Citation Shares--Pilot Life??

[lr23sic]

How is pilot life at CS? How much flying do you do per week? How is Dispatching done? Which airplane is the highest in demand for flying? I got a call from Dan Smith today, we did the phone interview, he said that they might call to schedule an interview. Is this good or bad? do they normally offer a date on the phone? Thanks for any info

Tom

 

[ukipilot]

Just curious, how long after you filled out the application on line and sent in your resume did he call you with the phone interview? I am just trying to figure out a time period

Thanks

 

[lr23sic]

If I remember right I filled it out the 1st part of September

 

[ukipilot]

Thanks,
I guess it took about 2 months or so. Could you let me know what types of questions you were asked? you can P.M. them to me if that would be better, since they are still fresh in your head.

Thanks

 

[lr23sic]

He asked a lot of questions about Jepp charts. What is the MSA Radi? During a Circle what is the protected Distance. Things like that. Then some general questions about the airplane I am flying. General get to know me questions. He was a very nice guy to talk with. He gave me info on CS pay and benies. It was a positive experence, I am hoping I get a call to go up to NY for a one on one. Only time will tell. I am keeping my fingers crossed..

Tom

 

[Heavy Set]

Seems like a great company. I have talked with some of their pilots on the road - all seemed quite happy with the flying. Looks like CS might order some Citation Sovereigns in the coming months. They have some great equipment and have very good route variety.

Good luck

 

[trainerjet]

But they absolutely FORCE you to live within 90 minutes of your domicile. You must show proof of residence. No commuting. No crashpads, etc. Be ready to accept these terms if you are interested in employment there. No exceptions...(except of course, those exceptions they have already made for some).

 

[Diesel]

I don't get it how can they force me to live at a location? With cell phones these days they can't prove what country i'm in.

I know they must show proof of residence but how about a crashpad?

Also how are some guys grandfathered in? As long as your there in 90 minutes who cares right?

 

[trainerjet]

They care, big time. Just ask them. If they have reason to believe you are not living in your domicile, they will ask for proof. Drivers license, etc. They have done this with many, and threatened termination if you are not in compliance with this policy. Hey, it's their company and they make the rules. You either play by their rules, or you don't play. As for the "grandfathering", they seem to make up those rules, too. Think hard about it, to see if this sounds like a policy and a company you can be happy with.

I have a buddy who works there, and thankfully (for him) they eventually opened PHX. They had no bases in the West, but now they have a few.

 

[mobie]

c/s

I went to an interview in July, everything that I saw was first class. Although I did not get the job I can not see anything but a great place to work. Would have loved to get on. Mobie

 

[Diesel]

how is the 90 minutes determined?

 

[trainerjet]

I'm not absolutely sure about that. I would imagine it's meant as 90 minutes driving time. Who knows by what method they determine this?

 

[Lear23driver]

But they absolutely FORCE you to live within 90 minutes of your domicile. You must show proof of residence. No commuting. No crashpads, etc. Be ready to accept these terms if you are interested in employment there. No exceptions...(except of course, those exceptions they have already made for some).

Trainer Jet,

Are you saying that if a pilot doesn't comply with the company base policy there may be consequences for that pilot??? I agree, that is so unfair! Also, what are the circumstances that surround these "exceptions" you speak of?

 

[450]

If it's the company policy then who cares and what is the point of whining about it unless you work for them? I would venture to guess that that policy might change if the company keeps growing just like the domiciles have expanded.

I like some other folks here, have also heard some folks that got in early were grandfathered in. That is not a surprise and not uncommon for smaller companies that grow with policy changes.

 

[learflyer]

Some of the negatives about them are:

1. You have to go to recurrent on your days off.

2. They do not pay you overtime to go to recurrent on your days off.

3. You have to use your OWN credit card for expenses on the road (fully reimbursable).

4. Merit system seniority. (enough said)

 

[Heavy Set]

Using your own credit card is not a problem - think of all of the points you can accrue.... I'd rather use my own card.

 

[trainerjet]

Trainer Jet,

Are you saying that if a pilot doesn't comply with the company base policy there may be consequences for that pilot??? I agree, that is so unfair! Also, what are the circumstances that surround these "exceptions" you speak of?

I never said it was "unfair". All I did was point out their policy, and re-iterate that they are serious about enforcing it. No commuting and no craschpads.

As fot the "exceptions", I have been told (I don't work there, but know someone who does), that while there are some that have been "grandfathered" from this policy, there are a few others hired after this policy was implemented who seem to have been selectively exempted from this policy. Then there have been others who sought relief from this policy due to what they felt were legitimate circumstances, only to be denied. Probably has something to do with that merit system learflyer mentioned.

 

[puddlejumper]

A 5-Star pilot told me the other day that the junior guys most likely go to the Excel fleet since they fly the most. He said something like 30-35 hours a week! With more jet experience, he told me the CJ would be the preferred assignment at around 20 hours per week. It doesn't sound right, but that's what I remember being told while in TEB. I probably misunderstood.

-pj

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Whats wrong with merit system senority and promotion?

Any business outside an airline - this is how it works.

 

[lr23sic]

Using your own credit card to finance the companys expenses is not a good idea. I have worked for and am currently working for a place where I have to use my credit card for company expenses on the road. I would prefer my credit card be cut up and thrown away, but with this situation it is not viable. If a company is large enough to trust a pilot with a new aircraft they should be able to work something out for pilot expenses on the road..

My 2 cents..

 

[Diesel]

gulfstream 200

A merit system works great if you only have 6 guys all based out of the same place

Once you have a large amount of pilots (you choose the number) a merit based system is out the window.

I believe the following phrase is true. You at NJA have the senority to upgrade. You passing upgrade is based on you as a pilot. We give you the oportunity you have the option to screw it up.

I know a guy at CS that asked me how I like my union. My response was I knew when I was going to upgrade. You have no idea when your going to upgrade and if your going to upgrade.

Before you jump all over me about the union. FLOPS does the same thing based on senority. Oh and my grandfather was one of the biggest union busters out there. He broke more heads than boston police. He'd roll over in his grave if he knew about me in a union.

 

[mobie]

C/S

If a company is up front about the way they do business and you don't like it don't take the job. They are the one that is paying your check each month. I have worked the last 38 years as a union pilot, I did not try and change the rules. If I take a job that is not union or seniority based I will know it going in. No I would never scab, but I would take a merit based job. Mobie

 

[Gulfstream 200]

diesel..

Oh Im not totally anti-union..but I just cant see how they are helping you fractional guys..
Dont even bring up that contract thing...
but I wont jump into something I dont experience so I will leave it at that...

Merit based raises and promotions work just fine in many organizations (granted we only have 30 or so pilots) but there is no complaining...

Outside of an airline or an auto assembly plant this is just how it works. And I certainly dont want to work somewhere who models themselves after either of the above. But thats just an opinion. If you feel better knowing when you will upgrade - so be it. We only hire Captains.

I suppose different operations require different needs - and a strong Union may be the best thing for you. Either way I agree, if it was there when you signed on -- support it.

But hey, any CitationsShares guys want to comment on how this system works there?

I would be curious to hear..

 

[Diesel]

Is pay based on the merit system or is just bonuses and awards?

Also how much pay are these bonuses?

Transitioning from one airplane to another is also based on merit?

Is there more people in HPN that are getting upgrades than somewhere else in the system?

How many times a year do you fly with a standards captain?

Thanks for all the info.

 

[NJA Capt]

We are also required to fly with our PM periodically.

This would be impossible with NJA, and helps justify a seniority system (for us). The Citation X program manager oversees 330+ pilots in "his" program. As well as 84 aircraft under his control (approx double CitationShares total fleet). Not many merit based corp CPs could fathom 330 pilots and 84 aircraft. Also consider that each pilot and aircraft is only in CMH once or twice per year. There is no possible way he could fly with each pilot in a calendar year. If he did, who would be minding the store in CMH? I think we have about 14 people named Smith. What are the odds someone will remember each individual's merits at review time?

 

[Lear23driver]

After that, the amounts of our yearly raises are indeed merit-based. That goes for the bonus as well.

Hud - the bonus is not merit based. It is a uniform percentage dertermined by how the company itself performs. The percent bonus is the same for every pilot and is in addition to his base salary. Add in 55.20/day in per diem and I think CS offers a very good deal.

 

[Cowboypilot]

Concerning the 90 drive to work? What are the domiciles at CS?

 

[Diesel]

I think that what your pm's do and what our pm's do are two totally seperate things. Ours are more for operationally running. We have instructors and IOE captains that do any line checks that are needed.

 

[Turbinehead]

Pilot paradise

Like I said in a previous post. Citation shares = pilot utopia.

Paradise awaits at CS.

 

[OUjetdrvr]

I want to join the pilot utopia movement...please!