Pre pilot jobs
Posted by Competitive-Top2461@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 12 comments
Anybody here have experience being an aircraft detailer / cleaner at an airport? I’m considering this job but it seems like really mediocre money but I’m curious what people’s insights are who have been in it.
NoConcentrate9116@reddit
I didn’t detail planes but after my military flying career when hiring was tough I became a ramp agent for a regional airline and I have no doubt that helped me secure my flying job with them.
Tman3355@reddit
Yep been there done that at a corporate hangar to yet my foot in the door. Years later got a call to see it id be interested in a job flying. I had already gotten to the airlines but never know when you'll need that contact
LeeTheNomad@reddit
I did aircraft detailing and line service before instructing, and both jobs helped me stay motivated to continue with my training. You surround yourself with likeminded people. I would say line service would be the best option out of the two since you get to learn more about fueling and servicing with all different types of aircraft, and the networking opportunities are great. It wasn’t uncommon to strike up a conversation about career and advice from pilots while fueling their plane before they depart. Great memories
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Anybody here have experience being an aircraft detailer / cleaner at an airport? I’m considering this job but it seems like really mediocre money but I’m curious what people’s insights are who have been in it.
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EliteEthos@reddit
Isn’t any job prior to a pilot job a “pre pilot job”?
You don’t need a job at the airport or dealing with airplanes if it doesn’t make sense
B100West@reddit
Enlist in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic
Use your paychecks to get your Private Pilots license while serving
Get out with your A&P mechanics license. Get a job
Use your paychecks and GIBill money to continue flying
GumpActual@reddit
Yo, that’s good money. I had no idea
B100West@reddit
Union Companies
StaringAtBreakers@reddit
I had the opportunity to be an aircraft detailer for a Piper and Pilatus dealer - what started off as wiping off bugs and bird poop eventually turned into putting power on aircraft and helping A&Ps take panels off. If you don't need a high income, it's a chance to touch airplanes!
Ok-Money2811@reddit
If you’re looking for something to get your foot in the door of the industry while training consider working the ramp….i know more guys that did that and became pilots more than any other entry level airport “odd job.”
Good networking opportunities as you will be working and interacting directly with flight crews.
Sure_Leadership_6003@reddit
I known a lot of line guys that end up flying in a jet.
x4457@reddit
It's a manual labor, low-skill, high input job with a bunch of competition. Yeah, the money sucks, you're literally wiping bugs off of wings.
But yes, lots of people have done that.