Mr Rumbold

So I'm guessing pilots are required to do some setting up and cleaning of the cabin..
Sounds similar to driving a limousine and making sure the back is clean and stocked how the client wants..

You can be home based so I understand it; I'm in a situation where I can live just about anywhere (don't currently have a place of my own; stay at my crashpad or with family on days off) so.. are there places they'd prefer pilots? As I said, I *can* live anywhere, but I'm not crazy on the idea of living I'm Teterboro or BFE someplace.. northeast like Mass/NH or southeast like FL would be just fine as would Las Vegas. Or Hawaii if they have ops there (?) or Alaska but I'm sure that's not possible.
I can be flexible but don't want to be so flexible I get screwed .

TurboDog

As the pilot you pretty much do everything. Taking care of the cabin usually entails throwing out trash, wiping down everything (Lav too), vacuum, restock, run to a stock locker and get extra back stock for the aircraft, place your fuel order, request a Lav service, track down catering and the put it away once you have it. Coffee, Ice and newspapers on the first flight and if need be replenish throughout the day.

There are times when the company looks for people in certain areas, however I am not sure if there is anything in particular that is short at the moment. Maybe someone else can chime in there. I told them in my interview that I was moving to an area where they needed someone. They do follow up and will expect you to move if that's what you tell them. If you live in LA and you tell them you are moving to TEB, you won't be able to "bait and switch" and stay in LA. Alaska and Hawaii are pretty much a no go due to the added time it takes to transition on and off. You won't get screwed by being flexible, just be logical about it. The only way you get screwed is when you love somewhere that doesn't have enough airline service. For instance, there are guys in Daytona that have to use MCO as their base, because there isn't enough service out of Daytona.

Just be honest with them and tell them you are open to moving. Ultimately, where is up to you. They'll either like it or won't. If not just ask where they need. Then you can reconsider.

Metalbikemayhem

I read the entire thread...

To those who are there, why would one want to work for XOJET?

Would you encourage a friend to work here? Yes or no, can you please explain?

What are some pros / cons?

Can anyone confirm scheduled duty/rest times?

Are you respected by company?

How do they determine what plane you are put in when hiring?

Do guys move from the X to the 300?

What about pay scales for both aircraft, PIC, SIC, and raises?

How's the current pilot moral? Are guys leaving, if so why?

Can anyone provide any more input on health care, retirement, benefits?

Thank you.

Quarryman

And that is why I hate 135 flying. If you're 121 and enjoy the flying don't come over to the 135 side. I'd rather fly and leave the airplane where it sits on the ramp than have to kiss ass, wipe ass, etc. Every guy I know who left 135 flying for 121 has told me he made a better move. I'm hoping to do the same in the next month or so. As a 121 pilot you'll receive more respect, either real or perceived, compared to 135 if that matters to you. Not dealing with the rich, entitled idiots who could not survive 30 minutes without someone wiping their crack matters to me. Unless you're a large cabin CA and have cabin crew to deal with this garbage, forget 135 unless you need to build time and move on to a 121 job.

Learflyer

Have you done 135 flying? I've never kissed an ass or wiped a crack. LMAO after typing that.

Yes there is some cleaning after some of these clients leave the plane. I tend not to over think it. Just a job. I have my pet peeves. For instance when they use the silverware in lieu of the plasticware that comes with their catering. Guess who's gotta clean that you codksucer.

When they use the wine glasses for drinks instead of our plastic cups. Again....It's going to be cleaned with Pledge. Ain't nobody got time to walk into the FBO after a long day and use Cascade.

Quarryman

I wrote a bit of that with sarcasm but I've sat in TEB many days to know the garbage 135 pilots endure. 135 flying isn't just flying and the dealing with entitled personalities who think it's their divine right (esp those who belong to the Tribe) to run you like their personal slave wears down one's patience.
121 flying is just that: fly and goodbye. I don't know about you but driving a rental car for hours to get to your plane after being bounced around the country just to get to work doesn't seem like much fun. The transition from 121 to 135 isn't easy for a lot of guys.

If you're ever in TEB I will buy you a beer at the Holiday Inn.

Learflyer

I hear you. I guess my point was that after doing this for years I don't put up with the pax BS when it arises. This one dude was two hours late recently and we waited and waited and when he showed up we were loungin' and not in a hurry. So he's late and now we have to rush? Nope. I'm going to keep it safe and not get distracted no matter who's on board.

I also hate dealing with the airplane stock. Long day. Just did a transcon. Have to turn the plane and head to florida. Pax left a mess and took all the stock. Have to run over to the stock locker (a day and a half away) and replenish. What's that? I forgot the freaking stock bag. Need to carry this $hit in my arms now.


No doubt 121 is better. No doubt the 121 guys that come over to 135 have a tough time cuz it's so different. But the retired 121's at my company are fantastic and have great attitudes!

Quarryman

Now you know I say all of the above in jest, sort of...

David Puddy

Any real differences between the X and 300 fleets in terms of flying? Do both fly to Hawaii? Is the company looking for more West or East Coast based pilots these days?

MOGuy

Clean dinnerware??? 3 words. Line.personnel.tips.done. Okay 4 words. But seriously, it's not that bad of a gig. Is there more work than 121? Absolutely. But there are some perks to it. My ultimate goal will be to return to a 121 carrier, but only a legacy or high paying LCC. It's all perspective, and sure beats the living hell out of the regionals.

Cheers!