working while at seneca

[Dujan]

I am thinking of going to seneca college for their program and I was wondering if any current / past students could tell me whether it is at all possible to hold a part time job while completing flight training in the summer months?

[tdawe]

I worked for TAL pumping gas 20-40 hours or more a week while I was there in 00 to 03. Our hours were pretty flexible though, got to disappear around exam time, dunno if you'll get that luxury from your job.

[Dujan]

Yeah, it probably wouldn't. It would sure be nice though.

[JBI]

During my time at Seneca I had a pretty flexible job where I'd work 12 hours each weekend. That worked out well as I was able to make a little extra cash and on slow days could do homework.

This was between 1998 and 2001 so it was before the degree program. It may be hard to hold down a job that wants you to work during the week as the flying schedule can be pretty random. It can be done, just as the previous poster mentioned, it'd have to be a pretty flexible job.

[Dujan]

Thanks for the input. By the way JBI, I think I might get your book. It looks really helpful.

[L1011]

It's alllllll about the flexibility. During the past summer it wasn't uncommon to be scheduled for a flight with less than 24 hours notice, and if you've committed to work that next day, and you don't have a "request for time off" sheet on the scheduler's desk, well, you've got to decide who you want to piss off less (I would always say go with Seneca...a part-time job is just that, you can always try and get another one)

My job was fantastic, I only worked nights and weekends, and booked off the big money weekends from Seneca (you're allowed 2 weeks off during the summer flight training semester in whatever matter form you choose, such as a weekend here or there). My boss was very understanding and bent over backwards for me on a few occasions.

So all you need is a very flexible job with a very understanding boss...good luck with that.

Most importantly, remember what you're after...the summer months are gold for weather (minus July) and if you want to graduate on time, you have to take advantage of those precious few months.

[Dujan]

So there's not really any predictable schedule for your lessons?

[L1011]

So there's not really any predictable schedule for your lessons?

Well...in the PPL stage (the first summer) you are assigned to one instructor, so you could probably set something up with them. After that, (well, hopefully you're still not working on a PPL into the next summer, but it happens) you can be expected to see different instructors on different days, in addition to cross-countries.

But no, the last thing I would call the schedule during the summer months is predictable. But if you want to get your flying done, you've got to be able to bend over backwards.

[JBI]

Dujan,

Thanks for the interest in the book. While I'm admittedly biased, I think the book gives a good broad overview of things to consider before starting out in this industry. You should still try to talk to as many pilots as possible and find out their point of view on things, but I think overall it is quite useful to new pilots.

As for the job, L1011 seems to have some good advice on what to expect. They've changed up the flying schedule since I was at Seneca.

Good Luck!

[x15]

I currently am going to Seneca and work 40 hours or more a week. Its not easy but it is possible. Once you get to the flightline there will be a few key people that you need to keep happy and as long as you do they will go out of their way to ensure that the schedule works. In the time that I have been flying at Seneca I have only had two conflicts.

All the best in your training. See you around.