leave regional for 91/135?

[Fly'nBuff]

Leaving 121 for 91/135 can be a mixed bag, but I did it just over 3 years ago. I left ACA just before UAL dumped us and I felt pretty good about my decision. The first 2 years of my 91 gig were golden. I flew about 15-20 hours a month and cashed the checks. All kinds of free time and was home almost every night. We had nice hotels, everything was paid for, and full medical benefits. I was hoping corporate flying would provide some variety in my schedule, but we seemed to go to the same places over and over. I got some PIC turbine time and I felt pretty smart especially once Independence Air didn't go the distance.

That's the good stuff, but the winds have shifted. My boss can't come up with payroll anymore and the airplane is now gone. I'm in the hunt for a new job, but my recency of flight experience is lacking. I would caution you to check out your job offers and be very wary of a start up 91 operation. My boss had too much money and no enough "cents", and now I'm paying for it. Do I regret the move? Well, yes and no. I've learned a lot about life and I had a good bit of fun while doing it, but the bills are adding up and I don't have a steady check. There are al kinds of different flight departments out there and I'm sure you can find one that meets your needs. Do your homework and you'll be fine.

Best o' luck to ya

FnB

 

[bman]

Okay,

we should point out some differences from 135/91 and corporate flying. They aren't the same. Corporate usually means working for a corporation and I would say in my experience the things mentioned in the previous couple of post are a rarity and will be checked by you Department manager if hes worth a d@mn!

My pay checks in corporate were ALWAYS good and on time! Bonuses happened almost every year. If you work for Toyota, Chevron, P&G, or any number of a the listed fortue 500 gigs out there which are attainable. Your lifestyle will be better than the average commuter pilot captain or other wise and the forementioned BS won't happen to you.

I don't have a bias either way (as my job choices indicate). Just make sure whatever you do is going to position you forward. Type ratings are an invaluable thing. For instance if you went someplace and managed to get a G-bang type or a falcon type you could live off contracting alone making 850-1500/ day. That's the best job in the universe, trust me!

just my .02

G100driver chime in here anytime buddy!

Bman

 

[Fly'nBuff]

Bman is totally right. There are some great jobs in the corporate world, my situation sucked, so I'm moving on. I only caution you in hopes that you learn from my mistakes. That's all, nothing more. Good luck finding a solid gig, I'm sure you'll be much happier once it's all said and done.

FnB

 

[7KCAB]

I'll let you know how it works out in a few months, but it's looking good so far.