ProPilotWorld.com Success Stories [Archive]

scoot

01-05-2013, 12:21:16

I have learned a great deal from talking to other members on all kinds of subjects. I think the biggest would be on runway performance. It is a subject that is taught wrong at many leading schools. Some talented individuals on this forum have done a wonderful job debunking the myths and showing the correct methods citing chapter and verse.

FlyPanAm

01-05-2013, 12:22:38

I've hired three pilots due to contacts made at PPW.

Me too. (High Five!) :)

ShadowFlight

01-05-2013, 12:32:27

While I haven't found a flying gig through PPW, I've met a number of great people in-person - folks like Falcon Capt (the Master Yugo driver), UAL78, English, Chperplt, Geronimo4443, DanS, wrxpilot, and others. Good, solid, down-to-earth people.

Blueridge877

01-05-2013, 12:42:24

The folks who post promos and job listings on PPW are the greatest.

Thanks!

Beers

01-05-2013, 12:46:22

When I was invited to interview at my current position there was absolutely NO info around anywhere online that could provide insight to the position. I did find some past job listings here on PPW and a couple of members had replied that they knew the guy in charge. Through those two members I was able to get some valuable information that helped me in the interview.

Through PPW I have also been able to meet more local pilots, even learning one lives less than a mile from me. Our families have gotten together several times over the years now and helped each other out when needed.

Lots of people on here are willing to help with just about anything you would need.

Keebler

01-05-2013, 12:52:14

I have learned so much from the technical discussions on PPW. The membership fee is nothing compared to the wealth of information and contacts I've made on this site. PPW... Pilots helping pilots!!!

billteasdale

01-05-2013, 13:07:13

I found a job, found out information on another, and have learned a lot about the sectors of our profession that I haven't been involved in (Pt 91 corporate, among others). I like to think that I've been able to help some fellow pilots with information about Africa and bush flying, and have enjoyed the general camaraderie that exists on this forum, which isn't prevalent on any of the other aviation forums on the internet.

easydoesit

01-05-2013, 13:51:28

When I was laid off in 2010 I was able to book multiple contracts through leads either given to me by PPW members or through ads in the job section. Because of those contracts, I was able to pay for my first daughter's birth AND keep a roof over our heads. Also, during that time while I was working as a contract pilot (9months), I was able get leads on full time jobs from PPW members that led to 5 interviews, one of which ended up offering me my current job.

When a co-worker and PPW member was about to be laid off, he too found his next and current job here - actually working for a PPW member.

Can't say enough good things about the people here. Thanks PPW!

Sea Level

01-05-2013, 14:21:47

PPW member Chris Smith gave me some suggestions on my resume and advised me to go to the X-Mas gathering this past December to network. I had the opportunity to meet several members, and through one of them, I got a contract flight with potential for more work. It was a great opportunity put a face to 25 screen names. I felt very encouraged by the members that I met. I am still looking for a permanent position and PPW is helping me through the process.

Lear Wanna Be

01-05-2013, 14:37:33

I like so many was dealt a bad hand in '08/'09. I found myself back to burning avgas and I felt fortunate to be able to do that. Little did I know how much a seemingly insignificant event like going to a PPW dinner a year earlier would mean. Among other people I met FalconCaptain, ERAUGrad, Garfish, Shadowflight, and Ryan120. G159Av8tor was there as well and was on the other side of the table. Since there was nearly 20 of us, I did not get much of a chance to talk to Aaron. We did continue to PM after that event, were later based at the same field, and we caught up with each other at another PPW dinner a couple of years later. Aaron's flight department closed and we kept throwing ideas at one another and we weren't about to let life kick us upside the head. Fast forward another year and G159 gave me a chance to join his team back in the Jet-A world. I will always be grateful for what has been afforded me through PPW and contacts made through this site.

There are many people that I consider to be my friend that are on this site. Many of these people I knew before PPW or have met through the profession. That said, the greatest asset from PPW to me is the life long friendships that I have gained through meeting people on this site. G159, ERAUGrad, Easydoesit, Dep676, just to name a few. Jobs last months, years, and for a few lucky people maybe a decade or more. Good friendships last forever and that's truly the success story of this site.

krowe01

01-05-2013, 14:44:05

PPW is a GREAT source for networking. The information gained from this site has been extremely useful to myself and others. You just can't get that from the other sites. Knowledge is power. I myself had NOT done a great deal of networking in the past. I wished that I had!!!!! You can NEVER have too many friends in this business. It is rare that you get a job or position without knowing someone in this business. A friend of a friend of a friend, goes a long way in helping your career. You are less than six degrees of separation in this business. Remember this, it's not what you know, it's who you know. That being said, you better know the WHAT, or else you will be deemed insignificant. PPW'ers are some of the best resources in aviation. We come from all walks of life. The experience that wells from this site is tremendous.

kodiakallstar

01-05-2013, 15:31:43

4 years ago I was laid off with no real prospects of employment, no atp, no jet time. Connected with yip on ppw and was invited to interview with a bunch of 10000 hr super pilots. Probably wouldn't have got even a phone call had it not been for that networking opportunity. Must've interviewed well because Three years later I'm still at the same job but as a captain in a jet.

Jethead102

01-05-2013, 16:10:25

I haven't landed a job through PPW (yet), but the insight and experience found on this forum have been helpful in more ways than one. Worth every penny!

RCRX

01-05-2013, 16:15:55

In 27 years of things being, well.... sorta… up in the air. This has been the best $12 bucks I have ever spent in regards to my aviation career.

Brett Hull

01-05-2013, 17:48:41

About four and a half years ago I saw an ad on the Jobs forum that looked pretty good. Threw my stuff in was chosen for the position about 6 months later. Don't plan on leaving here unless they make me. That goes for PPW also. :smartass:

BTW, this forum is worth every penny just for the ability to read and learn from ON CNTRLN. :you rock:

jimbrodigan

01-05-2013, 17:52:25

Through contacts I made here on PPW, I was able to get a job much closer to home.

KingAir

01-05-2013, 17:59:17

All the good jobs I held was through networking, and this site is excellent for it . This forum feels more professional compared to APC. I dont post much, because I am busy reading the vast information available here.

JennieWren

01-05-2013, 18:34:47

Am about to take a huge step out of the best job I have ever had into the job hunting side of life & have been watching the jobs forum closely for the last few months in preparation for this rather intimidating prospect. Thank you to Chris & PPW folks for all you do with the jobs forums.

I have recommended the site to numerous people because it is such a good source of information regarding employment opportunities, as well as places to be avoided.

I also find the technical advice very helpful when I've been looking for it.

And I've met some great people thru' the site.

Well worth the $s spent to stay as a member, even for a tight-fisted Scot :innocent:

jrod

01-05-2013, 19:06:26

I've been on both sides of the interview table with PPW members. I found a new position here and then helped to backfill the vacancy at my previous employer with a fellow PPW member. A few years later, I hired a PPW member to join my department. Most recently, I was hired at my current employer through a PPW contact. So, you could say that PPW has had a positive impact on my aviation career.

Spudskier

01-05-2013, 19:51:10

When I was looking for my first job following flight instruction, I met a lot of people who were invaluable. phx767 spoke with me on the phone (for hours on end for FREE) and helped with with technical interview prep I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. ResumeWriter wrote my resume!!! With help from these two and a few others, I got my first job with a regional airline. Their advice was above and beyond! Thanks to PPW, I met these people.

Thanks to the job postings I have my foot in the door and am still looking for my next place of work. Without PPW I wouldn't even know some jobs exist. PPW has also given me a breath of fresh air and (being serious here) has restored my faith in humanity a little bit! (at least with aviation professionals)

GVinstructor

01-05-2013, 20:03:36

Propilot World has helped me in the following ways...

It has helped me see what is going on in the Gulfstream community so I can tailor training to my clients.

It has let me know where jobs are...

The good and bad... what to watch out for...

and finally given me the chance to interact with some high quality people.

Sam

nkitchen31

01-06-2013, 06:06:13

The wealth of knowledge that is shared among all the members is priceless. I know many pilots that don't want to pay a measly $10 a year for a membership, but they'll go buy shots at a bar... Best $10 endless book of knowledge I have ever spent.

Gulfstream550driver

01-06-2013, 12:15:03

I only joined here recently after several good friends told me about this site. I have been unemployed since 4/12. I posted my availability to do contract work as well as my resume looking for FT work.
I have yet to meet or speak to anyone from this site regarding either. Granted I've only been on this site for 5 weeks, I need to give it a little time.

RockaChic

01-06-2013, 15:29:50

I have got som nice advise here what company to apply to, but at the moment they don't have any vacancies.

Regards

Thomas

phx767

01-06-2013, 15:43:51

A PPW acquaintance heard about a 757 gig that was hiring and shot me a message. I applied, and 2 days later was hired. 3 months later I was in the left seat of a 757 heading across the pond. :thumbup:

I see lots of technical talk on a wide variety of aviation and non aviation subjects. Using the search function will usually answer almost any question. If not, post a question and prepare for incoming!

All this and lots of back and forth banter makes the place entertaining.

There is not a lot of mud slinging like other sites. The Forum Leaders do a good job of keeping a civil environment.

I highly recommend joining PPW. :2thumbup:

Dep676

01-06-2013, 16:32:35

Back in 2009 I was invited out to CO for a PPW get together at Chris Smith's house. I met some wonderful people at that gathering. Following that in April 2010 I was called by a PPW member that I met at Chris' house for a contract trip to the ME (sandbox) for one of his buddies. I don't think I would have gotten that call without meeting this individual at Chris' house. A PPW member (whom I met at Chris' in 2009) helped me a bit to land my current gig (after 4 years of unemployment). I had some help outside of PPW also, as I knew the lead pilot already. This certain PPW member helped facilitate the logistics with this current gig though.

I continue to meet great people because of this site while on the road. I have made some great contacts from this site, and hope to continue to make more contacts. As you never know when you get the call that your bird is for sale.

Also the wealth of knowledge that is available on this site is priceless. :thumbup:

C-DUB

01-06-2013, 17:16:29

I've got one interview from contacts here, but didnt get the job. I enjoy keeping up with the industry, making contacts and researching companies via the threads.

Vmo9

01-06-2013, 17:48:42

ProPilotWorld has been a great tool in communications within our Pilot group. It has allowed some to "vent", bring up issues, share the passings of fellow crew-members, discuss Company issues and questions. In this day and age, this tool/web site has kept up with the times.
Many thanks to those who have donated their precious time in creating and governing this site.

N405JS

01-06-2013, 18:55:47

Thanks to PPW I am working for my present company. I used PPW to network and keep updated on hiring. I was notified from my PPW contact that hiring was resuming and I was able to get an interview ASAP. Now, I've got 270 plus pilots below me on the seniority list. Thanks PPW!

agapilot

01-06-2013, 20:56:47

New friends, networks, interviews, and support for our non profit GIFT program. I always wear my lanyard when traveling and always looking for someone wearing theirs! And today likely have a new member joining us!

ryyka

01-07-2013, 15:54:47

I was pleasantly surprised a year or so ago to receive a cold call from a management company asking if I was interested in doing some contract flying for one of their customers operating out of my home base. I'm much more used to chasing work as opposed to it coming to me unsolicited.

Long story short: I flew several times for them (including a nice summer week out of ASE) over the next year. I did not know until recently that a PPW regular ... one I had never met ... had given them my info ... apparently simply because he had seen my qualifications on a post.

Thanks again, 421 Driver.

Chicken Taco

01-07-2013, 17:35:35

In short, every position that I have held since I joined in 2006 has been due to PPW involvement.

In 2007 I was contacted by a member who helped me make a connection that ended up getting me an interview and full time instructing job. In a few years I advanced into center management, and I returned to PPW to seek more instructor candidates.

In 2009 I got in touch with a member who was looking for a contractor on the type that i was teaching. This resulted in a contract SIC position when his department got caught short.

In 2010 I responded to an ad posted here and began working as a consultant to a local police department. I helped them to set up an aerial enforcement unit that now flies regularly and has helped to reduce the fatal crash rate in their city.

In 2012 I contacted a member who had posted a vacancy for a management position on a new type being added to an airline fleet. He got me together with his DO, and I am 4 months into the project. In this position I have posted our vacancies to PPW, and have received many resumes in return. Several I have been able to interview and hire, and I hope to call another round shortly.

There have been many more contacts along the way that didn't result in jobs, but were all great learning experiences. It's amazing how far someone will go to help you out once you make that first contact.

sawonemore

01-08-2013, 09:24:30

I have not as of yet benefitted from reading this site but I do enjoy it.

lyk70

01-08-2013, 13:02:11

Through PPW I was able to find a job after I had been out of work for 15 months. I've been to a couple of PPW outings and met some fellow PPWers on the road. The community has been great.

avrojockey

01-09-2013, 08:52:09

During my impending furlough from NetJets back in 2009. I was able to find a career altering job on PPW. I'm so happy and blessed to have this opportunity as a result of a simple little post on this website. Thanks PPW!!!!:2thumbup:

lugnutz78

01-11-2013, 22:10:39

got some advise/info in dealing with FAA from a fellow PPW'r (who happens to be FAA) :cheers:

81Horse

01-27-2013, 21:08:58

I was not actively seeking work till I saw an opportunity posted here, which happened to be in my area, and which I pursued-- and which has led to other good things. Along the way, many great people here have offered me invaluable encouragement and advice.

As others have noted above, the access to technical resources at PPW is, in itself, worth far more than the yearly price of admission.

If you decide to join, be a contributor. Whether you have 500 hours, or 15,000, your participation is important; it's how you build a reputation among our group -- and, while we are sometimes a dysfunctional family ;) -- we are truly an extended family of colleagues and friends, both virtually and in Real Life.

Stirlingthepilot

02-24-2013, 08:42:07

When I decided to walk away from my airline career to pursue corporate flying, I had a million questions and concerns since the airlines were all I really knew. Early on I was directed to PPW. I was so thrilled to have all of this experience and knowledge about corporate flying at my fingertips! Not only did I get my questions answered, but I have developed what I hope will be life long friendships in just a few short months.

My corporate aviation journey will officially start March 1st when I check in for my first full time position. (G450 in TEB) I have been truly blessed to have made such a smooth transition and I realize that. That said, I have a ton to learn and I am sure I will make mistakes along the way. I will also have a million questions. I am grateful to have the invaluable resource of PPW at my disposal. I am hopeful I will be able to pay it forward someday in any way I can.

Thank you PPW.

DieselDriver

02-27-2013, 00:55:07

I resisted an invitation from SwampFox to join PPW way back in 2006 because I was turned off by all the trolling and negativity on APC and FlightInfo. Two years later, I joined after my corporate flight department closed and I was scrambling to find contract work. In the near five years I have been a member, I have been hired for three different contract jobs; two directly because of one PPW friend, and one indirectly through another PPW'er. Just one day of one of these contracts was worth more than all my years of membership combined. Since what comes around goes around, I have also helped one fellow member get some contract work with a friend of mine, and I helped another get a full time career gig with another friend. I have made friends with quite a few PPW members, and I look forward to meeting even more of you in the future.

Aviation is all about networking, and you never know where the next job might come from. I feel truly fortunate to have made so many friends here on PPW, and I wish I would have joined earlier. It would have made my transition from mgmt employee to independent contractor much much easier. Now all I gotta do is make that transition back... Hehe.

DD

flydaddy0499

03-06-2013, 10:00:07

My last two jobs have come with the help of PPW members!!! I will be a member for life. Congrats!!!!!!!!!!

FlyingNasaForm

03-06-2013, 18:49:45

My last two jobs have come with the help of PPW members!!! I will be a member for life. Congrats!!!!!!!!!!

Same here. I made the airline to corporate transition with my first PPW job, and with my second job I moved into a large cabin aircraft with great pay and benefits.

RCRX

03-07-2013, 08:47:21

Much thanks to PPW for the much needed help in obtaining my current BD-700 GIG. This is the first, (what I would call) REAL job for me since the demise of TWA back in 2001. Many thanks to the great people on here like Sean, Dave A, Dave W, and others who encouraged me to keep the blue side up and the levers forward!

Also many thanks to guys like Chris Smith, Ghost, Check 6 etc.

cubcaptain

04-05-2013, 00:54:42

chris.smith19

06-11-2013, 19:24:27

Good to hear some good things happening to members being helped by members. Keep the stories coming.

sagnellae

08-24-2013, 21:29:39

Because of PPW, I was able to make contact with my desired employer and was hired! Not only has the networking ability been priceless but the community of aviation professionals gathered here is truly exceptional. I'm a member for life!

Phoenix919

09-29-2013, 18:51:34

Should have posted a couple months ago, but it's been busy with a new job and relocating to a new home. I started a new position recently that gets myself and my GF back to a city we want to be close to and settle down in. This opportunity was thankful to connections I've made here on PPW. Before this, I came very close to another great opportunity over the winter that was a direct result of networking on this site.

Though I've only been a PPW member for about a year, I have met several great contacts and made some good friends in that short time. I big thank you to PPW.

Gritbob

11-26-2013, 05:12:44

I searched daily thru the job postings on PPW for anything that I may be interested in. My situation was for something in/around Eastern PA. I first came across my new job posting 1 1/2 years ago, and applied/interviewed with them. That allowed me to stay in touch with the CP until the opening occurred, and I was hired. I've found that PPW is truly a Professional site, unlike some other message boards out there. I know that I can pose a question here, and get legit answers instead of getting flamed by people who think they are God's gift to Aviation. I can get insight into accidents, safety concerns, operations, and much more. Even though I've gotten my job, I don't plan on letting my membership expire because there is SO much more value on this site than just the jobs board. Thanks!

lj je

12-07-2013, 08:34:27

Thanks to members in the PPW community I just landed an amazing job, at my current airport which will be a huge step forward in my career. Ill just have to make sure that I pay it forward as often as possible. Thanks PPW!!!! I cant wait to start training shortly for the Lear 60.:clap:

Ramsey paid it forward and helped me get a job (via PPW) about 6 months after his hire. I recently finished type school in the Lear 60 and happy to have a good job closer to family.

joepilot11

12-28-2013, 22:57:39

I have hired 2 pilots from the PPW ranks.....and have received more then one contract gig from PPW, and just was offered a full time position as a result of a PPW members recommendation, I too am a member for life!!:clap:

RawData

01-06-2014, 19:33:41

Had an interview this morning as a result of one of the MANY jobs posted on here by Chris. Not sure whether it will go my way as there are many other qualified candidates, but as we all know just getting your foot in the door for some face time can feel like its own victory.

Thanks to Chris and all the other people who make this site what it is. Fingers crossed!

390Pilot

02-01-2014, 20:34:23

Thanks to Chris for posting so many jobs and making this my one-source for the job search. I finally nailed a Corporate 91 job locally! Thanks to PPW for inspiring me to keep hunting after many near-misses! Whenever people ask me where I look for jobs, I tell them here. I am living proof it pays off!!! Thanks Chris!!

hawkerpilot

02-12-2014, 09:29:47

I proudly wear the PPW lanyard when ever I'm able to. I realize some pilots may not be able to due to uniform constraints but if you can wear it I highly recommend you do. I have been stopped by at least 10 fellow PPW members at one time or another, whether it be at recurrent training or at an FBO. Its a powerhouse networking tool in a simple lanyard. I visit the website almost daily for anything from job searches, to recommended standard practices, and answers to those tough technical questions. Its an awesome resource, and absolutely the best bang for your buck. Thanks PPW!

BE99FreightDog

02-24-2014, 15:49:40

I finally found a job back home, flying a great aircraft for a great company. It was solely because of a PPW member referral that I was offered the job.

dpaul1996

03-17-2014, 17:33:53

Found my dream job, thanks to PPW! Can't thank you all enough.

2000Flyer

04-01-2014, 22:02:37

Having been a member since nearly PPW's creation (s/n 40 :laugh:) I've had plenty of networking opportunities. Granted, at that time I was in the 12th year at my company I never thought I'd leave. Unfortunately, the company left me due to the economy and downsizing. Solely through the PPW job board and networking, I moved on to a new job, then another.

Since joining in 2006, I've met countless members, many whom I now call personal friends, but every now and then someone I haven't met will make contact looking for information. Last fall I had a member contact me looking for information on a Falcon 2000LX. He mentioned they were likely going to look for pilots as well. We talked or emailed several times over the next two months when things seemed to go cold. However, we continued to stay in contact. January rolls around and I had all but forgotten about the job when he called and suggested I send a resume in, that they were getting ready to hire. Fifteen minutes after sending the email I had an interview lined up. The final offer came in March with an April start date.

I have received more calls and/or contacts through PPW than any other source. Personally I can say I'm blessed with a network that looks out for one another, be it professional or personal.

seth586

04-06-2014, 11:58:33

The job board is an invaluable tool. Not only do you get a concise list of job openings, but people give feedback and intel on the jobs offered. Based on the information there I knew where to apply, and what jobs I should avoid. In the end, I got a corporate job flying a Citation Mustang (first jet job!). If the job and intel wasn't posted on PPW, I probably wouldn't have this new opportunity.

If your on the fence, subscribe! Even if you aren't looking for a job, the wealth of knowledge on these boards will make you a better pilot.

Stephan Wilkinson

04-08-2014, 12:51:50

I'm a writer for Aviation History Magazine, in this case, and I just completed a feature for them on the A-10 Warthog. When I recently asked a research-related question or two on the military forum, one respondent (That Guy is his handle) mentioned that he'd be happy to read my manuscript to check my facts. I of course took him up on it, since it was plain that he was a former A-10 pilot of considerable experience, and other members on that forum seemed to have great respect for him as an A-10 authority.

That Guy read my piece, and even though its conclusion tilted somewhat pro-F-35 as an A-10 replacement, he corrected a few of my mistakes and graciously told me that he liked the article.

I've done research on several other military forums and have always wondered if I was dealing with a 14-year-old gamer, but here, there's no such concern. Got into a minor tiff with somebody on one popular military forum. His handle was something like Killer War Dog, and his profile claimed that he'd been in half a dozen wars, been a mercenary all over the world, been decorated by everyone from the Sultan of Brunei to Queen Elizabeth, had some outrageous total of jumps, was a SEAL and lord only knows what else. I challenged him to prove just one of the things he claimed, and I did it in terms that a real warrior wouldn't have been able to turn down. Never heard from him again. Snuck back into his mommy's basement and didn't come out...

Our crowd is the real deal, and I'm honored to be a peripheral part of it.

Jetlife

04-16-2014, 17:30:36

I don't even think I have been a PPW member 6 months, and 2 PPW members help me get a job, I got the good news yesterday. Thanks PPW!

jetpilot71

04-17-2014, 20:51:35

Congrats.

EASyE

05-08-2014, 08:02:39

This forum is a great resource. I finally found a great corporate gig flying a Falcon 900E EASy directly from one of Chris's posts last year. I followed up on the contact information and after 4 months and 2 interviews, I left my desk job and am now flying a great aircraft in South Florida.
Thanks to Chris and everyone else for contributing to this site.
EASy E

FlyArmy!

05-08-2014, 20:30:58

Omega6

07-21-2014, 09:21:39

I have been able to network into my last two jobs because of PPW and even more importantly, I've avoided several others! By getting first hand knowledge here I've been able to make strategic, informed choices about my career and that has been a true blessing. It has also been a great way to connect with others looking for information and give back. I have helped two guys get on at EagleMed and advised several others. Should I ever find myself in a position to hire pilots, you can bet I'll look here first. Top notch site! (My family also says thank you!)

garrettwoodman

10-12-2014, 01:17:00

I was going to wait until I got to Indoc next Monday but what the heck?! Last week I accepted a position flying a Hawker and hopefully soon a Falcon 2000 managed by Solairus and based right at the same FBO as my current gig. Huge thank you to PPW Member G100driver for giving me the opportunity! I know you've heard me say this before but I'd like to publicly say that I won't let you down!

If you look to the left you'll see my current position listed as "yoke yanking tiller twister". Honestly, the bird I've been flying doesn't have a tiller but my left hand is itching to again grope one while my right hand gets to grab the pigs on landing.

Now I just have to invest in some quality golf lessons so I don't make myself look too foolish in front of my new coworkers.

On a serious note; as a father of two supporting a family on a single income, I'm ecstatic to finally have a job where I can afford to both save some money and NOT survive on McDonald's while on the road! :cheers:

Texas

10-15-2014, 06:50:56