Road trip advice

Louis · Post by **Louis** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 12:16 pm

Hello,

I would like to go on a job seeking road-trip in a few weeks, and would like your advice on places to go and any other useful tips you can come up with.

It can only last a total of 6 or 7 days at the most because it's back to school right after it's done.

I'll be starting in Montreal, and would like to head out west, stopping at various companies along the way.

Here's a bit of info about me:

I'm still working on my commercial licence and multi-IFR ratings, but I should have around 225 hours (45 on PA-31) by June 30th at the latest.

I am quite skilled with computers and familiar with the inner workings of a small business, so an office position preceding a flying one is something I could more than live with. I don't mind the idea of doing ramp work prior to flying either.

Thanks in advance,

Louis

BuddyJay · Post by **BuddyJay** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:33 pm

I would start with whoever owns the Navajo that you acquired the 45 hours on.

BJ

Louis · Post by **Louis** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 3:45 pm

That'd be my school (http://www.cqfa.ca) and it's not going to be an option until I have roughly over 3000 TT, an ATPL and a fair amount of instruction time.

Goodbye,

Louis

.80@410 · Post by **.80@410** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 6:08 pm

From someone who's done it:

Take more than 6 days. If able. 6 days will get you little to no-where.

You need 2 weeks, and a plan. You should have researched all local companies within a 2 week driving distance. These companies can be found in the yearly April? issue of wings ( Charter directory )

Go to CAA and get a membership. Get them to make you a trip -tick ( maps etc ) for your planned route. It wil give hotels , times, routes etc.

Buy a hostel Canada membership if staying in large(r) cities. Rooms start at 15$ / night. Every major city has one, you get a list when u join.

Keep detailed records of everyone you talk to (CPs ) along the way.
Take a sleeping bag, and wash/ clean at the local YMCA or public indoor pool / shower area if up north.

Good luck. If you're going to do it, do it right..half-assing it won't getu a job unless your lucky.

.80

Louis · Post by **Louis** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 8:54 pm

.80, thanks a lot for the information.

This trip really can't last more than 6 days because I can't take leave from school. Would it be better to postpone thir trip until I can do a longer one, or simply do a short one now and a longer one when the opportunity arises?

Thanks for everyones input,

Louis

Snowgoose · Post by **Snowgoose** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 10:08 pm

I took 3 weeks. Talk to everyone you can. Go to pilotcareercentre.com and look at all the companies in the provinces you are going to visit. I talked to lots of people. Lots of people said that I was the person they were looking for. I had 500 hours and a degree. It still took a year of talking to the people I visited to get a job. Good luck. There's lots of people who will tell you to f off as you walk in the door. Perserverence will get you a job. Anyone who has a job will tell you their story but it all matters in the market at the time when you are searching. Be patient. There are a few crappy companies out there hiring. There exploits are a detailed on this board. Be leary of signing training contracts unless you are sure about the company. A little patience will get you what you are looking for.

PM me if you have more questions

PT6-114A · Post by **PT6-114A** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 11:37 pm

lived out of the back of my truck for 8 weeks TAKE YOUR TIME you are spending a lot of time and money wate to talk to the CP or the owner have some of the best stories of thigs I saw was a good time just dont want to have to do it again (I would need a bigger truck the wife and kid would need a lot of room)

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 9:11 am

Louis,

I've done the road trip thing twice. Once with 400 hours and once with 1300 hours.
1) You need more than six days.
2) Don't waste your time bugging guys in major centers. They have resumes from about a hundred locals.
3) Don't waste your time with your schools Navajo. 3000 hrs is ridiculous.
4) Look up operators on TC website. You'll find small operators that don't publish in wings who might find your computer experience helpful.
5) Call ahead to find out if the CP (or the guy who hires) will be in when you arrive. Nothing worse than driving 10 hours to find out that the CP is on holidays.

Good Luck

Turkey · Post by **Turkey** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 9:18 am

Don't be discouraged about going on this (short) road trip now. Yes, it may be a little bit shorter than optimum, BUT you will gain VALUABLE experience by doing it. Knocking on doors takes practice. (Well, not the actual knocking, that's pretty self explanetory, but it's what to say AFTER they've opened the door that's the hard part.)

Advice from all of us may be somewhat helpful, but what you learn for yourself, while out there doing it, will will be far more helpful than anything we can tell you. If you don't get a job out of this trip, you will know EXACTLY where to go, and what to do NEXT trip. Plus, if you end up moaking another trip later, showing up a second time on the doorstep of a company you liked this time, might be a very good thing!

Go out there. Give it a shot. Have fun.

Cheers!

water wings · Post by **water wings** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 9:19 am

i agree, it took me 6 days just to do Alberta.
bonne chance!!

Rubberbiscuit · Post by **Rubberbiscuit** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 9:22 am

Rule # 1:
No pretty pictures of yourself on your resume.

Rule # 2:
Go everywhere. Don't rule out anyone.

And last but not least,
Rule # 3:
Bring lot's of vaseline. Sooner or later you're going to get screwed by your boss. It's inevetable!