Am I qualified to do anything other than fly???

[homerj]

Hi all,

Im a low time frozen ATPL without a flying job but working in the industry in another capacity for a few years.

Im thinking of getting a job outside of aviation while waiting for a flying job but am wondering what I can do.

What I mean is , with an FATPL (and F*** all else) , outside the industry am I qualified for anything else that would pay better than being a waiter etc?

Cheers

Homer

[Swinging the Lead]

Possibly!

I have heard from unverified sources that the ATPL examinations can be counted as a qualification somewhere between a HND and a Bachelors Degree.

It may be possible to try to use the qualification in such a manner, but then an employer would know that you really want a flying job and may not be around very long should the market pick up.

Good Luck

[redsnail]

That's the downside of pilot qualifications. They are extremely specific. You aren't formally qualified to do any thing else with those credentials.
They aren't even very portable.
You would have to sell your abilities to someone else. Eg can study complex stuff, etc.

[Ex Oggie]

Its damn difficuly to get anything. I have had my fATPL for over 2 years. Not even a sniff of a flying job since I left the Air Force. The only job I could get was throwing boxes into 748's and Sheds, and that was because of who I knew. I was repeatedly turned down for everything from a production engineer to a shelf stacker. Everytime the answer was the same, "why should we employ you when we can employ someone who won't up and leave at a moments notice".

I am currently 'occupationally challenged with enhanced leisure potential' again. If I am not back in the cockpit by the end of this year, I'll be joining up again. At least they still want me back

Best of luck......

[Northern Highflyer]

I can understand why you may want to change jobs for a while but wouldn't it be better to stay where you are if you are involved in the air industry ? Do you meet many useful contacts who may be able to put a word in for you ?

In the current climate I would consider any job connected with the industry where theres a good chance of networking, to be better than one outside it.

Wanna swap ?

[MAX]

Stick it out.

I got my first flying job after working in an ops department for the very same company. When a position became open I was there and ready and obviously dealt with the CP everyday.

I dont know your full circumstances but does your company have flight crew/ac? If not then perhaps change to one that does so you can possibly fill any future vacancies. Oh, its a good idea to choose a small company so you dont get lost in the crowd.

Good Luck.

MAX

[boeingbus2002]

Seeing as the chance of a flying job is very slim right now, obviously we FATPLs need to be looking at other jobs..inside Aviation preferably or perhaps outside if its a field you've worked in before.
HOwever what can you say to the prospective employer, as they will think you are going to leave as soon as any sniff of a flying job comes up.
I mean even customer services at an airport to Operations etc, they wont want to know!

[homerj]

Northern , to answer your question first, ive been in the industry for a few years and met loads of contacts but still have no flying job.
Sometimes youre better off not knowing some of them!

And Caractacus, Id gladly give up work and go to college if youd pay my mortgage!

Thanks to all for the replies

homer

[witchdoctor]

Well I've had 3 different job offers in totally different sectors (aviation - ok, cleaning a/c - insurance and retail), all of which I would happily do, but I can't fit the hours required around the part-time aerial photography position I have. It doesn't pay well which is why I need another job, but the working hours are highly irregular and unpredictable at more than 24 hrs notice, which does make it rather difficult for me to hold down a more regular job with a reliable income.

However, none of the potential employers had any problem with the fact I was a pilot (something I was very upfront about) and would gladly have taken me on if the two jobs could have been worked side by side. Nor do any of them (current employer included) have a problem with the fact I want to be a full time airline pilot and could leave at any point.

Guess that must be one of the many benefits of living free and clear oop north.