Leaving Delta for Corporate

[G100driver]

Hmmm. Quite a debate. Looks like I've got my work cut out for me.

Just a note...I'm not retired, not even close. I've got 23 years until 60 and currently, my projected seniority at retirement is in the 10-15 range. Any job I may be offered will be given great consideration. When/if someone is interviewing me, I will also be interviewing them and the company. I have a feeling any negative "airline pilot" bias will be readily apparent. If someone labels me as an arrogant airline pilot or any other stereotype, I have no desire to work for that operation anyway.

Thanks for all who offer useful, logical advice.

T

Any flight department with maturity will be happy to have you and your expirence. Really, the only guys that have rallied against airline guys in need of employment have napolean <sp> complex.

Just be honest and any flight department with class will give you a shot. The ones that will not probably are not worth working for. They are typically low paying and run by a dictator who has never had much sucess.

Be careful what you leave behind. Corporate does not have many of the benfits that you have gotten used to. Good luck.

 

[CatYaaak]

When/if someone is interviewing me, I will also be interviewing them and the company. I have a feeling any negative "airline pilot" bias will be readily apparent. If someone labels me as an arrogant airline pilot or any other stereotype, I have no desire to work for that operation anyway.

Right on. Likewise, you wouldn't want to work for an operation that bases it's hiring decision on finding the cheapest pilot around, whether it be a salaried postion or temp part-time contract work. Resist any temptation to be that in order to get the job..it only encourages them, and the bad pay is ususally just the tip of the iceburg of a poorly-run operation.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

well...my .02...like anyone cares..

The stories of Airline, scab list carrying "Union Brothers" coming out to whore themselves in the corp arena are very true...I have seen it. Just dont even go there...all you will come across is a $hit job that pays low....but it doesen't sound like thats where you're coming from anyhow..

But, I gotta say, if you are somewhat secure at DAL and will finish in the top 20 you are certifiably insane for thinking about jumping for corporate now. You have already paid your dues, why start all over?

Not that the airlines are better than corp IMHO, the same would hold true for an established corp guy - he would be crazy to drop a top job and head to the airlines now..

I like my corp job very much, I work less than ANY of my buds at DAL, and my job a lot more exciting. I enjoy the world travel, the decent treatment, and the time I have at home. Its a Fortune 10+ job with some stablilty (easy with the "S" word..) and Im not leaving...but...in the financial long run I still think I would be better off retiring at DAL after 30 years than after 30 years at a decent corp gig.

Im sure there are other factors involved, bit I would stay put.

Just an opinion..

GOOD LUCK!

 

[G550Driver]

After looking at the recent posted major airline pay scales I make more as a G550 Captain than a Major airline B777 Captain makes.

Plus, when we fly to places we stay a few days and have fun. I was in Buenos Aires this week on a 5 day trip. Flew down on Monday and flew back on Friday. Got to do some good shopping on Florida street.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

DAL 777 capts are still making 250ish??

If you are making that flying a GV you have it made! - hope it never goes away because you will have a very hard time replacing that income...a few posts up has Netjets morons making 56K flying a G5...how about that?? -- absurd huh?

PS - You Hiring???

...

 

[Spooky 1]

The Delta B777 Capts. may be making 250,000 at the moment but it sure looks like the new UAL contract will be closer to the industry standard in the future. With a 2.2 billion loss just in the last quarter there is a message that tougher times are ahead for this pilot group. I wish them luck but things seem to be spiraling out of control over there and the final act is probably yet to come before we see if Delta is a long term player in this busines.

If I were (still) a Delta pilot I would explore all of the opportunities that may be out there regardless of where I might think I would be in my most senior years. I bailed out early a little over four years ago with a seniority number less than 20 and a nice left seat in a shiny new 777 and have never looked back since.

 

[semperfido]

After looking at the recent posted major airline pay scales I make more as a G550 Captain than a Major airline B777 Captain makes.

definitely not the norm

 

[cgmason1]

G550Driver
Thought you were going to NJI? (due to location, no schedule-and other issues that come with flying corp and Part 135)

Fly Safe
Chuck

 

[Spooky 1]

definitely not the norm

I think it was Mark Twain that said something like, "many folks have a good aim in life, but most don't know when to pull the trigger". That sort of fits my career progression throughout my life. No regrets.

 

[AA717driver]

From airlinepilotpay.com, the average per hour pay on the 777 from AA, DL, CAL and UA is $197.00/hr. This is without international override and no per diem.

For a 75 hour month x 12= $177,525.

It's certainly possible to make that in a GV with bonuses.

And laying over somewhere for more than 24 hours is certainly attractive.TC

 

[Spooky 1]

From airlinepilotpay.com, the average per hour pay on the 777 from AA, DL, CAL and UA is $197.00/hr. This is without international override and no per diem.

For a 75 hour month x 12= $177,525.

It's certainly possible to make that in a GV with bonuses.

And laying over somewhere for more than 24 hours is certainly attractive.TC

No question about the fact that the right GV/G1V/GEX job can equal or exceed some of these numbers at the airlines. I think the Intl overrides have been eliminated in most of these new draconian airline contracts. The day/night differentials are in simaliar decline. Also most of the caps have risen to something more like 85 to 90 hours. Don't know much about duty rigs and where they have gone to but it can be hard to fly 85 hours a month unless you are really sharp shooting the schedules and especially with month end overlaps. Seniority still rules although I am sure that you could get an argument on that as well.

It will be intersting to look back, say ten years from now and see if the trickle down effect has impacted the corporate salaries just as they have done in the good times for the airlines. Hopefully there will be minimal if any reductions in salaries based upon airline misfortunes. However, since some companies, including the one I work for, now go on the outside to source consultants regarding compensation values. You can never tell were something like this may lead since you have little control over the outcome and imput to the equation.

As for per diem, I don't think I have ever had a trip that I didn't spend more than the per diem covered. Even in the good times it was hard to have a great layover without spending more than came in for the trip.

 

[G550Driver]

Including Christmas bonus, stock options, yearly bonus and base pay I'll put my numbers up against a B777 guy.

CGMASON1-After exploring my options I found out that I didn't want to move anywhere. I like this Part 91 Gig. I'll buy and airline ticket for my kids to see Grandma and Grandpa more often.

 

[semperfido]

Including Christmas bonus, stock options, yearly bonus and base pay I'll put my numbers up against a B777

I know quite a few g4,g5,g550 pilots and the majority don't get 175k a year. The norm is more like 130k-150k. with all the nicities. I stand by what I said. 170+ would not be the norm.

 

[GVFlyer]

From airlinepilotpay.com, the average per hour pay on the 777 from AA, DL, CAL and UA is $197.00/hr. This is without international override and no per diem.

For a 75 hour month x 12= $177,525.

It's certainly possible to make that in a GV with bonuses.

It is more than possible to make that in a GV before the incentive bonuses, stock options, executive savings plans, and discount stock offerings that all the major players offer in their compensation packages.

GV

 

[semperfido]

It is more than possible to make that in a GV before the incentive bonuses, stock options, executive savings plans, and discount stock offerings that all the major players offer in their compensation packages.

GV

it is possible and probable.....but not the norm

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Including Christmas bonus, stock options, yearly bonus and base pay I'll put my numbers up against a B777 guy.

CGMASON1-After exploring my options I found out that I didn't want to move anywhere. I like this Part 91 Gig. I'll buy and airline ticket for my kids to see Grandma and Grandpa more often.

bonus, xmas bonus, stock options are not salary. IMHO, If it isnt GUARANTEED next year its just a possibility. I agree, all thats nice when it comes, but its just that - a bonus...

Next time you go to the grocery ,ask if you can pay with "stock options".......

With the wonderful "stock options" DAL pilots are talking about getting, they can say thier salaries are 500K+ also..

.

Again, you are lucky if you are making 170K+ in corporate - and your position is VERY rare. Certainly NOT the norm....

 

[semperfido]

200: i would have to disagree they can be a very important part of total compensation. there are places where you can count on these forms of compensation. they can be very valuable.

 

[cgmason1]

CGMASON1-After exploring my options I found out that I didn't want to move anywhere. I like this Part 91 Gig. I'll buy and airline ticket for my kids to see Grandma and Grandpa more often.[/QUOTE]

Good choice.
I have turned down two 6 figure corp gigs to stay here at JB-hope I made the right one.
Definitily love the job better than the frax stuff.
Time will tell.

A wise man once told me-just do the exact opposite of whatever I advise you and you will have an awesome career.

Fly Safe
Chuck

 

[HawkDrvr]

For what it is worth...

I have to agree with G200, I have yet to have a bank give one squat about my bonus, stock options, etc... A bonus is exactly what it means, a BONUS. You can't count on it. That is why it doesn't help you get a mortgage.

My current bonus plan allows for up to a 20% bonus. I'd rather have a 15% raise and a 5% bonus every year.

 

[semperfido]

For what it is worth...

I have to agree with G200, I have yet to have a bank give one squat about my bonus, stock options, etc... A bonus is exactly what it means, a BONUS. You can't count on it. That is why it doesn't help you get a mortgage.

My current bonus plan allows for up to a 20% bonus. I'd rather have a 15% raise and a 5% bonus every year.

that may be what you would rather have but that is unrealistic. would you rather have a 3% raise and no bonus, no options OR 3% raise and 15% bonus and some options? i think ican answer that. I don't think they will give you a choice anyway. i wouldn't thumb my nose at any alternative form of compensation.

banks i have dealt with did care about such things as bonuses and stock options, as long as they have value. just my experience.