What are the odds...

[Freddy_Francis]

After im done my CPL and on my way to my mifr....what are the chances of working the ramp for a company while im doing my mutli-ifr and then once im completed my mifr training getting on with them? Is this possible? Or do companies looking for rampie slaves only want guys with the full blown cpl-mifr?


Any info is appreciated....

[ontheslide]

I'm sure you'd be hired without the rating(s). I knew a guy who threw bags for CMA for a couple years while he was doing his flight training, finished it all up and is now flying. Don't know if they held a line spot for him in the rampie seniority list while he wasn't qualified though...

[JBI]

I think that there would actually be a pretty good chance that a company would hire you. It will depend on each company as to what your 'status' would be with regards to being in line for a flying position. I think for most companies however, having a rampie whom they know will stick around for a little while and not jump ship for a flying job (cause you don't have your MIFR yet) would be a good thing. That combined with the fact that you know your way around and airport is a benefit too.

Things to keep in mind:
-Make sure you and the employer are on the same page of what you're looking for - you want a chance to fly eventually. You don't want your employer thinking that you're content to be a rampie your whole life if you're not.

-Does the operator want you on the ramp for a set amount of time?

-If there is a rampie seniority list, figure out how you fit into it.

-be smart about which operator you go with and that they've had a history of hiring rampies.

Even if it doesn't lead to a flying job directly, getting a ramp job at an FBO or similar will be a great way to network and make contacts.

Good Luck!

[Zapp Brannigan]

This is exactly what student pilots should be doing now, be a part of the company before you're a pilot! When you're training you:
1. Need money... working the ramp they pay you. Sometimes more than pilot/rampies make!
2. Need experience... you're resume will have no flying hours, but why not get some experience in the industry.
3. Need contacts... lots of pilots work for aviation companies.

Honestly I wish I worked the ramp more when I was training, in todays market you could get a seat. Some places will have a seniority list and mostly pilots will be on there. That's the only thing to watch for. If they have a year wait list of pilot.rampies already you probably won't be in a senior place when your training is done.

As for only working for a company that it is public knowledge they hired rampies for pilot positions in the past, don't let that limit you. You would be suprised at the companies that have told guys that were in training they would have a seat.

[Freddy_Francis]

ok....so I figured it wouldn't be impossible....just not that easy:D

Now my main lookers are CMA, Orca (although apparently their going "under") and Canadian Air Charters. Based on the fact that I wouldnt have to switch schools. However Sunwest is a company I was paying attention to in Alberta....and a few others. Does anyone know if CAC & Orca even have ground staff/pilots? Or are they not yet expanded enough. CAC is a bit of a lure seeing as they have the King Air and some sorta advancement past a ho is good. Having said that Sunwest has a very diverse fleet.

Part 2 of the question....Do I call (alot of websites say please no phone calls) or try and e-mail the CP to set up a little sit down and go over a resume type idea?

Thanks for the replies!

[canpilot]

Gotta say dude...GREAT ATTITUDE!


It works.. just getting into the right spot is key..Yes, Orca does hire Check-in agents.. I don't think they're going under last time I checked... Or Orca has hired check-er's in the past..and yes, they did make it to flight line as far as I know.

There's lots of opertators there.. Also try R.S. and Associates ..GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS! Just don't take my job LOL ..need anything ask

cheers CP

[husky]

At CMA, there is a seniority list...which you won't be on until finnished all required training. Working there for a couple years while you do your training won't get you anywhere closer to a seat than just starting when you finnish. I would strongly advise looking elsewhere if you goal is to be offered a flying position when finnished training.

[Freddy_Francis]

I figured CMA would be a stretch.....

canpilot to be honest with you...im not a big fan of the ramp (no one is no matter how much they pretend to be) However seeing as here in Canada it seems to be somewhat of a norm you might as well be smart about it. By working ground while your wings are "clipped" Feel out the company while they are "feeling you" (DISCLAIMER....no sex jokes here ) I think that the inner workings of a small air taxi / charter operation is a great experience. While im a soon to be 250hr wonder....if I can avoid the ramp I will....if I can't then I will work the ramp. However I don't plan on ending up on the ramp for 1-3 yrs as JBI said there should be a set amount of time required.

Thanks for the replies!

I need some company names however! Any idea's....ill move anywhere!

Once again you guys have been great thanks for all the info it is greatly appreciated!

[canpilot]

Freddy!

I hear ya buddy! I'm a 500TT + wonder and I'm avoiding the ramp like the bubonic plague. I've seen one too many a pilot get stuck in that position. If you have a float rating and a bit of time i'd hit N. Ont. I'm hoping my little bit of time can keep my head above water so to speak... I've seen 5 years of ramp prior to my career..I know how to move bags thanks LOL..

Also I believe North -Wright does hire low timers into the seat. (out of YZF) But by far..N on't will prolly be the best.. Also..the " wait" at Orca isn't that long..

[TopperHarley]

Perimeter airlines in MB has several people who are rampies and working on their multi/mifr. They'd be hiring too for ywg and yth.

[jspitfire]

There's lots of opertators there.. Also try R.S. and Associates ..GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS! Just don't take my job LOL ..need anything ask

cheers CP

Why RS??? They are purely a ground handling operation, absolutely no chance of flying anything with them!

In the Vancouver area it will be difficult to find a ramp job that progresses to the right seat, but I'm sure it can be done.

[canpilot]

hey jspit?

Can you progress to flight line at PASCO?

[Freddy_Francis]

Hey canpilot at 500TT + you should be able to find something hopefully not too long from now with all this movement thats going on. After 5 yrs of the ramp I think that proves you have a good work ethic...I just hope you logged those 5 yrs to show your future employer I think thats the way some guys think it works cause i've talked to one too many guys with 1.5 yrs plus. C-HRIS thank you for the reply in regards to Perimeter, i've heard they have been doing this for quite a while however I've also heard guys are on the ramp for a few yrs....so its a toss up I guess.

Thanks for the replies and Info....

Next questions.....whats the protocol here? obviously not to charge in and demand they use my idea...of working on the ground until mifr is ready....would it be bad to send them a resume with the cover-letter stating what im looking for....or better to show up resume in hand and ask the CP for a few minutes of his time.

Also canpilot I dont beleive PASCO hires off the ramp but why not walk in and talk to the CP I believe his name is Pierre.

[canpilot]

Nope ..they don't!

I'm always down at YVR South. And no, it never hurts to try!

Also, thanks for the good luck! I'm hoping your right.. the hunt thus far seems to indicate things are indeed pretty good!


But seriously.. Try CAC/ Orca