Tales from my NJA interview

[On Your Six]

I'm just curious how you became the expert on life at NJA.

Grump,

One of my best friends is on the X at Netjets and I speak with him every other day or so. I have another good squadron buddy on the XL/S and he fills me in on everything as well. It's almost as good as being there myself. Do I know everything? Nope. Do I have a pretty good idea? Yes.

That said, I realize that certain aspects of life at Netjets are different for different pilots. Some pilots couldn't care less what they fly - they just live for their time off (work to live vs. live to work). That's fine and I would say that is pretty pervasive nowadays. Others at Netjets really enjoy their airplanes, their wide variety of destinations ("enjoy visiting new airfields and exotic destinations") and their schedule. I just think that people tend to generalize too much - just because you might not like your airplane or your busy schedule doesn't mean that others would necessarily agree. To each his own I guess...

What I do know is that Netjets is very different from 121 flying and, with its benefits/comp package, fleet variety and 7/7 schedule, it has a lot to offer. Now, if it could just improve its domicile policy....

 

[Fozzy]

You will work at NJA as hard as you let them. Very simple.

I have nothing to prove anymore, so when I get tired, I drop the axe. I don't like what I see, I delay. To many bags, we ship them. We are actually given the tools to be actual Captains. Hard to believe but it is true. Some guys just have no balls and like being the @itch. Oh and don't think that as a newhire FO you don't have the same tools. If you are right, you will be supported!

Welcome.

 

[johnsonrod]

You will work at NJA as hard as you let them. Very simple.

I have nothing to prove anymore, so when I get tired, I drop the axe. I don't like what I see, I delay. To many bags, we ship them. We are actually given the tools to be actual Captains. Hard to believe but it is true. Some guys just have no balls and like being the @itch. Oh and don't think that as a newhire FO you don't have the same tools. If you are right, you will be supported!

Welcome.

Good post.

 

[Dorkjet]

800

Grump,

Did you ever come over to the Collins 800? I remember when I was hired a year ago you mentioned that you were trying to. Just curious. By the way, I LOVE the airplane, it's a joy to fly, and the trips are pretty good.

 

[johnsonrod]

Grump,

Did you ever come over to the Collins 800? I remember when I was hired a year ago you mentioned that you were trying to. Just curious. By the way, I LOVE the airplane, it's a joy to fly, and the trips are pretty good.

Now that's a good reason why it can be important to get assigned a nice or "preferrable" aircraft as a newbie FO at Netjets. If you are going to be an FO for 3-5 years anyway, it might as well be in an airplane you enjoy and appreciate. That's great to hear. I would hate to be assigned a crapbox and then not look forward to those long duty days for my first 5 years...

I've heard the 800XPC is a real nice aircraft to fly - nice Pro Line 21 system up front that makes your job a lot easier at times...

 

[imacdog]

Now that's a good reason why it can be important to get assigned a nice or "preferrable" aircraft as a newbie FO at Netjets. If you are going to be an FO for 3-5 years anyway, it might as well be in an airplane you enjoy and appreciate. That's great to hear. I would hate to be assigned a crapbox and then not look forward to those long duty days for my first 5 years...

I've heard the 800XPC is a real nice aircraft to fly - nice Pro Line 21 system up front that makes your job a lot easier at times...

After your two year seat lock you are welcome to bid FO on any vacancies that show up. Many of the FO vacancies go unfilled by current pilots and are passed onto new hires.

 

[DO-82 driver]

I've run into a number of new hires who feel that if they are going to be right seat for up to 5 years they might as well bid into another a/c, namely the Falcon 2000, and sit right seat there. One of the easiest jobs in the Company.

I don't blame them. Beautiful airplane, nice type rating and you won't be doing much flying for 2 years based on the inefficiencies within the training department as far as IOE goes.

 

[Guitar rocker]

I've run into a number of new hires who feel that if they are going to be right seat for up to 5 years they might as well bid into another a/c, namely the Falcon 2000, and sit right seat there. One of the easiest jobs in the Company.

I don't blame them. Beautiful airplane, nice type rating and you won't be doing much flying for 2 years based on the inefficiencies within the training department as far as IOE goes.

I have also noticed many new hires leaving and getting hired at Somali Air to fly their new DC3 on floats. Once they do the crossing, they take the floats off for their arrival into Mogadishu....pick up more Somalis and bring em back to Maine. The Dc3 in itself are for the many goats, chickens, pigs and other various animals that need to come along for the haul too. The pilots do have to go through limited veterenarian training prior to IOE. They will be board certified and receive specialty verterenarian medical training (to include surgery) for goats, llamas and alpacas. They clear customs right at 3B5.....Mike Twicthell is working as the customs/border patrol agent now as well and Dotty is working as an immigration offficer. So that makes things easier. Once the Somalis are offloaded at 3B5, they are greeted with a lobstah dinnah and some fresh native Bangor blue berry cake. The pilots are also entitled to this wonderful dinner as well. Pay is 45 and hour with a 60 hour guarantee and a minimum of 350 dollars for any surgery performed is paid in full. No training contract either....all around, it sounds like a great deal.

 

[DO-82 driver]

Rocker....you really need to get yourself back home. Those T-storms and tornado warnings have caused you to short circuit.

 

[bosdrx]

Rocker....you really need to get yourself back home. Those T-storms and tornado warnings have caused you to short circuit.

Yeah I was totally lost on that last one... I'm glad it wasnt just me....

Hey, how long is that wait for OE these days? I heard it was going fast. Any truth to that?

 

[Ultra Grump]

Grump,

Did you ever come over to the Collins 800? I remember when I was hired a year ago you mentioned that you were trying to. Just curious. By the way, I LOVE the airplane, it's a joy to fly, and the trips are pretty good.

Nope, not yet. With the 900s coming soon and the differences pay, it'll be going very senior for quite some time.

 

[johnsonrod]

Nope, not yet. With the 900s coming soon and the differences pay, it'll be going very senior for quite some time.

How many total 900s are coming and when are the first couple expected on the line? Also, what's the latest time estimate on the Hawker 4000s?

 

[JustInfo]

1st 900 is due 8/31/07. Fleet plan shows 9 900's on line by 7/31/08.

4000, who knows.....

 

[realityman]

bosdrx,

I'm an IOE training captain in the X. I'd say IOE is going a lot faster now than it was in the past. That being said, things were so slow in the past (some folks waiting close to 6 months! ) that 'going fast' is relative. I don't believe anyone is waiting more than 2 months now, and most are going a good deal faster than that.

IOE is easy, and we instructors are going to help you in any way we can. Show up prepared and with a solid understanding of the basics (SOP's, aircraft systems) and the rest will fall right into place. Ask lots of questions. That's what we're here for. Myself and the other IOE instructors will be happy to answer ANYTHING you want or need to know about our operations, from techniques in the plane to how to fill out expense reports. Our job is to get you up to speed on NJA's day-to-day ops on the road, not give you a week-long checkride.

As a new guy, you may be a little intimidated by some of the A-teamer captains that others have mentioned. You know, the ones who NEVER call fatigued or will be happy to fly without a meal for an entire day. DO NOT let them push you into doing something unsafe! If you are tired, then call fatigued. There is no penalty. Not even for new folks on probation. If you haven't eaten and your feeling the effects, then insist on food, either crew food or go get a meal. If you feel like the guy you're flying with isn't backing you up on these issues, then step off to the side and call a union steward. You WILL be accomodated.

The good news is that most of the captains are great guys (and gals) to fly with. A truly good bunch.

As for the X, I've been flying it since we first got them. Good airplane. It has it's problems, but don't all aircraft? Yeah, this fleet works hard, but it makes the time on the road go by faster. Plus, you'll get to see a lot more diverse selection of destinations in the X than a lot of the smaller planes. Just keep in mind that it's the same in every fleet that when I say 'get to see a lot more diverse destinations' you may only be seeing that location's airport, or a quick ten hours at the hotel. I've done a number of Hawaii trips, and almost all have had me closing up the plane as the sun went down and being back at the plane the next day as the sun was coming up. I don't enjoy midnight beach time so I don't get too excited about being briefed for a Hawaii trip.

One last pointer, make sure you have at least a rudimentary understanding of our contract before you start IOE and carry it with you on the road. It can be your best friend at times.

Welcome aboard!!

 

[shroomwell]

Interview coming up. I went on www.aviationinterviews.com and the first thing I read is that flight safety asks for $400 for the interview. Is this old and I seriously doubt that it is true.

Then they want money to see the new gouge on the website. What kind of BS is this. They get people to give the information to them for free and then ask for money to distribute it.

Anybody got some better gouge. For the technical part of the interview what do you need to know?

 

[Twotter76]

I went on aviationinterviews and I don't see that one but you are the second person that has asked about that so it must be on there somewhere. UNTRUE! They pay for everything and will even get you breakfast and lunch on the second day of your interview. This is not some half-assed regional job, we try to do things the right way.

 

[On Your Six]

I went on aviationinterviews and I don't see that one but you are the second person that has asked about that so it must be on there somewhere. UNTRUE! They pay for everything and will even get you breakfast and lunch on the second day of your interview. This is not some half-assed regional job, we try to do things the right way.

Netjets is better than "most" major jobs in my opinion. Sure, Fedex and UPS probably can't be beat for money and job security. But Netjets offers great pay, great variety, union protection (not a merit-based position with subjective policies), a mix of different types of schedules, nicer and, in some cases, more advanced equipment to fly.

I would expect the low-cost airline sector will eventually become a blood-bath as costs continue to rise and prices continue to fall due to increased competition and capacity (SWA is adding 40 more 737s this year and AirTran has 70 737s on firm order). Those new airplanes have to be put somewhere and they will continue to put pressures on yields and profits.

For pilots I think Netjets offers a great hedge because it is number one in its high-end sector (market share) and normal airline travel is becoming a worse and worse experience for business/wealthy travelers - thus making it far more attractive and providing further growth opportunities. Hey, I'd apply myself if I didn't already like my corporate gig.

 

[VVJM265]

bosdrx,

I'm an IOE training captain in the X. I'd say IOE is going a lot faster now than it was in the past. That being said, things were so slow in the past (some folks waiting close to 6 months! ) that 'going fast' is relative. I don't believe anyone is waiting more than 2 months now, and most are going a good deal faster than that.

IOE is easy, and we instructors are going to help you in any way we can. Show up prepared and with a solid understanding of the basics (SOP's, aircraft systems) and the rest will fall right into place. Ask lots of questions. That's what we're here for. Myself and the other IOE instructors will be happy to answer ANYTHING you want or need to know about our operations, from techniques in the plane to how to fill out expense reports. Our job is to get you up to speed on NJA's day-to-day ops on the road, not give you a week-long checkride.

As a new guy, you may be a little intimidated by some of the A-teamer captains that others have mentioned. You know, the ones who NEVER call fatigued or will be happy to fly without a meal for an entire day. DO NOT let them push you into doing something unsafe! If you are tired, then call fatigued. There is no penalty. Not even for new folks on probation. If you haven't eaten and your feeling the effects, then insist on food, either crew food or go get a meal. If you feel like the guy you're flying with isn't backing you up on these issues, then step off to the side and call a union steward. You WILL be accomodated.

The good news is that most of the captains are great guys (and gals) to fly with. A truly good bunch.

As for the X, I've been flying it since we first got them. Good airplane. It has it's problems, but don't all aircraft? Yeah, this fleet works hard, but it makes the time on the road go by faster. Plus, you'll get to see a lot more diverse selection of destinations in the X than a lot of the smaller planes. Just keep in mind that it's the same in every fleet that when I say 'get to see a lot more diverse destinations' you may only be seeing that location's airport, or a quick ten hours at the hotel. I've done a number of Hawaii trips, and almost all have had me closing up the plane as the sun went down and being back at the plane the next day as the sun was coming up. I don't enjoy midnight beach time so I don't get too excited about being briefed for a Hawaii trip.

One last pointer, make sure you have at least a rudimentary understanding of our contract before you start IOE and carry it with you on the road. It can be your best friend at times.

Welcome aboard!!

Well they just let me go home a day and haly early. This is the 3rd tour I've spent sitting in the hotel in Dallas waiting for scheds to get it together. :smash:

I only need 3 more landings to be done w/ IOE, but here I am six months after hire date and still trying to get it finished. Oh well, at least its Hilton Points.

All else you said is right on Realityman, based on the 3 tours I actually did fly!

 

[On Your Six]

Well they just let me go home a day and haly early. This is the 3rd tour I've spent sitting in the hotel in Dallas waiting for scheds to get it together. :smash:

I only need 3 more landings to be done w/ IOE, but here I am six months after hire date and still trying to get it finished. Oh well, at least its Hilton Points.

All else you said is right on Realityman, based on the 3 tours I actually did fly!

Is the flying in the Ultra/Encore fleet slowing down while other fleet flying is picking up? What's the deal? I know a guy on the Ultra who is not flying much either.

 

[VVJM265]

Is the flying in the Ultra/Encore fleet slowing down while other fleet flying is picking up? What's the deal? I know a guy on the Ultra who is not flying much either.

I suppose so. My sim partner manged to get his IOE done in one tour, but he said that he has been sitting alot as well. Also, the FMs keep telling me that they are short IOE PICs. Sounds like a failure to plan ahead for the hiring. What do I know though? This too will pass...(tick tock tick tock the seniority clock). Nice to see new airplanes starting to showup though.

 

[Guitar rocker]

Yeah I was totally lost on that last one... I'm glad it wasnt just me....

Hey, how long is that wait for OE these days? I heard it was going fast. Any truth to that?

Mmmm, no...DO-82 isnt lost...he gets it. Last but not least, dump that piece yah got in your avatar and get yourself a PRS!

 

[bosdrx]

Last but not least, dump that piece yah got in your avatar and get yourself a PRS!

I spent over 2g's for that rig! Beats the hell outta what i was playin on before. I wasnt sure if I'd like the Peavey, but the Cirrus has a really nice sound... And who doesnt love an ampeg stack? Now if i can just afford another 4/10 cab... I should probably grab one before i give up this captain pay Hmmm another cab or tuxes for the wedding......

 

[Guitar rocker]

I spent over 2g's for that rig! Beats the hell outta what i was playin on before. I wasnt sure if I'd like the Peavey, but the Cirrus has a really nice sound... And who doesnt love an ampeg stack? Now if i can just afford another 4/10 cab... I should probably grab one before i give up this captain pay Hmmm another cab or tuxes for the wedding......

I have been wanting a Paul Reed Smith for sometime. They just wont budge on the price tag....3K for just that. And Id like to get a line 6 amp too. If I do all of that, I probably wont last much longer in this apartment complex either. All I got for now is a little acoustic here.........

 

[learflyer]

That's the beauty of your frac schedule though. While everyone else is at work on Wednesday afternoon, go head and plug in that amp!

 

[bosdrx]

That's the beauty of your frac schedule though. While everyone else is at work on Wednesday afternoon, go head and plug in that amp!

Ain't that the truth. The cat runs and hides and the windows rattle a bit and the old lady two units down shakes her fist at ya... but that's the whole point right?

 

[billybob]

but this one goes to 11!

 

[Dr Pepper]

Interview coming up. I went on www.aviationinterviews.com and the first thing I read is that flight safety asks for $400 for the interview. Is this old and I seriously doubt that it is true.

Then they want money to see the new gouge on the website. What kind of BS is this. They get people to give the information to them for free and then ask for money to distribute it.

Anybody got some better gouge. For the technical part of the interview what do you need to know?

Pay the small fee for the interview gouge. It is well worth it.

There is no fee to NJA. They will pay to airline you to the interview from anywhere in the CONUS. They also pay for your hotel, which is nice. The hotel provides transportation to and from the interview. Good luck.