Worth working the ramp for ASA?

[COOPERVANE]

Need some opinions. I have the opportunity to work on the ramp at ASA in ATL or fly part 135. Does this make me more attractive to HR for an interview next year? Since the flight training season is beginning to end and become more stagnant would this be worthwhile? I am currently instructing with 1100/130.

Would it be more beneficial to:

1 - Work @ ASA while instructing part time to gain experience but build hours more slowly.

2 - Stay full time instructing and get flight time more quickly

or

3 - Fly checks once I hit 1200

I currently like my FBO, enjoy instructing, and could (and, possibly will) stay there for a long while until things pick back up.

Any thoughts??

 

[B737G]

Keep instructing and get your MBA!! It will more than pay for itself in the long run. Look at a graduate degree as insurance.

 

[COOPERVANE]

I already have a four year degree (1992) Just don't want to work in management. Like the MBA idea though!!

 

[generaltso]

I would keep instructing if I were you. Working the ramp at ASA may get you an "in" with the company, but that would only be beneficial to ASA. Hours will benefit you at all the companies you apply to. Plus, you will probably have to work the ramp for at least 8-12 months before it will help. Some people think they can go work with a company for 2 weeks and then be considered a part of the "family" and get a leg up.

Try to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. ASA is great but there are many other good regionals to choose from.

 

[asarjfo]

I have a friend that worked the ramp/gate for a few years before finishing up his training and becoming a pilot. They let him keep his Date of Hire for vacation and non-rev, but he went to the bottom of the pilot senority list. Point being, it is a great way to meet some people that will walk your resume into the GO.

If you can just find a way to make the majority of our lazy A$$ rampers work instead of hide under the gates, I will walk it in for you!

 

[CF34-3B1]

I know 3 former non pilot employees (1 was a ramper) who now fly for us.

Don't know how much being an employee helped them, but it didn't seem to hurt.

Not telling you to take the ramp job necessarily, just that it's worked for others.

Best of luck.

 

[Ty Webb]

I worked the ramp for Fedex in Tampa, during the last Aviation Depression.

The danger in working the ramp is that you may look to them more like a ramper who wants to fly, instead of a pilot who is willing to work the ramp. Plus, most companies want you to work a year before transferring to another department . . . what are you going to do if you have to leave to take a flying job? Now you worked for the company, but left after a short while . . . . .

I'd keep on instructing. Pick up a job with Line Service over at PDK or somewhere busy, and get yourself a home in the right seat of something . . . . THEN go to ASA . . . or beyond.

 

[regionalcap]

I agree. Don't waste time working the ramp.

 

[ifly4food]

I actually work for ASA, and I can tell you that I have known quite a few people who worked in other departments and are now flying here as pilots. I also know of several rampers who aspire to be pilots. It's an excellent way to network, which is really what this business is all about.

It's no secret that our ramp in ATL sucks. Let's just say the motivation level is far below that of the lowest paid floor mopper at Wendy's. Anybody who is motivated and does a good job quickly stands out. Often, these individuals are quickly moved up into management positions. Others, who wish to be pilots, have the opportunity to talk to captains during pushbacks and such, making a good impression. I have seen several cases where a captain offered to write a recommendation letter for a really motivated ramper who expressed interest in flying. At ASA, recs are taken seriously and it affords one an excellent chance of being hired as a pilot. Also, people who have worked at ASA in some other capacity often don't need to meet hiring minimums of 1200/200. I know a guy who's flying now who was hired with 300TT and 150ME.

While the ramp work will suck, big time, it may be a good way to get your foot in the door here. I don't know about other companies, but at ASA that kind of motivation is exactly what they're looking for.

 

[asarjfo]

I agree 110%

 

[tacojet]

Fly Checks

Once you get 1200 hours, get some 135 time under your belt. Along with the instructing, it will make your flying background well rounded. Thats just my opinion, it worked for me I got pretty sick of watching other people fly after a year.