What to do
 

So I was offered a job with a charter/corporate type operator. They fly Cirrus, all sorts of light jets, turbo-props, and some medium sized corporate jets. The timeline they gave me was, start at 40k in the cirrus, progress to the PC-12(60k) in about 6-12 months, then light jets after about a year(90k), then bigger stuff at the 2 year mark(180k+). Was looking for some opinions on whether or not this would be a good idea to do now in the current industry or if I should have my eyes pointed towards the airline industry during this massive shortage/wave of retirees. I also was thinking that this job might not have the best security in times of economic downturn(which we are forecasted to have soon). Can any corporate guys maybe give their views or advice on how they keep job security in the tough times? Also, would it be unrealistic to ask the company for written guarantees on aircraft/pay progression? I don't wanna be stuck flying light GA aircraft my whole life. Are these the right questions I need to be asking myself?

After 19 years in the charter and corporate world I would say I've faired very well, particularly in regards to job security during tough times. Getting started in 2000, the poor economy meant the 121 side was slowing down. In 2001 they were shedding pilots due to furlough. Charter was the only option I had. That eventually lead me to corporate. However after a almost two decades in the "on demand" game I'm very much looking to go to the airlines. Not because of job security but simply quality of life.

To get to one of your points about a written aircraft/pay guarantee... highly unlikely. Like anywhere, progression and pay is commensurate with experience and current demand.

What other offers do you have? Regionals? If this opportunity leads to PIC time in turbine aircraft then it would serve you well. Taking this route now does not preclude an airline job for you later on down the road.

I have all the common offers from the regionals, yes by the sounds of it, this company will lead to Turbine PIC time and type ratings. Do you know if its possible or likely for corporate guys to make the leap to the majors?

It is "always" possible to make it to the majors from anywhere but you want to make yourself attractive to the hiring guys/gals.

Having just retired with over 40 years in the 121 world, there isn't a job out there I would have traded for. When I got hired in 1978 I got the best advice from a long time corporate pilot who's company had been flying since WWII.. he told me the worst airline job would be better than the best corporate job.

Unless there is a Black Swan event, the airlines are going to continue to hire in LARGE numbers. The time off, the pay, the benefits, etc. are all better with a mainline carrier.

Fly Safe,

OC

That was 40 years ago, it’s changed a lot. There’s still lots of trash corporate jobs, but I know dozens of very happy corporate pilots making north of $250,000 with good QOL. Two gave up UAL recalls for their jobs.

If I were to go the corporate route to start, what kind of flying/time should I be trying to get to make myself competitive with the LCCs/Majors?

IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE

1. Multiengine TPIC over 12,500 MTOW
2. Multiengine TSIC
3. SE TPIC
4. PIC

Agree with all the above. I certainly hope a transition to 121 from corporate is possible as that's my play. Many I know have done the same. I have what could be considered a great corporate gig. But the structure of 121 offers something to me and my family that my current position never will.

And to further echo other posts, you want Multi Turbine PIC > 12,500. As much as you can get.

Be careful...not all TPIC is created equally.

It depends on your definition of “the majors” but The Big 3 very rarely hire anybody that doesn’t have either a 121 or Military background. If your goal is to fly for one of them go to the regionals.

Yes, those jobs do exist however they are rare and probably near a large metropolis with a higher cost of living. A junior Captain at Delta makes that kind of income with the option to live where they want. When I "park the brake", I never thought about my airline job until coming back to work for my next rotation. I didn't worry about catering, I never worried about landing fees nor did I worry about maintenance.

Please don't misunderstand me. There are good jobs in the corporate world and I appreciate those that do them. I spent my early professional life flying for a great family and corporation. When I started there we operated a King Aire 90 and a Cessna 182. Today they are a HUGE telecommunications company with a half dozens jets and a nationwide presence. (Hint.. you can see their name on some sporting arenas)

If I had to do it all over again.. I would follow the same path. Get to a major as fast as I can.. seniority is everything!

Fly safe,

OC