stepping up the ladder!!
Email if you got Qs mate!
I guess the first job is the right place at the right time thing..and depending who you know makes a big help also!!
For me, a good buddy told me to do the road trip. Get a float rating too since it will expand your values a bit. I did the road trip in spring around NWOntario and Manitoba for float jobs. My first job was from a recommendation to work at a camp...and it wasn't the best, wasn't the prettiest..that's why it's called the "firs" job!! But stick it out and others will notice and people will respect you for your hardwork and dedication!! When others take notice, they might even hire you..that's how it lead to my 2nd job..and so on...
Be positive...ATTITUDE IS everything!!! No matter how tough it is, stick it out and rewards do come later when it's your turn to fly the heavies. Also, enjoy the process of stepping up the ladder!!
Email if you got Qs mate!
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Spiral-my first job was instructing when I had 330 hours. It was only a four month contract for a school up north in the summer. Was out of work after that, but it got me a start and also showed me I didn't want to instruct-no offence instructors, but I went even broker than broke!
Good Hunting.
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Life's Short...Fly Fast!
Good Hunting.
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Life's Short...Fly Fast!
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Thanks for the info, its going to be time for some tough decisions soon I guess. I know I love flying and if I don't give it a shot I'm going to be sitting in an office kicking myself. Its hard though because I'm pretty sure I could find a good paying job in engineering once I graduate, whereas if go get my commercial etc. I'm going to be in debt and unsure of the future for quite a long time. Money isnt everything though and I'd rather be a bush pilot then a desk jockey any day, as long as I can feed the kids. I'm pretty pumped to give it a shot, and worse case scenario I can fall back on my education if the bank is knocking down my door.
Congrats on your new job JJ, and Ace, sounds like you've had an awesome go of it, getting a job right away and now working for Westjet. Saw a WestJet plane coming into YVR today on my way into UBC, and all I could think of was how great it would be to be up there. Next time you're coming in low over the Oak Street Bridge, give me a wave
Congrats on your new job JJ, and Ace, sounds like you've had an awesome go of it, getting a job right away and now working for Westjet. Saw a WestJet plane coming into YVR today on my way into UBC, and all I could think of was how great it would be to be up there. Next time you're coming in low over the Oak Street Bridge, give me a wave
