If you knew then what you know now

[Gulfstream 200]

I wouldn't worry about it too much at 500hr...

Sure, the majors are suffering bad right now, but its completly cyclical and a BOOM will be back sooner or later. but dont worry, you have years on your side. 3-4 years ago people were lauging a NetJet pilots b/c everyone was going to United and Delta. Now that U and D are dying everyone thinks it would be just great to be a NetJets or corporate pilot....

To sit back and say "I give up on the majors and want to be a fractional pilot" is just a little crazy...

I like corporate flying, Its an easy fun job if you can find a good one.....at this point I would not trade it in, but I do have a few friends at majors who missed the furloughs and the money they make I will never see in Corporate (nevemind fractional!!)...and someday money really WILL matter to you!

Just keep in mind - The single best job in this business is a very senior major airine pilot.

Go the path you think you would ENJOY.....if flying a 777 and strutting through the terminal is your goal, go for that major job.

Just never try and predict the future of this business!!

good luck!!

 

[sky37d]

Never mind 10 years ago, If I knew what I know now, I would have started flying 30 years ago, when I really wanted to. Flying for a living has got to beat holding someone's hand because their email doesn't work, or getting a phone call at 6 AM because the voicemail greeting isn't what the boss thought it should be, or having your cell phone ring on the flight line at OSH, just before the B-1's pass by, because some jerk deleted a file.

No matter what you are doing, if you are flying and making a living at it, it beats ALL the alternatives.

OH, and I have about 450 total, 310 multi, and have paid for each and every one of those hours. To have someone else paying for it is a REAL plus.

 

[SuperFLUF]

I would have started working at that major airport FBO a whole lot sooner. The job opportunities and contacts I picked up from pumping fuel were great.

If I had only gotten that job when I started school instead of when I finished.

 

[labbats]

Thanks for all the replies. I realize this topic has been broached before, but I couldn't figure out how to do search specifically for it.

At any rate, I have a ways to go, and appreciate all of you taking the time to lend your thoughts. I will no doubt freight-dog it to build hours, but the end game was what kept me wondering.

I don't need to strut by terminals in Captain's garb to be happy, just a reliable job with some different locales. Which seems to be Fractionals/Corporate in general. If I don't get to shoot that Vail approach someday, I'll be bummed.

 

[eddie]

Part 135 is nice for the jet time, but...

Even though I don't miss the pay, I sure miss the fast-paced efficiency of a hub quick turn at the regionals. I miss having a dispatcher too.