Frac to Corporate...

[FO4life]

What I learned about chasein an airframe. the view is the same in the front, you just gotta look at it for a longer period of time.

 

[Galaxy]

Yes, Yes, and Hell Yes

After spending 7 years at a Fractional I saw the writing on the wall at FLOPS and knew I would be better off controlling my own exit rather than wait for a pink slip.
By chance I happened to find a small corporate job with one airplane. I already knew the CP but researched the heck out of the company and the flight history of the plane. The job would require a move which sucked but at least I would have a job.
As it turned out had I stayed at FLOPS I would not be flying today. Many of my friends still contact me monthly to see if I know of any job for them or job in the US instead of Africa or the Sandbox. So I guess my gamble paid off.
The Pros-
*I fly with a decent guy who is willing to do things while on the road
*The longest I have been away from home is 4 days
*Most trips are day trips or just overnights.
*No more kid drama the night before I leave for 8 days.
* I can't remember the last time I didn't have a rental car on an overnight.
*We pick our own hotels
*I have eaten 3 meals on my lap in 4 years
*I don't have to look at the hotel phone to figure out where I woke up
* I don't answer the owners question of "where did you come in from?" with Uhmmmmmm give me a second..............
* Same passengers- so I know the likes/ dislikes and tolerances of them.
* Boss HATES TSA and Commercial Flying
* I have not sat on an airliner for work in 3 years.
* Company business model is stable and just ventured into great new opportunity.
* I have yet to work a holiday or more than 2 weekends in a year.
* Plane is used for business 98% of the time

The Cons:
* Its the same places with the same faces..lol
* No Contract or set work rules ie FAR 135
* I have done some loooooong days and some short nights.
* Still have to wear uniform
* No week long break periods or 3 week vacations
* No quick replacement if I get sick or hurt
* Nothing to buffer a downsize-2 pilots-1 plane
*Unknown future-will our private small company sell to a Giant and be absorbed?????
* Lack of Schedule (Although I still only work about 12-14 days/mo)
Mountain Troll is dead on about not chasing the planes or the money. Find the right fit for you.

I made the move and I am very happy that I did. I hope the best for you and your family.

When I was with FLOPS I was on here all the time because of company drama and uncertainty. Now I get her every few months and I don't miss any of the drama.

 

[glasspilot]

The Pros-
*I fly with a decent guy who is willing to do things while on the road

What "things" is he willing to do?

 

[Galaxy]

What "things" is he willing to do?

Sailing, Snorkel or Scuba Trips, Snowboarding, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Amusement Parks, Tourist stuff/ Sightseeing, etc..

By "Things" I mean he is not a slam clicker where you see him going into his room and may see him during meals or may never see him for days.

I am not a loner or a hermit-

 

[old*art]

be sure to check and see if its EVERY Tuesday !