Anyone in Florida work in Aviation?

[bluevoter4life]

I just graduated with a degree in Air Traffic Control and am looking for a job in the aviation field just to get my foot in the door and give myself something to do until the FAA decides they want to train me. The problem is, all the jobs I've looked at, even entry level jobs, require "prior experience". Can someone suggest to me how to get this experience or give me some advice on getting into the industry? All help is greatly appreciated.

[ladjf]

1. If you could beg, borrow or steal enough money to get a flight instructor

rating, then work yourself up to 1,000 hours, airlines, charter operators and freight companies are hiring pilots. (that number might have been moved up to 1,500 hrs.) I know several people who have followed that route during the past few years.

[bluevoter4life]

3. Thought about that

But I can't find the money to get my private, let alone flight instructor. Way too expensive, and since I am already paying off student loans, I don't want to find myself deeper in the hole. Something land based where I can go home every night would be good at the moment.

[ladjf]

4. Well, the ATC idea should work. Have you already applied and

been turned down? What is the hiring situation in the area now?

What about a flight school manager? Or, assistant to an FBO?

[bluevoter4life]

6. Haven't applied yet

I need to wait for my school to send the recommendation, which won't happen until January. The hiring situation has slowed considerably nationwide and I fully expect to wait 2 years or more before I hear anything about a job.

FLyellowdog: I am aware the hours are rather irregular, but I do work 8 hours a day 40 hours a week with 2 consecutive days off. With the paycheck I'll be pulling in though, I think it makes it worth it. Plus, like most jobs in the field, it's heavily unionized.

[FLyellowdog]

5. Are you aware

that air traffic controllers don't work regular hours? If you're wanting a job with the FAA, plan working nights, weekends, and holidays. If you don't think you'd like that kind of life, I'd go for something else.

Actually, having a pilot's license may or may not have any effect on you're getting a job with the FAA. See this link...
http://www.thetracon.com/atcjobs.htm

Good luck. :hi:

[elleng]

2. Check cwydro:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=user_profiles&u_id=176726

[AC_Mem]

7. My son

is an ATC in Florida; got hired right out of school. He really enjoys the job, although it was an intense first year with the training!

Annette
-proud mom-

[Vickers]

8. Where did you graduate from? I'm in Palm Beach County. n/t

[bluevoter4life]

9. Broward College in Miramar n/t