Originally Posted by GVCPT

I am the chief pilot for a 91 operation with several large cabin jets. Our pilots are about 50/50 (former major 121 guys/ always 91 guys). The 121 guys are extremely happy with the switch although there is quite a big learning curve at first. The flying is the easy part and these guys can fly the airplanes and operate the FMSs with no problems. The hard part of their transition was the fact that they are responsible for a lot more of the details that go into a flight than they were used to at the airlines. Now they have to obtain and maintain the currency of their passport and applicable visas, preflight planning, hotels, rental cars for crew and pax, coordinate with FA on catering, obtain hangar and other services from handler at outstations, review performance and maintain proficiency for airports such as Aspen, Innsbruck, Samedan, Chambery, fuel, water, lav service, hotel pick ups, etc..... Most of the guys transition well but we have had a couple that couldn't handle the transition and had to send them on their way. With that said we have had some 91 guys that couldn't handle the increase in responsibilities from flying a small to midsize jet domestic to a larger more international operation like ours either. Keep an open mind and follow the advice on the guys that are already in place. Don't have the attitude that since you are the captain you don't have to do those duties. As a crew we all pitch in on post flight to button up and clean up the aircraft so its ready for its next flight. Lets say if one of our guys completes a post flight duty early he usually jumps in the cabin and helps the FA vacuum or wipe down the cabin. Above all we expect safety as the number one priority and after that the pax are next in line. Make sure their experience onboard is second to none. My .02 cents worth and sorry for the long post.