I graduated in the fall of 2001, so my choices were extremely thin walking straight out of college with a degree that was about as useful as toilet paper after that fateful day. I was hired into the right seat program at what was then, GE Capital Simuflite. I worked mostly in Lears and other light aircraft for over a decade, charter and 91 alike. I was given an opportunity 6yrs ago to fly a Global after many years networking and sharpening the resume'.
Today, I am currently a captain for a Fortune 200 outfit making 4th Year Captain pay at FedEx with one week on, one week off schedule & a month of vacation a year. Great right? I say all this in jest because I'm sitting at 38yrs old, looking at what the retirement among places such as Delta, FX or UPS are currently offering. It is
light years better than what is currently offered at my current employer. The stability is slightly better at my current company as they have had a department nearly 60yrs without any layoffs.
But yet I still peek over the proverbial fence.
Without knowing your age or experience, I would tell you to go the 121 route, simply too many retirements and not enough folks to fill them. At any quality corporate department, you will have SOP's, ERP's & Company Ops Specs like many before me have stated. That should be the least of your concerns as if they don't, run the other direction. Times have changed, and a vast majority of upper management understands the value of safety and compliance.
Either way I think you are in a great position for the future. Keep us updated on what you decide and & best of luck!
Originally Posted by
Lvflying
Hello Everyone,
I am new to both the forums and corporate flying in general. Looking for information and personal experiences from those who don't mind sharing. Especially (but not limited to those with experience on Citations and Challengers). I have an offer from a regional but am also interested in corporate part 91 flying.
While I understand that there are good and bad things to everything and a wide range of experiences and opinions, here is what I'm looking at:
1. Airlines: Pretty structured flying and procedures intensive. Low pay initially but worth in on the long run. Can become routine.
2. "Charter/135": Fairly structured as well. Interesting destinations which keep you on your toes and provide variety. Descent pay at times but some may take to interpreting rules loosely in the interest of profit (enough said).
3. Companies with flight departments flying part 91: While some have very capable planes, they have the least regulation. Potentially, good pay. Also, very high potential for fun/interesting flying.
I'm very drawn to the "airlines" because of the income potential after paying my dues for a while and the greater adherence to procedures and safety. At the same time, I believe that could also be found with a part 91 operator and potentially have a better schedule right from the start, BUT, am a bit skeptical as profit seems to at times override safety and regulations making for not so fun moments (again POTENTIALLY). So with that......
Do these part 91 operators generally listen, are reasonable when input is given regarding safety or being mostly type A and results driven, they disregard advice?
Experiences flying the CE-500/560, Challenger 604
Any experiences are welcomed as are any things to keep in mind which could help me find out culture, safety, and general environment of a potential part 91 company.
Thanks to everyone in advance....