I did both . . . The corporate destinations were fun, but there is nothing like being able to bid a schedule. I like to know where I'm going, where my layovers will be, how long, and be able to trade or drop stuff I don't like. Like to sleep in? Bid afternoon starts. Like to start early? Bid those. Once you get a little seniority, you can usually get what you want, or at least what you need.

When you're an airline pilot and you're "off", you leave your flight bag in the bag room and go home. If, for some ungodly reason, the Company calls, there is truly no need to answer the phone, it's not required. Your time off is completely your own, and no one is going to call and ask you what the weather is going to be like next week in Denver, or where the FBO might have put the keys to his Jaguar.

I truly enjoyed the flying part of being a corporate pilot, but I sure wouldn't trade the freedom I have as an airline pilot for the occasional Telluride or Lake Tahoe trip . . . . and for every one of those, there were eight Teterboro (NJ), six IAD's and a summer of Houstons. No, thanks!

Back to the subject- making the transition . . . . Some airlines welcome corporate guys, others don't. Focus your efforts on the ones where your skills will be appreciated, and screw the rest of 'em. Aim for the companies beginning a cycle, whether it's the upcoming retirements, or a niche player who is expanding.

Best of luck! Hope you get what you want.

MP