Looking for advice....

[jbarton]

Hi folks,

Here's my deal. Civilian pilot first, then went to Air Force pilot training. I now have 3200TT/600 multi (all Air Force SIC, in the KC-135). I fly about 7-10 days per month for the Air Force Reserve. When I'm not doing that I fly a Caravan and PC-12 for an air ambulance company. Prior to AF pilot training I was a demo pilot for Pilatus in the PC-12. I sometimes do contract PC-12 training for companies and individuals, and that is very fun, rewarding, and pays very well.

Problem is, aside from the AF, it is all very inconsistent and no benefits either. I'm ready for something else. I really enjoy the air ambulance work tremendously, but I'm only making like $1500 a month for the two weeks I devote to them (I'm contract, so I've learned to hate days going by without flying). I'd still like to give the other two weeks to the Air Force, so that leaves me two other weeks to do something else. I like the 7/7 schedule idea and I'm looking at Netjets.

Suggestions? Especially from people who are military part time flyers?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[guido411]

I'm not NJA clan but I'm pretty sure the 7-7 is seniority based, so dount count on holding it for years. Flops has the 8-7 but all new hires will work a "flex" schedule as of a couple weeks ago. I don't know about Flexjet, but I'm almost positive Citation Shares is all 7-7, plus upgrades are much quicker there. That's where I'd look.

 

[guido411]

I should also add that your times may or may not be competitive. I've heard recent classes average logbood shows 5000+ hours. That being said, it boils down to who you know.

 

[On Your Six]

I should also add that your times may or may not be competitive. I've heard recent classes average logbood shows 5000+ hours. That being said, it boils down to who you know.

I have heard that bare minimums are reasonably competitive now (NJA is taking on a lot of Flyi CRJ FOs) because of the high attrition rate. I hear a strike is likely in June or so. Unless pay gets boosted considerably, more people will likely be out the door and more opportunities will arise for new people...

 

[El Chupacabra]

Why would you not apply to CS instead? 7/7 for everybody. Starting PIC pay 27K higher! Upgrades years sooner.

 

[buttercup]

The CEO of Citation Shares is one of the truly nicest, classiest men you will ever meet. That's where corporate culture starts and trickles down. If you must go fractional go CS..you won't be sorry!!

 

[netjetwife]

I have heard that bare minimums are reasonably competitive now (NJA is taking on a lot of Flyi CRJ FOs) because of the high attrition rate. I hear a strike is likely in June or so. Unless pay gets boosted considerably, more people will likely be out the door and more opportunities will arise for new people...

As I said on another thread, the company has to raise wages OR lower standards. We all know that the wealthy owners of NJ planes must be accustomed to paying market rates for goods/services. I doubt, however, that they will accept a lowering of hiring standards for the pilots. If the NJ pilots vote to strike, what do you think the OWNERS will tell the management company to do--pay the pilots the going rate or lower the standards??

Do any of us think that the idea/fear of experienced pilots leaving in droves, will NOT concern the rich and famous? Rest assured, if the thought has crossed Six's mind, the owners will think of it, too, but I don't believe they'll view it as optimistically.

 

[AirBear8]

I'm not NJA clan but I'm pretty sure the 7-7 is seniority based, so dount count on holding it for years. Flops has the 8-7 but all new hires will work a "flex" schedule as of a couple weeks ago. I don't know about Flexjet, but I'm almost positive Citation Shares is all 7-7, plus upgrades are much quicker there. That's where I'd look.

NJA Ultra Pilots are getting the 7&7 while still in new hire training because the Ultra is so junior. A buddy of mine hired in January on the Hawker 800 still can't hold it there. Everyone from my Ultra new hire class who bid the 7&7 got it.

AirBear

 

[Guitar Guy]

NJA Ultra Pilots are getting the 7&7 while still in new hire training because the Ultra is so junior. A buddy of mine hired in January on the Hawker 800 still can't hold it there. Everyone from my Ultra new hire class who bid the 7&7 got it.

AirBear

Are you certain about that? I've been at NJA since last fall on the Ultra and I've not gotten the 7&7 yet, including the upcoming 3rd quarter of 2005.

A quick comparison of hire dates for Ultra SIC's who got a 7&7 schedule for the upcoming 3rd quarter indicates that the most junior SIC to recieve that schedule had a DOH of 9-8-2004. If someone from the January 2005 class got a 7&7 schedule on the Ultra, I (and a bunch of others) sure would be interested in that information.

 

[Grizz]

I think he's confused the Ultra with the X. I've held the 7&7 since indoc 2.5 years ago. For the third quarter, I was able to hold a Tuesday start.