Two questions

[Throttlebender]

Hey everyone. It's been a while since I posted. I've got a couple of situations to throw at you. First, I'm flying for an aerial survey company. I'm starting to fly a turbo commander single pilot but still get thrown into the navajo when needed. I've been with the company for a year and have flown 600 hrs. I'm also on call 24/7, and when 6-8 hrs a day in the air. Granted, our flying is somewhat seasonal, so I have long periods of no flying and then weeks on end of constant activity. My first question is what do you think this job should pay? Most of the non charter turbo-prop folks I know are in the 60-70k range, and that's flying 200-400 hrs annually.

The second question I have concerns another job. I posted a while back that I might have a shot at a GIV/GV position. Well, it seems as though it might be closer than I think. Got an email from chief pilot to fill out standard company app and start the ball rolling. I don't know if I have a chance in hell, but I'm going for it. Anyway, I'm sorta nervous about interviewing. I've not had to interview for a job since I started flying. At least nothing technical. I've mostly been hired by people that know me and know how I fly. This will probably be my first "true" interview. I know I'm a very capable and safe pilot, but I don't remember a lot of what I learned in the books early on. I know that must sound bad. It's just that when you go out and do the job on a daily basis, you know what you can and can not do to complete the mission safely. I just need to know what I should be studying to be able to answer all those **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED**ed tech questions. You guys know what I mean. Every 300 hr flight instructor would make me look like an idiot when answering questions but it's not the same as real world flying either. Regardless, I could stand a refresher course. Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[banned username 2]

Most Corporate interviews are not technical interviews, usually they are more "get to know you" type interviews...

 

[AlabamaMan!!]

Like FalcCapt. said......................"Can I deal with this guy for a 5 day trip? Is he gonna be a slam-clicker and leave me on my own or will he hang out, golf, have a beer, etc.?"

Its basically going to be like elimi-date or whatever the he!! that show is.

They may ask you some very basic stuff like equipment flown and experience, but I'll put money down it won't be anything like an airline interview.

They're banking on you already knowing your stuff.

Good luck.

 

[Otter]

Try to remember you are interviewing them as well. A job is like every relationship one has, both parties have to be interested and want it to work. Don’t be afraid to ask some questions. If you will be flying with the CP often, try and determine if you will both get along, if you know for sure you wont during the interview, job expectancy and satisfaction will be LOW, even if you are in a G-Whiz.

 

[421Driver]

Bender, I recently had a similar experience (not for a GIV/V mind you, but an interview nonetheless). My job situation has been the same as yours, and I'm currently flying a BE20 part 135. I interviewed at another 135/91 company, and it was essentially a "get to know you" session as others have said. We toured the hangars, and actually completed the interview in a GIII cabin (never been in one, not bad!) We spent most of the time talking about the company, with questions coming from both myself and the CP. Just be relaxed and don't worry about the technical stuff. The last 10 minutes the former CP and I were talking about mountain biking, that was more technical than the entire interview.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[semperfido]

try to relax and be yourself . they wouldn't be interviewing you if they weren't interested. i suspect they already know your experience level from your resume. be enthusiastic. be confident. good luck.

 

[2000flyer]

While I've heard the odd 91 job going as far as written tests and sim checks during the interview, Falcon Capt and AlabamaMan hit the nail on the head. I'd also go as far to say that if you're getting called to an interview they've already trimmed the list to just a few pilots. Getting an interview is 90% of the battle. Now it's basically yours to lose. They certainly won't expect you to know anything about the Gulfstream (other than maybe point to one on the ramp) since you have no experience in it.

Get in there and show them they'll enjoy being with you as much on the five day trip as the 2 hour trip. Corporations like folks that play well together!

As for the salary issue flying a Turbo Commander, I haven't flown props in quite a few years now, but $70K seemed high for an aerial photo job. Part 91 chief pilot sounds more plausable at $70, but it depends on company size, where you live, etc.

Good luck on the interview! Be sure to keep us up-to-date!

2000Flyer

 

[Throttlebender]

Thanks everyone. I'll certainly be more relaxed after having heard your views. I haven't actually been called for an interview yet. I've just been asked to start the process online. Chief pilot and I had a 3 hr meeting about 7 months ago, and he has all my info. I don't know if he's just throwing me a bone with the invitation to apply or if he's really interested. I'll let you know what happens.