tampapilot

Hey all, long time reader of the forums here but this is my 1st post. Looking for some advice. I'm a current Airnet Lear35 captain (just upgraded so I'm about a year from getting my 1000 turbine pic). I really have no interest in applying to any majors and have decided that the fractionals are where I want to finish my career. I have an app in at netjets which was accepted mid November of 07 with one letter of rec. However I fear it has been lost in the pile now that their new agreement has gone through and everyone and their brother is applying there. I'm seriously considering applying to flexjet and citation shares for a few reasons. Their pay is pretty close to netjets now (if the rumors I've heard on here are true) and the upgrade time looks as though it will be much quicker, probably 2-3 yrs vs. 5yrs at netjets. Of the two citation shares seems like they pay as much for the 7/7 schedule as flexjet does for their 202 days a yr schedule. Not to mention with citation shares I could live in Tampa and hopefully be based at MCO. With flexjet Tampa isn't quite close enough to their FLL base, but I'd be willing to live in Ft. Lauderdale as well. So looking for any advice particularly from any current pilots at citation shares and flexjet. How do you like the job/schedule etc?
Do you have any concerns that with netjets getting so big that it could hurt you guys in the long run? I'd really like this next job to be my last job.

Navajo31

1.I don't think NetJets will be a threat to Flexjet since Flex has exclusive access to the Challenger and Learjet series. CS's ownership by Cessna should help them as well.

2. While CS new daily rate appears higher than Flex's new pay, I think Flex has alot more flexibility (sorry - no other word seems appropriate). You can bid down to 14 days, or up to 18. You can change your bid every bid period if you want. 7/7 doesn't give you as many options when your cousin's wedding is on the wrong weekend. If you want to work more, there are opportunities to make plenty of money at Flexjet.

3. Flex's base in FLL would be closest to you. It would be theoretocally possible to establish a "residence" in FLL at the UPS Store and catch Southwest to get to work. You would need to go the night before each rotation.

4. Flex's rotations are 4,5,6 days on followed by 3 or 4 days off. The PBS is no one's favorite, but they are willing to manipulate it if need be to solve problems.

5. I think the atmosphere at Flex is terrific. It's a great company to work for IMHO.

Good luck!

tampapilot

Thanks for the input Navajo...

If any other citation shares or flexjet pilots have comments I'd love to hear them. Basically on your overall job satisfaction.