Corporate Hiring Minimum Opinions

[nonstop]

Hey guys, just spent the past hour flipping through this section of the forum. I've been flying in the right seat for a Part 121 "regional" for the past 2 1/2 years on an EMB-145. As I am actually more junior now than I was when I got hired 2 1/2 years ago I'm seriously considering a career shift or career change. Currently it looks like I may not upgrade for 4 years if not more. Many aspects of corporate sound very appetizing to me. From what I've read here and already know I think I have a pretty accurate grasp on what to expect from a career in corporate aviation. I am curious how well my experience would hold up in your corner of the industry. What do you guys think...

2100 TT
1000 Turbine SIC Part 121
1000 PIC (mostly instruction)
Commercial Multi (no ATP)
Bachelors in Aeronautical Science

I have no corporate or 135 experience. Would I be competitive at all for a quality job? Would I qualify for a not so great corporate job? I do have a possible in, I think, for a corporate job in NJ flying a Challenger and Falcon for about 60-70k to start. I'm not excited about moving to NJ, unless its far better than I could realistically achieve anywhere else (the cost of living in NJ negates a large chunk of the raise I'd receive). Thanks for any input/suggestions.

 

[501261]

Quite frankly with your times the kind of corporate/charter jobs you are qualified for are not the kind of jobs I'd leave a regional job for.

With your times the kind of jobs you could get are more likely going to be cheaper charter operators flying as a copilot on an older Lear, or something like it. You probably won't be very happy going from an established regional to a shoddy operation like that.

The good news is that your times don’t prohibit you from getting a good corporate job. However most good corporate jobs are gotten via networking, flying 121 severely limits your corporate networking opprotunities. Taking a backwards step into a shoddy Lear opertation might help your corporate networking.

So the question really is what do you want to be doing 15-20 years from now?

As you know it’s a very tight job market, I wouldn’t leave any job unless I had a very sure thing lined up.

Network that Falcon/Challenger deal, if they don’t hire you they might know someone else that is looking. An ATP would also help tremendously.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

2100 TT and NO ATP?????

I know, you were going to get it when you upgrade at your "regional" -- makes sense...

But I certainly would not go out looking for a job without it. I just dont think anyone would hire you!

 

[FL350]

I have two things to add...

1. In this economy I'm not sure I would leave any flying job. I don't care how bad yours is or how good the other seems. In the last two days I have heard of two flight departments both with 5+ aircraft being shut down. Prior to two days ago they were cream puff jobs. Don't take any job for granted.

2. If you do decide to look for another job, don't listen to what these guys say about flight time and ATP's. The fact of the matter is that your personality and your work ethic will get you further. I got a PRIMO flying job with less time than you and no ATP. A budy of mine got a job flying a GII with "not enough" time. It can be done. Networking is far more important than flight time.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.

PS I mean no distrespect to these guys touting the flight time. It is just that my experience in this business has shown me that flight time will only get you so far.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

I totally agree...the number of hours does not mean all that much....

BUT...

Just do yourself a favor and get that ATP. Unless you have a definite job lined up and they know you are without it.....do yourself a favor and dont go shopping without on IF you meet the minimums. It WILL stick out like a sore thumb...People willjust ask...WHY? I dont put much weight on the stupid ATP, but many consider it a "milestone" and will just question your commitment to your career....

just some advice....OH, maybe you will get that "PRIMO" (??) job without it, but I personally question just what IS a "PRIMO" job??? especially in a Citation!!!......

 

[FL350]

A primo job as far as I am concerened is a good schedule, good people to work with, good pay and NICE equipment (like they say...size doesn't matter ).

I agree with you as far as the ATP goes. There is no reason not to get it but you can always study for the ATP. Personality is not so easy to come by.

 

[WhiteCloud]

2100 TT and NO ATP?????

I know, you were going to get it when you upgrade at your "regional" -- makes sense...

But I certainly would not go out looking for a job without it. I just dont think anyone would hire you!

Sorry to be disagreeable but lack of an ATP may look bad for a guy with substantial time past 1500 (4-5K?) but 2100 isn't all that far down the road. On paper it's absence might raise a question but in person it's hardly an issue. My impression is your jet time in a scheduled airline would be looked on very favorably by anyone looking for a jet crewmember. Much more so than someone with an ATP and a lot of GA time (like me).

 

[Jack Schitt]

Food for thought:

Today, you're not just competing with guys in the 1,000-2,000 hr range. You're competing with guys who have 4,000+ hrs., multiple type ratings, AND an ATP.

 

[Jeff Helgeson]

Listen to G-200 and FL350

Get the ATP you lazy bastard! I waited at AE thinking I would get it at the upgrade that got postponed and that cost me about a year in the transition to major.

John Trask out of Presque Isle, Maine had great program geared for regional guys. Fly in, take the ride, home for dinner....don't forget the check book.

Net work now, apply, show initiative and good attitude, yada, yada, yada.

Good luck!

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Seriously, all I was trying to say is that the job market is pretty tight these days, especially tight if you are an airline guy looking to break in corp flying - as you can imagine you are not alone there!! -

Do whatever you can to aviod anything looking out of the "ordinary" -- like not having that stupid ATP!!

GOOD LUCK