Furloughed - Now Where? Need Advice...

[Going2Baja]

Hi All, 1st time post - Great website. For this post I'm really looking for info from active Fractional/Charter/Corporate Pilots that can give insight to the world of Charter/Corporate flying.

I did some corporate with my CFII/MEI who was a charter/corp. pilot in the late 80's and I liked the fact that the a/c were new and the destinations where always changing. The waiting around at FBO's and not knowing when you get home got old after a while but that's the nature of the beast I think.

I think I may have to work on my currency a bit as the last large a/c I actually flew was with Skywest in Oct 2000. Leaving there for NWA I had 7000 TT, 2000 Turbine PIC (EMB-120), 6000 MEL. I spent 1 1/2 years sideways on the 727 for 520 FEX hrs and now I'm back in the game with +/- 75 hrs Piston SEL C-207 in the last year flying Eco-Tourists down to Baja Mexico (yes it sounds fun and it is, but I need someone to show me the $$$

I'm starting to work some leads at my local airport in So Cal for some right seat jet time.

Would you stay in the charter /corp. world or try to get with a Net Jets/Flex Jet ASAP? Also anyone in a position of hiring in the So Cal area I'd be happy to hear from you as well.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and reply.

Tim.

BTW - Low time pilots looking to build time flying SEL to Baja, please PM me if interested and living in the San Diego area.

 

[psysicx]

What is an Eco-Tourist?

 

[Going2Baja]

Eco-tourists are those people that hate anything with a motor, don't want to hurt a fish, like to hug catus', when they "shoot" something they are talking about using thier cameras, etc. Very cool job BTW - just wish it had two engines and no props and payed A LOT more!!

 

[psysicx]

Aw yes the crazy people who want to stop off road racing down there. Even though it will never happen. I could tell you some good stories about them getting put in the place by mexican officals.

 

[Going2Baja]

I think I seen most everything you can imagine tried and done by loco gringos.

It's still fun to watch though!!

 

[Gumby]

What is an Eco-Tourist?

And what is the QOL of an Eco-Tourist?

 

[Going2Baja]

QOL for an Eco-Geek is great. Avg is 55+ years, very well off, and most have g-friend 20 years their junior.

 

[threegreen77]

try this site www.whereisapilot.com . They have a lot of corporate guys you can contact. I just found out if you say you have part 121 experience you will get the discount and the membership will be something like 4.99. Good Luck

 

[ultrarunner]

Eco-tourists are those people that hate anything with a motor...

They got in that Cessan, didn't they???

Freaking tree huggers.....they crack me up.

 

[psysicx]

West Coast Charter,Spirit and Elite were looking for pilots in LA.

 

[Vastly Underemp]

try the job sites....climbto350, AEPS, planejobs, etc....
There have been several jobs posted for Van Nuys, Burbank, and it seems that Jetsource in Carlsbad is always looking for people.

Good luck, I know I'm getting good at this getting furloughed thing....4 times and counting

 

[stratman560]

Baja:

I think your doing the best thing by showing your face around the local airport. Get out there and network with the corporate guys that come through and get to know the locals. I think most people in the corporate world would tell you, its not what you know, its who you know. I would try and get on with a part 91 operator, having said that, it is easier said than done but your qualifications and experience will definately help you. In the meantime, I would look around and see if you cant find a charter gig or something of that nature to keep you on the scene. Sooner or later you'll get your break! Best of Luck Tim and welcome to the Corporate Board!

 

[Going2Baja]

Thanks all for the tips and leads - I've actually had a flightinfo guy call and offer some right seat time in a Westwind. Hope it pans out. Still working my local field and also hitting up the fractionals. Going to start a new thread to see if anyone needs a right seater in the So Cal area.

Thanks again!!

 

[Dave Benjamin]

Going2Baja,

Are you a former Scenic pilot? I saw the DHC-6 in your profile and know a lot of Scenic guys went to SkyWest. NetJets has an LAX gateway according to their website and I've heard they hire a lot of ex 121 folks. Good luck in the job hunt.

 

[Going2Baja]

Hi Dave - I was a Scenic pilot for all of a month and then got my first furlough immediately following IOE. The good news was that they also owned Grand Canyon Airlines and I was transferred there for the 5 month flying season. Very fun time and great flying. Almost all the guys I flew w/ at Scenic went to Sky West, was a nice training ground.

Just got the Net Jets appl, and should have it out by the end of the week.