Just started at a Legacy. Thinking about leaving for a fortune 100 corp job 15 min from where I live. No commute and an instant 40k yr raise. Am I crazy? Retired military, kids in school still. Commute is a 1 legger to NYC.

 

How does Year 2 pay at the legacy compare to the F100 gig?

What about retirement & benefits? Is the corporation historically profitable and in a secure industry, relatively safe from M&A activity? What is the flight department's history?

What kind of seniority advancement/progression are you projected to have at your legacy?

The airline job is almost certain to be more lucrative and secure long-term, but some people are just better suited for bizav and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that...

 

I'd sure be tempted. I started in Part 91 corporate, and I loved almost every minute of it. It didn't feel like a grind like this airline stuff does. Obviously you'd be leaving A LOT on the table, financially, but the trade off could be worth it.

I'm in my mid-30's so I'm going to keep chipping away at trying to get to a 1st rate airline. In your shoes? I don't think you'd be crazy at all to consider it.

 

Apologies in advance but .... yes, you're crazy.

The legacy is:
1) A much easier job (you're job is to fly the airplane safely from point A to point B, preferably on time. And maybe wear a hat. You're job is not to "manage" the aircraft long-term. Or clean it. Or come in and fly a desk when you're not flying. Or load bags. No homework. A seniority system negates the necessity of ladder-climbing and office politics.
2) Much better paying.
3) With way more stability and ...
4) Way more variety.

 

The starting salary is the same as yr 3 pay at legacy.

Very stable department (from what I can tell). I am not all that inpressed with airline flying/commuting but maybe that comes with more time. I dont have the corp job yet but i made it past the telephone interview and I have spoken/met with people in the department previously so I think the odds are good.

I agree it is a lot to give up. Slinging bags doesnt faze me one bit. Done similiar VIP transport work for many years prior and enjoyed it. Schedule is the only worryg. On the flip side, this airline gig could become a commuting to reserve nightmare at next downturn....we all know it is coming again.

 

No need to say sorry, all replies welcome. Thanks!

 

Depends on what you want in life. Giggles is right for the most part—money, retirement cash, stability given the present labor market for pilots—a legacy can’t be beat. Corporates will come up with more money, compete on schedules, but the revenue stream isn’t there to match airlines.

That said, I know five pilots, furloughed in the “lost decade” that resigned and stayed in business aviation. DL, UA, and AA. Yes, you’re move would be rare. Crazy, maybe not. Because four of them were my charges, I can give some thoughts. They all have children approaching college or in college, have homes in the expensive Northeast and live local. The 10 minute commute is a factor, being home without the commute is nice. How much money do you need remembering the “check of the month club”? We all found we had enough and more wasn’t going to change our lifestyle as much as the commuting, seniority, relentless schedule grind would. Our department was sized, so last minute emergencies were dealt with easily. We covered each other for all kinds of things, children sick, holidays, deaths of parents. We didn’t clean planes, pros met us on arrival and did so on the road, if needed. Flight attendants handled catering, passengers were known to us. No, TSA BS, customs and immigration were on board the plane. Handlers made all arrangements, world-wide, phones provided. Each plane had a “crew chief” and they were led by a DOM. Scheduled time off eac month, three to four weeks vacation.

Ask questions during any interview.

GF

 

You’re making a lot of assumptions.

 

He asked, I answered.

There are always exceptions.

I just flew with a newhire that spent 10 years at IBM and couldn’t be happier than where he is now (at a legacy.)

I don’t see a lot of people (read 0) heading in the other direction — these days.

As always, YMMV.

 

Thanks, Galasky