I would appreciate some feedback both positive and negative.I have just completed my MULTI IFR and am starting the long journey looking for a job.I am 43yrs old and would like to fly for the next 15-20yrs.I have been reading this forum for about three years and am not totally naive.I thought about approaching Buffalo Airways for a entry level job,ie ramp driver or anything available.I have a dz licence and have worked in the chemical industry for 19years.I know I am as green as green gets,but I do have the balls to work my ass to prove I am a responsable and reliable worker.The reason I am thinking of Buffalo is there fleet and they are not seasonal.I have 22hrs floats 25hrs multi and 240 total.Fire Away

with the float time somewhere like transwest or tindi that has float planes might be a better spot to start on the ramp.

Joe has a simple philosophy. He wants people to work hard for him. perhaps you can't sling drums one handed. But you are old enough to find and use simple tools to make that happen.
He wants people with skills other than a freshly minted instrument ticket. Small engine repairs, computer skills damn near anything to keep the business running.

Some time betweenn the time you left high school you would have to have acquired non-aviation skills. Start listing them and see what is relevant to the business.

25 years ago, i would have told an old new guy he was dreaming. A new guy was without exception a 250 hour white guy with a last name like Smith or Jones.

My co-pilots these days are of several hues, with hair either a really bad black/ blond combo or grey. Many of them seem to have names suggesting that they have no testicles. Many have names that require a while to pronounce.

Give it a shot. My oldest FO started at 36, and has been hassle free to work with.

Just Curious I can still roll 500lb drums as good as I did 20yrs ago and I have picked up some skills as a volunteer firefighter.I am sure I can contribute in many ways as I have driven just about every type of heavy equipment there is.What I am not sure of is will I be held behind because of my age?I am in great shape and not afraid of working in extreme conditions.Any idea of the time I would have to spend on the ramp?I am also concerned about getting stuck for 2yrs with nothing to show for it.

Perimeter in YTH is in need of ramp guys too.

Don't sell yourself short. After the new guy at Buffalo puts in his ramp time, he then gets an average of 250-300 hours per year.

At that rate it's going to be a long time to your ATPL, the left seat, and decent money.

Many of them seem to have names suggesting that they have no testicles. Many have names that require a while to pronounce.

Now that's funny. Thank you for the grin.

Hey hows it going?
My advice is don't tell your potential employers your age, don't put it on a resume, if you do and they don't hire you because of that than it is discrimination.
I have worked with numerous gentlemen that were quite abit older than me, some where not so good, and others taught me imensely. You obviously have lots to offer at your age and with what you have done in the past so don't let your age deter you.

[quote="sidewinder"]I would appreciate some feedback both positive and negative.I have just completed my MULTI IFR and am starting the long journey looking for a job.I am 43yrs old and would like to fly for the next 15-20yrs.I have been reading this forum for about three years and am not totally naive.I thought about approaching Buffalo Airways for a entry level job,ie ramp driver or anything available.I have a dz licence and have worked in the chemical industry for 19years.I know I am as green as green gets,but I do have the balls to work my ass to prove I am a responsable and reliable worker.The reason I am thinking of Buffalo is there fleet and they are not seasonal.I have 22hrs floats 25hrs multi and 240 total.Fire Away[/quote

Call Voyageur they need pilots for africa .You will be a F/O for a few years but you chances go up when you put in a resume.It will never hurt you.

I have been reading this forum for about three years and am not totally naive.

I tell you what....If you've been reading this forum for 3 years and still want to become a professional pilot then I would have to agree with you, you do have balls. That or maybe the 19 years of chemicals have done some irrepairable damage to the ol' grey matter.

Seriously, cheers for the career move. You only live once, do what you gotta do. On another note, I've got a couple of thousand hours hours flight time, willing to trade for some of the "chemical time" you got. Recreational purposes only of course.

Thanks for the replies,some were pretty funny.I will take the advice and send my resume to the numerous companys that will look at low time pilots.I think I might take a drive.I know that drive might take a month and cost 2000.00 for fuel but it could prove to be a good move..Right place at the right time.Safe flying for all and maybe I will fly with some of you in the future.Cheers

This avenue could also be intersting...

http://www.avcanada.ca/forums2/viewtopic.php?t=21241