Jobs with day trips?

[jes77jes]

I'd really like to get into aviation and i have a long way to go. I am wondering if there are very many companies that only fly day trips. How likely is it to get jobs like this, and if so can you make enough money?($60k a year or so) thanks for any help.
Jesse

 

[banned username 2]

If you don't want to be away from home, Aviation is a poor career choice. (written from a hotel room).

 

[captainv]

day trips

Sure there are jobs like that. You might find that with a private owner - a guy who owns his own jet for work/pleasure. I had one job where we would have a 5-night trip to Vegas every three months, otherwise we were home every night. we sat around a lot on that job too, the guy realized owning a jet was more expensive than he'd figured, so we got pretty bored. nothing worse than a boss who thinks it's better to pay for an airplane/pilots to sit than to fly... i got out of there quick.

some of the guys who fly for Bellsouth in ATL are home every night. They fly an ATR from ATL-BHM on a scheduled run, three round trips a day. on the downside, those are the only two airports they ever see.

so yes, it's possible to find a job like that. but to go into aviation saying that's the kind of job that would make you happy, you'll have a long tough search ahead. in this biz, you take the opportunities that are available. besides, i would imagine the veteran corporate guys would snap these jobs up as they became available because they've spent half their career in countless hotel rooms...

 

[vossdr1]

The structure of Airnet is good in that regard. The routes are structured so that you finish your day where you started it. This is true except for the floaters (coverage pilots). If you don't mind flying checks, body parts and stool samples at night, it's a pretty good gig. It is definitely not corporate, but they do operate a bunch of Lear 35s. Who knows what it will be like when checks are all but gone.

You could also get a job as a career flight instructor. You could work a corporate shuttle (a few organizations have the "out and back" in a day, every day).

What captainv says is true. While you may have that as a goal, you will likely take something that has you away from home (at least as a stepping stone).

Godspeed

 

[sydeseet]

It can be disadvantageous to venture into this career with pre-formed limits in mind already. To say that you only want to fly day trips eliminates you from just about every "cream of the crop" job in any sector of the industry. It's not that you are limiting your income, your limiting your options from the get-go. You might find that job, but it may require a move across the country, followed by another if the job goes away. The road is long and rough as it is, keeping an open mind is key to an eventual summit.

I went to school with a guy who "just wants to fly Lear Jets and stuff, nothing fancy." I haven't heard if he's swallowed both shoes or maybe a toe yet, but my bet is his ideal's have changed.

PS: This is exactly what I posted on the 135 Charter board. BTW - most people who surf there find their way here too.

 

[banned username 2]

It can be disadvantageous to venture into this career with pre-formed limits in mind already. To say that you only want to fly day trips eliminates you from just about every "cream of the crop" job in any sector of the industry. It's not that you are limiting your income, your limiting your options from the get-go. You might find that job, but it may require a move across the country, followed by another if the job goes away. The road is long and rough as it is, keeping an open mind is key to an eventual summit.

Excellent advice.

In this industry, being extremely dynamic and open minded is a must if you want to succeed.

 

[2000flyer]

jes77jes,

I realize you're looking for an answer, but this is the third board you've posted this same question. You have some great responses on the regional board as well.

Sydeseet gave you the best response anyone out here can. Don't build a dream job in your mind and then hope to find it. Find the job that best suits your needs and take that one. If you build a preconcieved notion, you'll never find your dream job.

G200 had some good advice on the regional board as well. Flying day trips only will prove to be some long days at many operations. The previous job I mentioned, I was at the airport at 3AM and didn't get home until 6PM. All that for two 1.6 hour legs, two to three days a week, all to the same airport. Day trips can be good but get ready for mind numbing repitition and sitting in the same FBO day in, day out.

Personally, I think you're best job is a good mix of day trips with longer trips mixed in. I enjoy the odd 10-14 day trip. For me, that usually means international which presents a host of new challenges that, IMHO, keep me sharp. Or, like the trip I'm on this week, a six day run with very tight schedules to keep. It's something different from the "normal" routine that provides a challenge, rather than just flying from A to B to A.

2000Flyer

 

[Gulfstream 200]

excellent advice 2000 flyer.

I could not imagine flying day trips for a career.
I like being home, just like any other guy, but the idea of sitting in an FBO 12 hours a day....

NO THANKS!.


either way, I think the idea of being home every night does not really fit any pilot job, no matter how you look at it.

He might be better off seeking another line of work, if you are going to go to work 5 days a week, might as well be a lawyer or a CPA or something where you can make some real cash!!