Question for Netjet pilots

[cl65capt]

Ok. dont laugh but I'm interested in how former airline guys(or girls) like it at Netjets as compared with airline life. Thanks in advance.

 

[fischman]

Doesn't even compare. I love it at NetJets, and will NEVER go back to 121 flying.

 

[acaTerry]

Doesn't even compare. I love it at NetJets, and will NEVER go back to 121 flying.

Me too.

 

[glasspilot]

Okay, there's two respnses from regional pilots. How 'bout the majors?


Oh wait, the question is from a guy named CL65Capt.

...nevermind.

Wait again...AC flown includes B717! That's AirTran / ValueJet. Back to the regionals


...nevermind.

 

[glacier]

Ok. dont laugh but I'm interested in how former airline guys(or girls) like it at Netjets as compared with airline life. Thanks in advance.

I would quite aviation if I lost my job at NetJets. I don't see a point in going back to a 121 carrier even if my life depended on it. NetJets has been a great company to work for. It wasn't always peaches and cream but it sure is better. It's a good company.

 

[CA1900]

Ok. dont laugh but I'm interested in how former airline guys(or girls) like it at Netjets as compared with airline life. Thanks in advance.

Not laughing at all; a lot of us made that jump. I was a 121 Regional guy for about 7 years, and finally made the jump and applied in early 2006. I have several friends here who've been bugging me for years to apply, but it didn't have any appeal to me at all. After one of them had a long conversation with me over a beer, I realized that there was a lot of misunderstanding on my part about what their jobs were really like.

I have no regrets making the move. I don't have the thought in the back of my head that I want to fly a Boeing; I haven't updated my application with any airlines since I got hired, or even updated my logbook, honestly.

It's more work, but a much more interesting job. Now that I've seen the other side, I have zero interest in pursuing 121 again.

 

[cl65capt]

Okay, there's two respnses from regional pilots. How 'bout the majors?


Oh wait, the question is from a guy named CL65Capt.

...nevermind.

Wait again...AC flown includes B717! That's AirTran / ValueJet. Back to the regionals


...nevermind.

Cl65Capt is an old screen name thats never been updated. You are correct, Airtran is a lot like a regional with better pay.

 

[glasspilot]

And glacier, I know you like your job and all...

But if your life depended on you applying to Mesa you'd be right there with frosted hair, an ipod and a $50 check!

We both know it.

 

[skiandsurf]

Only 2 things I dont like about NJs. The long cold winters, and the long hot summers. Other than that, its the best thing going now.

 

[RJ Bum]

The only regret I have is that I didn't see the light sooner.

 

[DAS at 10/250]

I would quite aviation if I lost my job at NetJets.

Absolutely. I've said that since I've been here. I would refuse to go back into aviation at a lower quality of life and pay. I've got way too many friends in the rail industry to go back to square one in aviation.

 

[DAS at 10/250]

much[/I] more interesting job.

Without a doubt.

 

[727C47]

In my previous life I flew the 727 and loved it, that being said if my airline was reborn tomorrow, I would say "thank you,but no thank you", I am very happy here at NJA, we have a grand thing going here ladies,and gents.

 

[FLYLOW22]

I consider myself fully recovered from 121 now.

I couldn't imagine living in that world now, much less looking back.

 

[727C47]

I know ,the peace of mind from no commuting alone....

 

[QRC]

Hi guys,

Just looked on the Airline Pilot Central website and it shows the Netjets page last updated on July 15, 2008 and "hiring stopped." I've read other threads about sim availability backing things up. Any news? I just did the phone interview today and there was no mention of it. Thanks for the help.

 

[CALRepublic]

Ok. dont laugh but I'm interested in how former airline guys(or girls) like it at Netjets as compared with airline life. Thanks in advance.

I came from the regionals, but passed on 2 Legacy carrier interviews in 2007 (THANK GOD). I applied to them before we got our latest pay increase in Dec. 2007

I love Netjets, no desire to go back to airline flying. If one day I do something stupid and NJ tells me to go, I'd try getting a good corporate job, maybe Fedex and UPS. If that fails, I guess I'd swing a hammer for the rest of my life, probably get out of flying. The only airline kicking ass right now is SW, and that type of flying does not appeal to me at all.

 

[av8tor4239]

I am very happy at netjets..I came from the regional world. I would never go back. I would not go to a legacy or freight operator either now that I have seen the light.

The one thing alot of people forget is that NJ used to require 2500 hrs TT and would only pay you 27K a year to start. I made Jack &h!t at the regional level when I started out, but I also only had 1000 hr TT, all in 172's and seminoles.

The low pay and high min requirements is what is the big thing that kept me from applying. As soon as I heard about the IBB and the new pay scales there was no question in my mind about where my future was going to be!

 

[Helmsalee]

Just my 2c worth. I was forced to leave the majors, turned 60 before the rule changed. If I had been 9 days older, I would still be there. I am lucky enough to be at NJ now (start my 1st IOE tour tomorrow). A year ago, a friend at NJ told me that, although he hoped I would make the age 65 cut, if I did not and in a year was at NJ, I might be happier. He was right. It is great to work for a company that realizes the value of the employees and works hard to keep them happy. Also I don't get heartburn every time the news talks about how bad things are at the airlines these days. True, I would be making more and have 30+ years of seniority, but I sleep better now.

 

[netjetwife]

Hey, Helm, their loss is our gain...

Cl65, my husband was furloughed from AA after 9/11 and has no regrets at all over how things worked out. He prefers the variety found in the fractional style of flying, no stress over commuting to work, and the greater sense of security others have mentioned. My husband also enjoys having more interaction with the pax and being paired with a fellow pilot for longer tours because the camaraderie among the NJ pilots is higher as a result. NJW

 

[DC8CRIVER]

OK. So we all understand that you guys like Net Jets; But WHY?

Do you have to load bags? Is that a pain?
Do many of the passengers smoke? Is it bad in the cockpit?
Are many of the passengers a-holes to you?
Is there a lot of sitting around FBO's?
Do they dead head you around on airlines as well as dead heading Net jet flights? How much of each?
Do the reserves sit much or do they fly all the time?
Is there a call out preference for reserves?
What is the call out time for reserves?
Do you do reserve at home?
I can figure out what basic pay is, but is there much overtime and can junior pilots get any?

I know that is a lot of questions, but I've applied and want to go into the process with both eyes open and my brain informed.

Thanks.

8

 

[CRJFlyer]

Do you have to load bags?Yes Is that a pain?No, on occasion there are alot of bags. But we get reimbursed for our efforts..
Do many of the passengers smoke?I have had one guy ask for an ashtray for a cigar. Don't recall if he used it Is it bad in the cockpit? If I can't recall if he smoked then it must not have been too bad.
Are many of the passengers a-holes to you?Not one yet, some ask if you ned anything from the galley during flight, some are really social and some are there on business.
Is there a lot of sitting around FBO's? Not in my fleet, but 99% of FBO's have a huge flatscreen, lounge chairs, and computer access. Plus it gives me time to enjoy my teriyaki chicken stir fry.
Do they dead head you around on airlines as well as dead heading Net jet flights?First and last day are airlines for me. On occasion we may get a mid-tour ailine. Haven't had to deadhead on a NJ aircraft yet How much of each?twice a tour going to and from work
Do the reserves sit much or do they fly all the time?there are no true reserves. This isn't an airline.It's called a reserve schedule because the company has more flexibility with your monthly schedule. Within limits of the contract of course.
Is there a call out preference for reserves? There are no call outs. Again not an airline.
What is the call out time for reserves?See above.
Do you do reserve at home?depends where you live. PBI or LAX or TEB maybe. Not so much where I'm from.
I can figure out what basic pay is, but is there much overtime ?I'm already at 10+% for the year. My base is 69,188 and I'm uaranteed approx. 78K for the year if I don't get any more overtime. (which is not gonna happen). PS. thats first year pay on the 18 day schedule, with maybe one or two extended days.
and can junior pilots get any?This isn't an airline where you bid for trips etc.. the only real thing seniority is good for is PIC, vacation, and bidding your 7/7 schedule. I am very junior, and bid the 18 day schedule for the $$. I haven't had one schedule preference not granted yet. Fly your day and the overtime will just accumulate.

 

[kevin_p]

Looks like CRJFlyer beat me to it, but here is my take.

OK. So we all understand that you guys like Net Jets; But WHY?

Do you have to load bags? Is that a pain? It's very rarely a big deal at all...we usually only have a few business people on board each with a small overnight bag. On the rare occasion you get the family of 8 moving to their summer house, then just tip the line guys to load the bags for you and the company will reimburse you.

Do many of the passengers smoke? Is it bad in the cockpit? I've been with NetJets for a year and have only had one guy smoke one cigarette on board.

Are many of the passengers a-holes to you? 95% of the pax are very polite and courteous. The other 5% typically aren't really even rude, but maybe just in a hurry and ready to go. I haven't had any real personality conflicts yet.

Is there a lot of sitting around FBO's?
Depends on how busy the fleet is and what time of the year it is. Keep in mind that if you sit around the FBO, then it's not like sitting around at an airline terminal. You normally have a crew lounge with recliners, big screen tv, wireless internet, crew food, beverages, etc. It's not that bad.

Do they dead head you around on airlines as well as dead heading Net jet flights? How much of each? Most crew movement is on airlines. If it's close enough they'll get you a rental car, sedan service, or taxi. I've ridden on a NetJets ferry flight 4 times in a year and 2 of those were when I was scheduled to airline and found that there was a ferry flight going on the same route at the same time. It's pretty rare, though.


Do the reserves sit much or do they fly all the time? Is there a call out preference for reserves? We don't really have reserve pilots like the 121 world. How much you fly depends on how well-staffed your fleet is.

What is the call out time for reserves? Do you do reserve at home? If you get lucky and they don't have anything for you, then they can put you on duty at residence. This counts as a normal work day, but you just get to stay at home until they find something for you to do. Once they notify you of a flight assignment, you have 30 minutes to leave home. If you live more than 90 miles from your base, you have to let the company know so they can allow for the extra travel time.

I can figure out what basic pay is, but is there much overtime and can junior pilots get any? Depending on how busy your fleet is, the company will ask for volunteers periodically to work extra days. If you volunteer, a new FO will get around $500 for each extra day worked. Also, you get paid overtime for all duty over 12 hours each day. For a new FO, it's $40-$47/hour depending on schedule. In my experience, this averages around $200/tour, but I'm in a busy fleet.

I'm on the 7/7 schedule and so far this year have worked 4 extended days, 5 holidays, and one after-midnight (2 extended days pay). This, combined with OT has resulted in about $8000 over base pay for the year-to-date. Keep in mind I have probably had a lot more OT and extended days than those in a less-busy fleet than the Sovereign, but I just figured I would give you an example.

I know that is a lot of questions, but I've applied and want to go into the process with both eyes open and my brain informed.

Thanks.

8

 

[glacier]

And glacier, I know you like your job and all...

But if your life depended on you applying to Mesa you'd be right there with frosted hair, an ipod and a $50 check!

We both know it.

Seriously, fractional flying has been really fun. If I hadn't gotten to corporate flying and NJA, I'd still be at Mesa. If NJA dropped me tomorrow, I'd stay home, trade equities again full time, and be Mr. Dad to my two young boys. NJA is my last bus. I'm getting off the aviation thing if it all goes south. I don't have two shuttle missions and three lunar landings in my logbook to compete with the rest you guys. In fact, I don't think I could get hired at NJA with the new hiring protocol. I know they wouldn't look twice at me in this pilot market. Many more qualified candidates when it comes to flight experience. I will say this, I would consider flight instruction again as a side gig just to keep at home and get a few landings in now and then. You sleep in your own bed every night when you're teaching and trading.

 

[Fozzy]

DC8,

"Once you go frac, you will never go back."

 

[RP170]

Hi guys,

Just looked on the Airline Pilot Central website and it shows the Netjets page last updated on July 15, 2008 and "hiring stopped."

That's not accurate. It may slow a bit due to sim availability but I don't think it will stop. I can guarantee you if it does stop, it's not due to the economy, but rather sim availability.

 

[DAS at 10/250]

Seriously, fractional flying has been really fun. If I hadn't gotten to corporate flying and NJA, I'd still be at Mesa. If NJA dropped me tomorrow, I'd stay home, trade equities again full time, and be Mr. Dad to my two young boys. NJA is my last bus. I'm getting off the aviation thing if it all goes south. I don't have two shuttle missions and three lunar landings in my logbook to compete with the rest you guys. In fact, I don't think I could get hired at NJA with the new hiring protocol. I know they wouldn't look twice at me in this pilot market. Many more qualified candidates when it comes to flight experience. I will say this, I would consider flight instruction again as a side gig just to keep at home and get a few landings in now and then. You sleep in your own bed every night when you're teaching and trading.

Amen brother!

 

[netjetwife]

..."Once you go frac, you will never go back."

Great slogan!

 

[DC8CRIVER]

Excellent replies! Muchos gracias.

Sounds like a great job if you can get it. I'm about to be unemployed (Astar/DHL pilot - a whole 'nuther story) and I live in Dayton, so Net Jets is my first choice.

And... last question(s) - I swear!

1. What is the quick breakdown of the different fleet type typical schedules? ie "the X is transcon only 2 legs max; Hawker is East coast many legs per day", etc or are the schedules and types just too all over the place to qualify that way?

and

2. What is the process for moving into the equipment that you want? Assuming all new hires get base aircraft, how long to move into the Falcons or Gulfstreams?

Again, Thanks a million.

8

 

[Jafo73]

Excellent replies! Muchos gracias.

Sounds like a great job if you can get it. I'm about to be unemployed (Astar/DHL pilot - a whole 'nuther story) and I live in Dayton, so Net Jets is my first choice.

And... last question(s) - I swear!

1. What is the quick breakdown of the different fleet type typical schedules? ie "the X is transcon only 2 legs max; Hawker is East coast many legs per day", etc or are the schedules and types just too all over the place to qualify that way?

and

2. What is the process for moving into the equipment that you want? Assuming all new hires get base aircraft, how long to move into the Falcons or Gulfstreams?

Again, Thanks a million.

8

1. No set schedule. Wherever the owner wants to go. You could do 5 legs one day and sit the next. You could do all east Coast in a X for a tour and go cross country in an Encore...

2. 39 month seat lock, you can upgrade to capt during it, but you take what is remaining on your seat lock with you. Decades.