To wait or not to wait

[Permafrost_ATPL]

I am doing my IR and wondering whether to already apply for jobs. I am not after opinions on whether this or that airline might be interested (or not), but rather whether it would be too much of a distraction. My instructor believes I should be studying whenever I am not flying, to make sure I will at least 'sound' competent before the IRT. But from looking at many pprune threads, it looks like I will need that kind of focus to do well at any interview I might get (let me dream!). Also, I am thinking that I'm more likely to do well during a SIM check if I have completed my IR training.

But of course, I guess I run the risk of not getting a job simply because others applied before me...

Any (intelligent) input appreciated!

[ihatecbs]

Are you applying for stuff that need an IR rating (other than photgraphy etc,), if so a bit wierd to do it that way, no? its like saying gimme a job as a pilot but i have not passed the hardest test yet - for example for the ctc scheme you need the cpl with rating endorsed in your hand before you apply.

i think whilst your enthusiam is to be commended it will be a waste, yours and theirs, i may even go as far as saying it may even be a hinderance - you might piss the recuitment guys off, it is a tiny tiny world, everyone knows everyone.

From what i understand cv's are being binned if you don't have the mcc - even though it is just an attendance thing. Oh and almost everyone will want to know how many hours, in what a/c you have before they consider you and most whether you passed first series or first time and how many hours etc. So how can you apply??????

just my thoughts

[Megaton]

Don't bother until you have IR and MCC (assuming you're going for airline job). Timelines at the moment are tight and they want someone who can start in the near future - not someone who might be able to start in the middle distance if he passes his IR and if he can afford an MCC. You'll waste you're time and theirs if you apply before completing IR and MCC.

[Permafrost_ATPL]

Yup, I am indeed going for an airline job. Although I would love to go for a corporate job, but most threads on that topic say that the corporate world does not like low time pilots. Interestingly enough, an FO from JET2 said the other day that Netjet are starting to recruit such pilots. Anybody out there can confirm? At least I have college education, business experience, and I'm early thirties (just), which I believe is an advantage in that business.

Thanks for the input so far!!!

[JB007]

You'll need 1500 hours TT and an unfrozen ATPL before Netjets will look at you.

All of the above are correct, your enthusiasm and foresight is excellent but I don't think it'll get you anywhere - I got my job with a weeks notice to the start date as the course for my type had been booked.

Cheers
JB

[Permafrost_ATPL]

You'll need 1500 hours TT and an unfrozen ATPL

Yeah, that's what I had gathered before. I had a feeling that the fly2 FO was talking c*** :-)

Good to know about the availability issue, I was not aware of it. Definitely tips the balance on the side of the "wait for MCC" argument.

Thanks!

[spaceman1000]

2000h TT, ATPL,and a type rating before netjet look at you.
their training is done in the USA, you must have passed a US type rating on a plane over 12'500 lbs..

[ATP_Al]

There's no harm in writing to companies you'd like to work for and starting get your name known at early stage in your training - in fact that's a very sensible and positive thing to do.

However you can't make a serious "application" until you have all the ticks in all the boxes. You will probably not get a SIM ride before you pass your IR!

Al

P.S. I have put the word application in inverted commas as there really is no such thing in this industry - most of the time you will be sending out speculative CVs and hoping that the powers that be like the look or sound of you. I'm not trying to be cynical or put you down, that's just the way things are!

[Permafrost_ATPL]

Ah, finally someone with the opposite opinion :-)

Interesting thoughts, ATP_Al. I suppose as long as you make it clear in your cover letter that you are just putting your name out there and when you will be available, it can't do much harm. Sure, most of the time it will go straight to the bin, but I doubt airlines keep a list of "Do not hire - applied too early" candidates.

By the way, if anybody reading this wants to volunteer to review my CV, I'd really appreciate. I am NOT trying to get anyone to forward my CV to any employers! It's just my first aviation CV and I want to get it right.

Thanks!

[737oli]

You can check my cv on my website, following echoes that I get it's a good one. You can send me your if you want. Usually, There is three important things:
1) Keep it short.
2) most important is the total hours.
3) State on wich aircraft you have a TR and how many hours on type, if you don't have a type rating state that you are ready to afford the cost of it.

Once again about sending your cv, it's useless, try now to do relations in this business.
-Before your training flight come four hours early and leave well after your flight, help everybodies, speak with everybodies, sometimes go to other airfields to meet people around the country.
-Also don't hesitate to go in airports pub, it's a good way to meet pilot.
-Also go ( no phone call) to enquire about requirement in companies it's a good way.

And you will see then, that when it will be time to send your cv, you will have plenty of interviews.

Best regards,

Oli