JordanP Posted July 7, 2006 Posted July 7, 2006 Hey guys, I'm a college student that got the heli-bug (like pretty much everyone else on this forum) a long time ago. A few summers ago I recieved my fixed-wing private pilot's licence but I've held off pursuing more certificates in helicopters because I would still be in college by the time I'd be finished and don't want to have to juggle those two things. Well now that I'm flying R/C helicopters and the USCG helicopter buzzed my street a few times on the 4th of July my interest is killing me again. I'd like to jump right into flight school but i know I need to finish up college first and don't want my skills to get cold waiting to graduate. My question is whether anyone knows any ways I could find work around helicopters for the time being. I know the opportunities like this are far and few between (and may not exist for me) but if anyone has any experiences or suggestions I'd love to hear them. Thanks, Jordan Quote
67november Posted July 7, 2006 Posted July 7, 2006 Hey Jordan, you may want to check out the local FBO's that have helo's at them and see if they have any ramp rat jobs ie, cleaning, fueling, moving etc.... Quote
Witch Posted July 7, 2006 Posted July 7, 2006 Yeah, what he said. And I bet you'd get on for sure if you volunteered, kinda like an internship? Sure you won't get paid, but work a Friday night or Saturday shift... I bet it'd work. Later. Quote
Guest rookie101 Posted July 8, 2006 Posted July 8, 2006 Yeah, I am with what 67 and Witch said, ramp rat. I would just add, go for anything that involves helo's i.e. fuel truck driver or even helping to set up for an airshow (Sparks is doing that right now across the pond.). The next closest thing would be to get A&P certification. Quote
skier Posted July 8, 2006 Posted July 8, 2006 I got a job with the A&Ps at my local airport cleaning up things for them, orgranizing things, and washing planes. Just ask around anyplace you can think of at your local airports and maybe something will turn up. Quote
Flying Pig Posted July 8, 2006 Posted July 8, 2006 Thats what Id say...get a job at the local airport....preferably one with helos around. You may have trouble finding a "volunteer" deal unless you are personal friends with someone. Workers Comp Insurance, and all the liability. Im sure they are out there, but if your going to put in the time, get an honest wage for it. There are part time jobs out there, I would say you dont need to volunteer your weekends. Quote
JordanP Posted July 8, 2006 Author Posted July 8, 2006 Yeah, FBO's are in the business of making money like anything else and I wouldn't volunteer at one. Next week I'm going to do some exploring and see who's operating the local helicopters, perhaps find some job openings. Thanks for the advice guys. BTW, are there any "credentials" they are looking for in a ramp rat or is it basically a valid drivers license and an interview kind of thing? Quote
67november Posted July 9, 2006 Posted July 9, 2006 BTW, are there any "credentials" they are looking for in a ramp rat or is it basically a valid drivers license and an interview kind of thing? Attitude, positive attitude. Quote
Witch Posted July 9, 2006 Posted July 9, 2006 And be cordial to the customers-even though they fly fix wing. Later. Quote
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