What do you say when people ask who you work for?

[siucavflight]

Just curious how you handle this question, whether it is on the road at the FBO or someone else that you do not know that well.
I had to sign a pretty serious non-disclosure contract, as the person I work for is pretty well known, and I feel like a jerk, or someone who is trying to seem important when someone asks me who my boss is, and I have to respond with "I cant really tell you." Just wondering what you guys do to handle this question.

 

[pilot error]

a private individual.

 

[siucavflight]

And that always seems to be followed up by, "who is it"

 

[kf4amu]

And that always seems to be followed up by, "who is it"

"I'm not allowed to say."

Stop worrying about hurting other people's feelings.

 

[svcta]

I hate this question. I usually just say what type of company I work for. Usually the vague nature of the answer tips people off not to ask many more questions. That having been said, our aircraft are painted kind of conspicuously and the registration is pretty easy to figure out given the slightest bit of awareness. So I don't know why I care, since the company (against the department's suggestions) virtually made flying billboards out of us. Habit, I guess.

 

[AbOvo]

I say it's a shipping company. People don't ask too many questions when they don't think it's anyone famous.

 

[Bullitt]

I say it's a shipping company. People don't ask too many questions when they don't think it's anyone famous.

Agreed. I just say it's a construction company and they don't ask anymore questions. Of course my passengers don't look that interesting either.

 

[ALIMBO]

Don't say anything stare back at them with a confused look on your face.

 

[avbug]

Just curious how you handle this question, whether it is on the road at the FBO or someone else that you do not know that well.
I had to sign a pretty serious non-disclosure contract, as the person I work for is pretty well known, and I feel like a jerk, or someone who is trying to seem important when someone asks me who my boss is, and I have to respond with "I cant really tell you." Just wondering what you guys do to handle this question.

A simple way to deflect the question is to respond "A private individual."

You're not being a jerk by refusing to answer; you have an obligation to live up to the agreements you have made.

Some find it easier to have a cover which downplays what they do. It's a lot easier to reply with a boring answer, such as "Walter Potato Chip Company," than to try to explain why you can't tell them what they're asking, why they don't have a right to know, or even why it's impolite to ask in the first place.

A reply which satisfies, but gives no rise to curiosity, is best. When you tell them you fly for a small town newspaper, or for a company that makes soap, the expected reply should be "oh."

That's the reply you want.

Another approach is to return the interest to the asking party. "I fly the airplane out there for Klamath Soap; we do the little hotel bars. I'm sure you've seen them. What do you do?" Then take interest in what the other person does, or guide the conversation to another topic. Problem solved.

 

[FO4life]

Who do you work for: A Private Company
What do they do: Many things. Have a nice day.

 

[mxpilot2]

Depending on where we are, or who's asking, it's, "A financial company in Ohio", followed by, "Sorry we can't say for security reasons". Or the security answer first.

Two good reasons not to say anything to anyone- Security, because you don't know who is asking, or for what reason.

Job preservation, for violating the first good reason.

Chris

 

[K.V.]

Just tell them your a garbage man. Trust me, their curiosity will end right there.

 

[BoilerUP]

Oprah?

 

[siucavflight]

I hate Oprah, I would be ashamed to even let people think that I worked for that woman.

 

[njcapt]

Jet Aviation Business Jets. Teterboro, New Jersey. A wealthy Eastern European customer. No, you have never heard of him.

Bye.

 

[RJLoser]

In the same boat. I'd always say "a private individual" if they were dumb enough to ask again I'd say Irving Fletcher, Fletch M. Fletch, Danny Nunan, etc.

 

[siucavflight]

Jet Aviation Business Jets. Teterboro, New Jersey. A wealthy Eastern European customer. No, you have never heard of him.

Bye.

That is what I am saying, the way you are wording it makes it sound like you are being rude. The people I am wondering about are people like neighbors, and friends, and friends of the family, I hate sounding secretive when they ask me about my job, as most non pilots find it very interesting.

 

[BoilerUP]

Denny Crain!

 

[say again]

That is what I am saying, the way you are wording it makes it sound like you are being rude. The people I am wondering about are people like neighbors, and friends, and friends of the family, I hate sounding secretive when they ask me about my job, as most non pilots find it very interesting.

Friends and family should understand if u explain that u cant disclose the info, as should all others. "A private individual, that I'm not able to disclose per company policy" is all that should be needed.

 

[pilot error]

And that always seems to be followed up by, "who is it"

which is followed up by, "if i tell you, they will no longer be private."