Any Hewlett Packard info?

[Masterplan]

Looking for a contact name and what kind of equipment they fly. Any info would be great. I think they are based in San Jose

 

[LongBoarder]

HP.... and not America West

They are based in SJC, and their new CEO is very fond of Gulfstreams.... and only Gulfstreams. Selling just about everything else from their fleet.

With that said and the number of United pilots here in town looking for work... I would say that you need more than 2800TT to even get to empty the trash.

There are lots of King Air operators in the area, and I know of two that are looking for drivers.

Get that ATP, and get those resumes out.

LB

 

[TIS]

Here's some REAL info

I have a number of good friends flying for them right now.

They operate one Twin Otter, Two Falcon 50s, and two G-IVs. They have two new G-Vs on order. The G-Vs won't be arriving for a while yet. They're in completion.

TAG was released as the operator of the two Challengers acquired in the Compaq merger at the end of February. These aircraft have been moved to a broker's base to be sold. These are the only aircraft currently up for sale.

Carly Fiorina actually has a penchant for Falcons that stems from her time at Lucent but they don't do the job like a Gulfstream can and does so that's what she now prefers.

Newhires are selected after an evaluation period as contract labor. You are initially trained at FSI in Toronto and assigned to the Otter and eventually you are evaluated in the DA50 for potential as a jet pilot, though they seem to be doing that immediately these days.

As of this week, they have finished hiring the people they felt they needed in light of the G-V orders however, some recent attrition may change that as will the actual arrival of the G-Vs.

You will not be considred without the ATP and you will almost as certainly not be considered if you are furloughed UAL or the like. the CP doesn't trust furloughed airline pilots to stick around. You're welcome to try.

Finally, you won't be considered without the correct attitude. You will need to demonstrate genuine interest in being a corporate pilot and that means being persistent and checking back with them like they will tell you to do on first meeting you. Corporate flying has so little to do with flying and so much to do wih a can-do, customer-oriented attitude. If you haven't got that or have no hope of ever developing it, stay airline.

Them's the facts on HP right now.

TIS

 

[av8tortype]

Corp Flying - HP

TIS,

So I'm sitting here thinking that corp flying is the best fit for me and my family and wondering the best way to approach HPQ's flight department.

I've got an ATP and around 1900TT with 600 mutli all piston which may not be more than the line guy or intern sweeping the hangar floor. Do I show up at their offices and surprise the receptionist with a request to meet the CP or DO or do I leave my resume and hope for a call back?

Haven't any contacts at HP but I do work in silicon valley so SJC is only a 5 minute drive. Have worked in tech for a few years in investor relations so I understand the customer relations concept since I escort the CEO or other execs to financial conferences and shows around the country. Our company uses commercial since the CFO can't pencil out the corp jet concept and make it work.

Recently, I was offered a class date with a small Dash-8 outfit in Hawaii flying under Aloha's banner but being away from my mainland home for an extended period is a hardship so I thought corp. flying might give me the best balance between family and a flying career.

You have good insight into HP's flight activities as well as the corp. perspective in general so was hoping to garner some feedback from you on HP in particular, corp. in general and whether you feel having some line experience like at Aloha's sister company would be helpful.

Thanks in advance for your comments!

-RP

 

[English]

While you wait for TIS' reply...

It sounds as though you have a class date with Island Air on January 5th. Might I make a recommendation for you?

I gather from what you wrote that you have 1900TT of personal flying experience with no professional job experience as a pilot. I would think (but I don't know for sure) that HP would not take someone as green as you and place them into a Gulfstream. Especially since you have no turbine experience whatsoever. But that doesn't mean they won't - it's just that those types of opportunities usually go to those with an inside connection. It doesn't sound like you have that inside connection. I'm not trying to dissuade you but only give a reality check.

The way I see it, you have a definite job offer with the chance to gain turbine experience. Getting that will enable you to get the type of job you want down the road. If you go to Island Air, it is likely you'll be a captain this time next year. If you don't go to Island Air, do you have any other job prospects lined up? Why not go to Island Air and then work on getting your next position up the ladder after that?

I'm also concerned that since you've never had a professional flying job, that you really won't know what to expect until you accept a position and start flying. You are concerned about the effect on your family life, which is commendable, but honestly, the jobs you are going to have to take to become a competitive candidate for a corporation such as Hewlett Packard are going to involve some sacrifices.

Now, if you feel that corporate flying will be better suited to a 'family life", why did you apply to Island Air? I ask as someone who has done airlines, corporate and charter. I think at this point in your flying career, depending on your ultimate goals, it may be unrealistic to expect a balance between your flying career and your family. You might be better off looking for one of those King Air operators in SJC mentioned earlier on this thread. King Air pilots are usually home every night.

 

[av8tortype]

Re: English

English,

Thanks for your candid response. A couple years ago (Just before 9/11) I decided to give flying a career shot. Got the ATP, sent out resumes, did some interviews. Island Air gave me the thumbs up and a slot in their pilot pool where I've been for 23 months. In the interim, circumstances changed and we have twins at home and a mortgage.

Pretty much forgot about Island until the offer came last week. Imagine the wife's reaction to the news that I was thinking of quitting my day job, taking an F/O position, living off savings while earning less than a WalMart checker. That's what got me thinking that corp flying could be an option. Maybe the sacrifices could be manageable if I'm not 2400 miles away.

Probably should just hang up the notion of flying as a career but it's been a passion for a long time and I'm not ready to quit, yet.
I am a green pilot and realize that any entry level position is going to require give and take. Just looking to be a little smart about this process before making a major career change.

Thanks again and any feedback is greatly appreciated!

-RP

 

[TIS]

HP Update

Here's an update to the info I posted a few months back

During summer 2003 HP initiated a hiring freeze in concert with a 3000 person layoff. The result was that the department, which was already stretched pretty thin on staffing now has no way to correct the problems that light staffing engenders.

The HP aviation department IS able to use contract pilots however, and they do so frequently. At present, since they cannot hire anyone full-time, they will entertain the idea of hiring you as a contract pilot for the Twin Otter and one of the jets that your experience qualifies you for. More experience = bigger plane. No guarantees about a permanent position but if they like you you'll be given a chance to compete for it - eventually. Training is a full initial course (if you need it, and so far, everyone has) but no type rating until you're full-time.

My earlier statement that furlouhged airline pilot types have no hope of being considered is no longer an altogether accurate one. Prior to the institution of the freeze HP did indeed hire some furloughed airline pilots as full-time employees. They went straight to the G-V. They will look very carefully at you if you're furloughed, but you've got a shot.

One thing that IS still true however, is the ATP requirement. You won't get anywhere without that.

One reason that they have changed their hiring focus is that they need to be able to hire people who can go straight into the jets - even as Captains. Now, before you get all excited about being hired off the street as a Captain, understand that it isn't quite what it sounds like. HP types full-time pilots in everything they fly and pilots generally alternate being the PIC of record for any particular flight. The reality is that some PICs are more equal than others though, and there are occasions when a distinction has to be drawn between having the type rating and having the experience to command a G-IV class aircraft.

There is no indication as of now when this freeze will be lifted.

The key to gaining employment of any kind there is not so much to have lunar landings in your logbook as it is to have a good attitude about working hard when called up on to do so.

It is also critical that you continually demonstrate your interest in working there. In other words, plan on repeatedly showing your face at the hangar as often as the the Chief Pilot tells you to after your first meeting with him. He's a very friendly and outgoing guy who's very proud of his operation. It would be a mistake to think that multiple visits in person to update your situation with him will remove you from consideration. On the contrary, he remembers those who perservere. He forgets everyone else.

When you visit he'll likely give you a tour of the facility and the aircraft if any are around so expect to be there awhile when you go.

Understand also, for those of you outside the Bay Area, that just because you cannot pay a visit, it does not mean that you won't be considered. You should do what you can to visit but at the very least, keep them posted by mail and/or fax. DO NOT assume that you are bothering them by continuing to send in your stuff unless they tell you not to send anything more. About once every four to six weeks is a good update schedule. Things can change RAPIDLY and you'll want to be one of the people standing there when things begin to move again.

Good luck to anyone trying to get their attention!

TIS

 

[GVFlyer]

HP

I had heard that up to six of their pilots were voluntarily separating because of an impending flight department move from SJC...

 

[rice]

Re: HP

I had heard that up to six of their pilots were voluntarily separating because of an impending flight department move from SJC...

Any idea as to where they're moving to?

 

[Iflyamouse]

I don't know where HP is moving their flight dept. I haven't heard anything about that.

I will say that I'm working for HP right now in a non-flying capacity, I'm a furloughed TWA pilot, my dad worked for HP for 25 years, I did the tour of the flight facility on a recent business trip to Cuppertino, I even got the business card from the CP ... and I can't get anybody over there to even acknowledge my resume.

My feeling is that you need to personally know someone from within the flight department in order to get anywhere.