Thanks Airlines

[Stickshaker]

Thanks Airlines,
I believe that everything happens for a reason, but when I was furloughed I couldn't understand why.
Now I do, My life is so much easier and my family and I are so much happier now because of NetJets.
That's right, I can walk out my door on my first duty day, ( no jumpseating to work). I average 12 work days a month (my wife doesn't understand why I'm home so much). I fly interesting people to fun places. And thanks to the customer service of the airlines and all the hassles they provide day in and day out, I have job security (already 1800 pilots and growing with 500 numbers under me) Now all that is left is the paycheck and with the new contract on the way, it shouldn't be long.
If your on the street or not happy with your job, think about Netjets.

 

[BLUE BAYOU]

First, I'm glad you're happy in your most current position. Flying is a fun occupation and it's even better when you're paid to have a good time. But I believe there are clouds ahead, sunshine. As an operator with a successful 121 carrier, I'm quite happy and fortunate to be flying with "the big boys/girls". As screwed up as the major airline industry is, at least we're headed in the right direction as far as security goes (as frustrating as it is). When this new Homeland Security Bill comes to fruition, it'll be interesting to see how they address the general aviation realm of operation-- your days of seemless operation may be in jeopardy... Discussion anyone?

 

[reepicheep]

I've been "thinking about NetJets" for about 6 months but unfortunatley they seem way behind the power curve on the application process. I applied online in April and was sitting here all fat dumb & happy 'till a couple months ago when I was informed by several NetJets pilots that maybe the online app. "doesn't work" and so I had possibly been waiting for a call in vain. After sending several letters over the past 2 months requesting either a confirmation of my online app. or else a new paper app. I have received no reply. They're obviously swamped and probably have all the applicants they need via employee recommendation, but I'd appreciate some kind of answer confirming whether I have hope of ever getting a call.

So is there somebody out there who can tell me how to verify if I am "in the system?" 'Cause Stickshaker, I'm with you!

 

[Ty Webb]

I had an EJA interview date as a back-up when I came to my airline job (I was hired 2 months after September 11).

Glad you like it there so much. Me, on the other hand, I am SO happy that I didn't have to go to EJA! No need to go into why, let's just say that this is the better job for me.

The great thing is that neither of us got stuck doing the other guy's dream job.

But don't be too hard on "the airlines". They are giving people what they say they want . . . cheap seats. And they're getting what they're paying for, and then some . . . . .

 

[hyper]

How things change.....

My ultimate goal has always been Netjets (EJA). All of my career moves have been based around getting to NJ. I have multiple buddies that are there and happy which has always driven my desire to be there. Now, ironically, those furloughed airline guys that thought it was a nowhere gig and that it always paled in comparison to a "real" flying job think it's $hit on a stick. (I've personally met many.) Back my plans up about 5 years for NJ. Funny how that happens.

Oh, and I've been hearing about "with the new contract on the way" for 3 years. In this market of supply and demand, it may be longer.

Had to vent.

 

[Stickshaker]

Severe Clear Ahead

Blue Bayuo,
We are very fortunate to be doing the type of flying that we love. Different personalities enjoy different types of jobs. I love to fly to exciting places like Aspen, the Caribbean, or Europe. Even though I know my schedule months ahead of time, I may not know where I'm going until a couple of hours before the flight. I would rather get a call to fly Tiger Woods to his next Major than be with "The Big boys/Girls" and have to pick up Jerry Springers next guest.
Your right about the Homeland security, it is heading in the right direction and it will make the Airways safer. But time is money and money is time, and most folks look at it as a major inconvenience. As far as the general aviation goes, we will not be effected by it much at all. Don't forget that our clients are worth Millions if not Billions and they have a great influence in Washington and will not allow any inconvenience to there PRIVATE operation. ( Thanks to AOPA as well).
And as far as the clouds ahead, if the Airlines keep losing a million dollars a day, they wont be in our routing.

Also to Reepicheep, if you send me your info I would be happy to check on your application for you.

 

[A4Forever]

Blue Bayou. I don't pretend to know what is really in the Homeland Security Act as far as changes to security at the big aiports other than the screeners will be fed employees and the checked bags will be screened. I have no idea what the ACT will do to operations out of FBOs. The service which we provide at NetJets is 180 degrees out from what the airlines do. I spent 34 yrs at a 121 carrier and have been at NJA for a year now. If anything, I believe the fractional market will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. The folks that I have flown have the money to spend and want door to door service. They don't want to arrive at the airport 2 hours early, take off their shoes and belts and have someone look thru their bags. Several of the FBOs at larger airports do have an increased level of security, but the uncontrolled airports are another story. I can't see the Feds posting screeners in all of these small sites. I don't think you can compare working at a major to working at NJA. It is apples and oranges. Certainly the money, travel benefits, insurance, retirement are better at the majors. At NJA, the flying is more fun and challenging, the airplanes are cleaner, you meet more interesting people and I rather enjoy the uncertainty of not knowing where I am going next. As evidenced by the posts on this site, there are literally thousands of pilots out there looking for work. There isn't now and will never be enough 121 jobs for those who want them. Fortunately, there are other avenues to explore. Prior to 9/11 NetJets was looked on by many as a place to build time until you could get a 121 job. Now it is a career for most of the folks there. The pay, retirement and insurance will get better with our new contract. I sincerely hope that everyone that wants a 121 job will get one some day. I'm happy at NetJets and would recommend this job to anyone looking for great career.

 

[Starshipper]

I agree with the Netjets advocates - fractional flying is inherently more interesting and stimulating than "flying the line" over and over... Netjets, unlike most charter or corporate operators that offer similar flying conditions, has the stability pilots want - plus you get to fly a mach .92 Citation X into Aspen with Pete Sampras or Tiger Woods in the back!!!!!! Now that would be cool!


Cheers

 

[ars225dh]

A4Forever,
You stated that "Certainly the money, travel benefits, insurance, retirement are better at the majors."
I'll agree with all except "travel benefits." I have a friend that's on about year four at NJA's and takes a Maui trip every year on points & miles. Free first class airline seats (CONFIRMED SEATS), free Hilton resort room, and free car.
I have another friend that's flying around with some guy's face on his vertical stab for four years. He should me a stack of passes and said "take as many as you want." "They're standby and they're %#@#'n useless!"
I have to admire those who have such flexible family schedules allowing them to bennifit from the use of passes.

 

[viking737]

A4Ever
With 34 years at the majors and a great retirement, why
don't you kick back and enjoy it, and let an out of work pilot have a shot at the job to support his family.
If everybody was still hiring I would have a different opinion.
but with the job market the way it is I think what you are doing is
morally wrong.
How do the guys you fly with feel about you when you say you would like to improve the contract, yet you have your A and B-fund to live on?

 

[sfomarc]

I have had a little of both. I had worked for a 135 operator who had 8 airplanes dedicated to EJA. What does that mean? we flew all our trips for EJA, dealt with their scedulers and dispatchers, caterers, ect, but got paid by our airline. I had to quit because I could not stand to eat another jumbo prawn, Maine lobster, or filet mignon. The $200.00 a night hotels were also starting to wear me out as did all the frequent flyer miles and hotel points.

I am now working for a major airline and I am enjoying this too but I must say the most fun flying I had was flying for EJA. Teterboro on the other hand I dont miss.

Good luck and great place to be. They are by far a first class operaton.

 

[tothelineplz]

plus you get to fly a mach .92 Citation X into Aspen with Pete Sampras or Tiger Woods in the back!!!!!! Now that would be cool!

To which I add: You've got a lot to learn. Not just about aviation but life itself. One word comes to mind: pedestal.

 

[A4Forever]

ARS225... The free hotel nights and airline miles which one accrues are a great benefit to the NJA pilots. There are however a great number of "deals" available to 121 carrier employees which are not available to frac employees. Ie: reduced fare travel on other airlines and discounts on cruises, other hotels ect. Space available travel is the pits. We just check loads and travel at off peak times. VIKING: Man you hurt my feelings! I've been called lots of things over the years but immoral? That's a low blow. I would guess you would have a problem with my working anywhere, as that might keep someone else on earth from having a job. Maybe I have had a hard time in life. Maybe I'm on my 5th wife and have 20 kids! Point here is you don't know my situitation and and are not in a position to question my morality. I got my job at NJA just before 9/11. NetJet continues to hire. Anyone who has the quals can apply and maybe get hired. I don't have the last pilot job on earth. If I did, then I might think about moving over and letting someone else have a shot. But since I don't, I won't.