What you you do? Being productive before applying....

[DanWEC]

Looking for opinions and suggestions for what I should do to fill my time for the next few months.

I just finished the CPL and I'm absolutely chomping at the bit to start applying for work, but certain circumstances dictate that I must stay here in Toronto for the next 6 months or so before trekking around looking for jobs. Or more likely, springtime, when there is actually a glimmer of hiring.

I have Group 1 and float rating. I live and work in downtown Toronto, with a well paying job but very little and inflexible time off. Training debt elimination is something that's going strong already. I am applying via online and phone calls, but I'm quite honestly not expecting much from that, as opposed to actually being able to travel and meet CP's, etc.

Anyhow, I'm never one to sit still. I haven't yet written the IATRA so I'm tackling that. I'm buying into a fractional or block time to address the daily flying craving, build some hours and have an adventure or two. Hopefully have that tied up in the next few weeks.

Any other ideas? I'm thinking about an underwater egress course- and/or renewing my long expired lifeguard certification. Haven't found an egress course in Toronto, shot a message to a company based in BC that travels yearly.... waiting for a reply.
I would love to do some tailwheel or aerobatics however I haven't yet found anyone close by.

I'm not just looking for anything that looks good on a resume, (though let's be honest, that's a good thing too) but rather something that would really be a productive use of the rest of this year in lieu of working a ramp/dock.

Thanks guys. And before you ask, no- I don't do windows.

Cheers
Dan

[Panama Jack]

Anything you do to enhance your experience/employability or possibly save your life is probably worthwhile to do. Even if on a limited budget, for a few dollars you can pick up informative books about things like Mountain Flying or Bush Flying which can be useful if you don't have prior experience in these areas.

IF nothing else, keep in the books from time to time and work on your networking.

[Nark]

Get some time in a tail wheel aircraft, if you're going to feed that craving.

I'll argue a 500 hour pilot with tailwheel time is "better" than one without.

I'll add to PJ's suggestion. Read TSB/NTSB reports and learn from others who cant teach us today.

Good luck.

[lownslow]

Call these guys for tailwheel training:
http://www.3pointaviator.com/

There's a great set of guys running the place and the rates are great, IMO.

LnS.

[Johnny#5]

Take some courses on small engine repair and how to fix things like propane fridges, etc. Put that on resume when applying up north - will help for sure....

[sstaurus]

Don't forget a CPR First Aid course.. do you have your 'pleasure craft operators' card already?

[DanWEC]

Haha. Funny last post.... I've always laughed at the "Pleasure Craft Operator" card in my wallet. Giggity!

I wonder............ does a float plane taxiing on the step, with no intention of takeoff (moving it, etc) classify as a boat, requiring an operator card??

Great suggestions, Especially the first aid- EVERYONE should have it. I hold level 3, pretty standard. "It" might happen once in your life- any kind of situation, and if you can save someones life by thinking clearly and knowing what to do, then a hundred renewals just paid for itself.