Are aviation conferences like PAPA, RTAG, etc…?
Posted by Cap_Bigboy27@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 8 comments
I’m sitting around \~900 hours TT. I’ve been seeing a lot about events like RTAG, PAPA, and other aviation networking conferences, and I’m wondering if they’re actually worth attending at this stage.
For those who’ve gone—did you find them helpful for networking or opening doors? Or are they more geared toward people closer to ATP mins / airline hiring?
Just trying to figure out if it’s something I should invest time and money into right now or hold off. Appreciate any insight!
swaggymaggy92@reddit
I would say, if you have to fly out there and pay $500-$1k then it won’t be worth it. Otherwise maybe nice place to feel “humbled”.
daniels0n720@reddit
I think it’s good so that when you do come back at 1500 you can say “hi __, we met at RTAG last year”
You won’t get a job but you can at least start making connections, hearing what they want, and getting practice talking to people in these forced settings
FlyingShadow1@reddit
They were helpful at providing the recruiters some fireplace kindling while they told me "Keep doing what you're doing"
usernametaken78523@reddit
I'm a regional CA and they have been totally useless to me. Bachelor's degree, few type ratings, and coming up on a year on AA meet and greet and Some others, no call.
Some other people I know also did it and crickets.
Waste of time imo even if you are "qualified".
If a legacy has 20,000 apps on file (which they do) it's totally useless. They'll see your face for 10 min (yes that's how long it is) then totally forget you.
Perhaps if it's a smaller ACMI they may call and remember you. Like ATI or ABX or something.
MangledX@reddit
I went to RTAG two years ago with half your time. It was a good chance to talk to folks, get a pulse on the industry and figure out where you want to set your sights. RTAG is free to vets (or was when I attended), but it's a great place to network and meet some folks. With your time, there's probably not going to be much in the way of job offers for you, but it'll definitely still be valuable to you. Check in with some of the seminars they do as well. Lot of folks trying to sell you interview and resume prep. Do with that what you will. I got hired without either, but some folks struggle with writing and communication more than others. Doesn't cost anything to see what they offer though.
Cparker_11@reddit
Only if you want to be a cadet potentially
Mrs_Fagina@reddit
At this point, closer to mins. 900TT is nothing in this market unfortunately.
The people you'll be competing against for time, especially at RTAG, are either multi-engine turbine instructor pilots, RW guys with thousands of hours looking to transition, or mil guys trying to bounce from Spirit, JetBlue, or a regional.
And no, the recruiter you talk to isn't going to remember you when he's also meeting 200 other people that have already hit submit on their apps.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I’m sitting around \~900 hours TT. I’ve been seeing a lot about events like RTAG, PAPA, and other aviation networking conferences, and I’m wondering if they’re actually worth attending at this stage.
For those who’ve gone—did you find them helpful for networking or opening doors? Or are they more geared toward people closer to ATP mins / airline hiring?
Just trying to figure out if it’s something I should invest time and money into right now or hold off. Appreciate any insight!
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