Airline to Fractional...

[SafeSix]

Don't start.

SafeDick

I noticed in Your 3 other post since you joined FI 10 days ago you don't have a Ya"all "I'm a Red Neck Tone" in any of these post?

It Funny for someone that says they fly AC-130 Gunships a very Hi tech Airplane let alone being a Air force pilot. You talk about living in the stone age when it comes to having electronic devices? Black Berries, T.V's not quite what I think the Air Force looks for when flying in the SOF Wing out of Hurlbert Field.

I smell Troll

First of all, I "flew" AC-130s. Past tense. And secondly, you've seen too many movies. The H-model gunship is anything but hi-tech. Its lethality and accuracy are based on two basic principles: good ol' fashioned TNT and simple trigonometry! Its instruments are steam and its "FMS" is run by a 286 processor. A few new gadgets have been added in recent years, but all bolted on as suddenly needed.

I was merely relating a funny story from a laid-back Texas FBO in the perspective of a middle-America young gal. No judgements made on my part.

Anyway, other than yourself, a lot of guys have provided some good day-in-the-life perspectives based on my little tale. Thanks to all of y'all. Those of us lookin for an interview are much appreciative of your stories.

Now back to the original topic! SafeSIX

 

[reepicheep]

Best thing about a fractional?

No chance of a merger with USAir!

 

[Voice Of Reason]

I spent 27 years at a major. I'm working at a frac two years now and can tell you, I think the 121 major world is better. Much better.

The big problem with the fractional world is that there really are very minor rewards for longevity, or seniority. Were I to stay at this fractional for another 27 years, I could never, ever look forward to the QOL that I experienced at the majors. I just rode on a Falcon piloted by guys who were super senior. Their life style was good, but nothing compared to what senior pilots at the majors have. They were real proud of their lifestyle, but I pitied them because, if that's the "top", it aint so good.

Who at the fractionals works a 2-on-5-off schedule? When I worked the 2 on 5 off, my 2 on comprised two turn-arounds to SJU that departed at 8 in the morning and got back at 7 the same evening. I never had to spend a night away from home if I didn't want to. I knew where I was going to be a month in advance and if I didn't like it I could swap it away for something I did like. I didn't have to start my trip parking at some FBO and airlining to some other FBO. I didn't have to wonder where I was going to be that night or if I was going to be in a nice hotel, or in the only hotel room the company could find at 7 o'clock that night.

There was no worrying about catering, passenger issues, cabin cleaning, etc. The dispatchers were exceptional. I didn't have to worry about customs, or a million other details. The equipment I flew was head and shoulders above what I'm flying at the fractional (but, I'm flying a Cessna product :0 ).

My wfe and kids flew non-rev anytime they wanted. Never got stranded and went to Europe on a lark. I would have to have a zillion airline points to provide the leisure travel that we all took for granted for their entire lives until they left home. Even now, they have non-dependant passes until I die.

Yes, the commuters are the pits, and even being junior with the majors isn't that much fun, but there's a future at the majors that's brighter than a career with the fracs. A bankruptcy with the majors is also the pits, but there are no guarantees that the fractionals won't go through the same thing 27 years from now.

Do I hate working for a fractional? No. It's a very good job. Is it as good as a career at a 121 major? In my opinion, no.

Very true!