Why do you like to fly bizjets?

[Gearmunky]

FWIW, I like my job because we are very small, and I'm pretty lucky to be there. I could barely touch a regional with my time, and I started at a salary that I couldn't with a regional. My father was an Army brat growing up and outside of the professional bass tournaments he fishes, hates to travel. I love going places and this is the way to go. Three weeks ago I was learning to snowboard in Aspen and last weekend I was drinking Red Stripe and eating Oxtail in Jamaica. Hopefully, next week its Mexico and I'll be showing a grouper or barracuda whose boss.

The personal level of corporate flying is great. I know what my boss likes and it's that simple if he needs something extra no one is bothered to go out of our way. They treat us well, and I also don't ever, ever wear a tie and to me that's worth a lot. Our flight dept doesn't really fly in the summer so I can concentrate on fishing then and use my vacation in the winter to shoot ducks, I couldn't do that anywhere else.

 

[semperfido]

i don't want to say too much good about corp flying....afraid i'll jinx it.

 

[hoop]

Interesting.........

Hey guys,

I've been following this thread closely, as I am a VERY low timer, and wanting to get in the corporate game. I'm 33, and have a "good" government job, but the cube farm is no place to spend the next 30 years waiting to retire. I have always wanted to get my PPL for fun, but during the course of training, I have realized that this has been a wonderful learning experience and extremely enjoyable. I lurk around on the corporate board daydreaming of how to obtain the goal of a corporate job. I have never even considered the airlines, and when I hear you guys talk about your jobs, it re-affirms my thoughts on the airlines.
The part that bothers me is when I look at your times. Good Lord, it would take me over 30 years to get 8000 hrs at the rate I'm going! It seems you all have some really high times, and I'm sure that you have worked at this game for years on end. How many hours are exceptable for an entry level corporate job? I realize that the network game is a huge part of the corporate gig, but how does one go about getting in the "network circle"? I have seen some of the suggestions of the pt. 135 gigs, and the fractionals. Obviously, I'm still have a ton to learn on the road to ratings, and plan on getting the CFI and instructing, but how does one get the most hours in the quickest time possible? Will getting a late start with a flying career hurt a guys chances in the corporate world? I'm just trying to get a feel for how I need to taylor my "plan of attack", and appreciate any advice!

Thanks,

Hoop

 

[semperfido]

first, it is never too late.
second, i had 900 hrs when i was hired into my 1st great king air job followed by a whole bunch of of neat planes and better jobs. it is 20 yrs later and still going strong on the finest corp plane out there.

if it is what you really want, then do it.

 

[miles otoole]

I work for one of the 30th largest corporations in the world. We have so much money that even if the management wanted to destroy the company (like most airline managements want to do), I will be retired before they can do it. What good is a $300K per year airline job if the job doesn't last but a few years? In corporate you get a good, long term stability job, and lots of stock options that are actually going to be worth something in the future (unlike a mojor airline retirement fund).

RIIIIGHTTTTT. Ever hear of WorldCom? Remember, it's all cyclical. Nothin' like stock options.

 

[G100driver]

it is 20 yrs later and still going strong on the finest corp plane out there

Funny, I thought you flew a Gulfstream

 

[saviboy]

Funny, I thought you flew a Gulfstream

I would have thought a Falcon 7x

 

[semperfido]

i have flown the best Dassault has to offer (they are very nice), but the G is still king.

 

[pa56pa]

I'm 33, and have a "good" government job, but the cube farm is no place to spend the next 30 years waiting to retire.

Obviously, I'm still have a ton to learn on the road to ratings, and plan on getting the CFI and instructing, but how does one get the most hours in the quickest time possible? Will getting a late start with a flying career hurt a guys chances in the corporate world? I'm just trying to get a feel for how I need to taylor my "plan of attack", and appreciate any advice!

I had a desk job once... hated it... then got into Southwest Airlines and was there for 12 years as an Ops Supervisor. I loved the company and the job, and got to know soooooo many pilots, flight attendants, mangement, etc. At 33, I decided to get a commercial license and take flying seriously. I started out at a charter company working part time as a "flight controller" until an SIC position for a Citation II opened up. I eventually quit SWA in 2000 (and left there with a nice huge lump of stocks and $$, thanks Herb....) and started to pursue flying bizjets full-time. Now I am loving the company I work for, and the people I fly with.

Here in the US, the airlines has a "60 yr old" cap ... We dont.... something to think about...

 

[psysicx]

I would imagine that corp pilots have more time off then the airlines.And it seems lots of people have gotten good jobs without knowing someone.

 

[Brett Hull]

And it seems lots of people have gotten good jobs without knowing someone.

And somehow that continues to elude me.

 

[psysicx]

Don't worry your time will tell.What part of the country are you in?

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Each to his own...

I believe there are certain personalities that fit better in the airline world, and others that are better off in corporate. Personally, I'm an airline guy. I had a decent job flying a Citation Part 91 with a reasonable salary, but it really didn't meet up to my expectations for a long term career. I decided that I would be happier with the more regimented environment of 121 flying, and I have been very happy with that decision. The thing I enjoy most about 121 is being able to put my full attention into being a better pilot. Everything I do revolves around my cockpit duties. In the corporate world, unless its a very large flight department, being a pilot is often a very small part of the job. Corporate flying is also very diverse, so you have to be careful not to get yourself into a bad situation. I have friends that have dream jobs flying corporate, and I've also had friends that have had corporate jobs from hell. The best thing you can do prior to taking a corporate job is talk to the other pilots in the department, and if you're replacing someone who left prior to you...find out why the other guy left. Best of luck.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

"The thing I enjoy most about 121 is being able to put my full attention into making myself a better pilot."


.

please tell...which airline??

 

[Brett Hull]

Don't worry your time will tell.What part of the country are you in?

The worst part - Alabama.