I want to thank those of you who provided some insight to the current situation at NetJets. I've been circling the pool for almost eight months and was just offered a training class. It was a hard decision, but I've decided to remain at my regional (I took the regional job when I realized NJA was putting me into a pool). The info on this forum provided some of the information that went into my decision.

The hiring folks handled my decision with respect and asked if I'd share my reasons for turning down the position. I've decided to share them here in the event someone else is struggling with the same choice. Thanks again for your guidance, folks.


1. I lost some confidence in NJA’s professional approach to its pilot group when, instead of being offered a position after my initial interview, I was placed in a pool. That was counter to what I’d been told to expect. Next, the lack of communication from recruiting (I understand there was an underlying personnel issue there) was followed by the request for a Skype with Mr. Bobo. I was told this was NOT a re-interview, but then was later informed it was, indeed, another interview for the FO position. My interview with Mr. Bobo was cancelled and rescheduled three times, and when it finally arrived (four months after it was first scheduled), Mr. Bobo was not present for it. I was advised by some NJA pilots that this was “just how Netjets does it.” It left a bad taste in my mouth. To be clear, when you became involved, (recruiter's name selected for privacy), the hiring experience transformed into the professional one I would have expected.

2. The pay scale for FO’s made it very difficult to commit. People in my position at a regional (where I received a substantial sign-on bonus) can expect to be at a major within three years, give or take, earning a lot more than the NJA pay grade.

3. The upgrade time is too lengthy. It would be easier to handle if, like other corporate operations, the FO would sit left seat for his or her legs. The duties of an FO in a small corporate jet have more to do with passenger comfort than with flying the airplane, so waiting over a decade for an upgrade is a real consideration.

4. Seat lock is too lengthy. Most other operations have a maximum of two years before being able to transition to a new jet. 39 months (?) is a long time to sit in a cramped cockpit.

5. Tour lengths: I was prepared for the 7/7 rotation, but I now understand that I would be expected to be on the lengthier tour (72 or 76) for the first several months. That would be very difficult with my family situation.

6. Workday: As a regional pilot, I am used to duty days that range from 8-12 hours. I always have time to exercise and have a meal in civilian clothes. My friends who work at NJA say this is not the case on a regular tour where the days are 12 hrs minimum with much of the day spent sitting at an FBO.