Which A/C will get the most Contract Work

[CarjCapt]

Of the medium to large business jets which one would have the most contract work for Captain/FO?

Having come from the RJ and have done some CL60 work I'm inclined, but not set on, to get a type in either the 601 or 604 Challenger series.

What do you think?

 

[SCT]

This is just my opinion, but there doesn't seem to be alot of 604 drivers around. I've gotten calls out of the blue from companies to do contract work. It's especially favorable if you have some international experience.

Good luck,
SCT

 

[G4G5]

Their are almost 500 - G4's out there so a G4 type would be a good start.

The other thing to consider is that a Falcon 50 type works for the Falcon 900's. Ther has to be at least 400-500 Falcon 50/900's out there. The 50 type is $10,000 cheaper then a G4 type.

The problem with both types is that their are a lot of pilots out there who are typed and current. If you live in a remote part of the country you may want to consider an odd type that you can charge a lot for and that someone would be willing to pay for your transportation. A Global type comes to mind (at last check their were only 150+ GEX's around)

 

[FlyFlyFly]

I agree with the above.

I would add that most people want some time in type as well. I have talked to people about 604 contract work and the first question they have is how much time in type do you have and are you current.

 

[Herculeus]

What about the Falcon 2000?

 

[psysicx]

Will companies fly you out or does it depend on how long the contract is?

 

[G100driver]

Will companies fly you out or does it depend on how long the contract is?

Yes. Part of business. Be sure and charge for your travel days as well.

I would look at getting typed in a G-350 - 550 if I was going to go at it as an independent contractor.

Not very many independent contractors in these airplanes so there is a definate need for contractors. Very few insurance companies will sign off on un-typed guys with 3 bounces to fly as SIC.

While a VERY expensive type rating you will be able to charge $1500+ a day and be able to fly 4 different types of aiplanes. Many of these airplanes will need a 3rd crew member to augment the 12+ hour legs that these beasts can fly.

 

[Lead Sled]

Their are almost 500 - G4's out there so a G4 type would be a good start.

The other thing to consider is that a Falcon 50 type works for the Falcon 900's. Ther has to be at least 400-500 Falcon 50/900's out there. The 50 type is $10,000 cheaper then a G4 type.

The problem with both types is that their are a lot of pilots out there who are typed and current. If you live in a remote part of the country you may want to consider an odd type that you can charge a lot for and that someone would be willing to pay for your transportation. A Global type comes to mind (at last check their were only 150+ GEX's around)

I've got a buddy that got his GIV type and he had real problems getting any contract work until he had 100 hours in the airplane. I understand that it was due to CPs wanting guys who didn't get tripped up by the FMSes.

'Sled

 

[G100driver]

What kind of FMS does the G-IV have? Is it that different than any other modern airplane?

 

[psysicx]

$1500 a day in Gulfstream? Does an insurance company care if you only have sim time?

 

[G100driver]

$1500 a day in Gulfstream? Does an insurance company care if you only have sim time?

No they could care less (please note that I used proper grammer here not speaking in double negatives). Especially if you are acting as an SIC. Most companies operating this type of equiptment RARELY if EVER dispatch a contractor as a PIC ... or let him fly for that matter. TAG, as a matter of policy does not (or at least used to not) let contractor fly the airplane.

$1500/Day in really not very much when you consider the cost of the your G-550 sitting on the ground because you are short a pilot. You might even consider more given that intial in upwards of $40,000.

A contract Falcon 2000/EASy pilot in the NE will get $1200-1500 a day. It is all about supply and demand. No contract pilots = better pay. If you do not want to pay a contractor, hire more pilots. $1500/Day is pretty cheap when you look at in terms of adding an addition crew member at $140K/Year + benefits.

 

[MissKittyKat]

Hello, carjcaptain, you posted an excellent question! Please join in.

the fms, varies per plane, the latest and greatest in aviation technologies, it could be a Sperry, Honeywell, maybe collins? or litman? There are at least 4 companies I think who provide and make these great computers.

May I suggest the Learjet typerating, I see ads all the time for Learjet guys, while some of it is air ambulance this is great way to get out there and feel the corporate world. If you fly sick and dieing people around sometimes you are such a lifeline to these people while building your time and making money and doing something worthy.

The learjet is like a fighter jet and sometimes it is easier to transition then to bigger jets.

Why don't you try and pm some of the corporate guys, who are more than willing to give advice, you attitude determines your altitude and what you can and cannot realistically do.

Consider all options and everyone's advice! yes, if you work for a wyvern audited company, and you don';t fit the needs of the insurance program you may not find work. Check out a learjet type rating!

And best of luck, welcome. feel free to ask a question.

 

[semperfido]

i heard JPI gets 1800 per for a G550 pilot....not too shabby

 

[semperfido]

What kind of FMS does the G-IV have? Is it that different than any other modern airplane?

honeywell

 

[MissKittyKat]

If you go on the websites for the manufacturers of these wonderful aircraft, you will find all the stats there and what type of radios and computers are on board, you may even find what the psi is in the toilet! Lol, just kidding but I love to look at all the stats on these machines! no, harm in educating yourself, when you what to fly a certain aircraft. Ie, wingspan, payload, mach number, the computers on board and back up systems! Good luck!

 

[CarjCapt]

Thank you

Just got online and was suprised about the response. Thank you.

After Christmas I'm going to get recurrent in the CL65 and differences training in the 700/900. This enable me to be available for contract work moving RJs that are being sent from one operator to another or to the bone yard. I'll also be able to do right seat work in the CL600/601/604 with 3 takeoff and landings. There is one operation that would use me now if I had a PC ride in the RJ and it pays 550 per day.

Which aircraft I get a type rating in will be a combination of the cost of the type and frequency of need for contract labor. As far as time in type my captain ego was satisifed a long time ago so the right seat would be just fine.

Thank you again for the feedback.

 

[MissKittyKat]

Thank too! and best of luck of to you! You will do great!