Last minute corporate job opportunity...tough choice
06-09-2007, 05:02 AM
#11
Chief Jeppesen Updater
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: Executive Transport Driver
Posts: 3,080
I left the airlines after I was furloughed for a corporate gig (part 91 Citation). Haven't looked back since (and have passed up on at least two potential opportunities to return to airline flying.)
That said (and as stated previously), corporate gigs will vary greatly from company to company. Some will have very demanding schedules and poor QOL/pay/benefits. Others will have more time off than time gone, great benefits, and excellent pay.
The one thing about corporate that I like is that my salary and benefits are individually negotiated. As such, they are based on my own personal merits- not some other persons (or lack thereof). I'm not a "number" in the system. Instead I'm considered an essential part of the corporate structure and am treated as such. (Bear in mind though that in many ways I also pull a lot more work/responsibility than I would have if I was simply a line pilot for a regional, thereby justifying the better pay/treatment.)
I'd say jump on the opportunity. After a year or two if you don't like it, you'll have no trouble returning to the airlines or you might find another (better) corporate job, but once you get into the airlines, it can be a lot harder to get back to the corporate world.
One important thing to remember though in this side of the aviation industry is that everything is 100% customer focused. A corporate flight department isn't looking for an employee that is in it for only themselves. They are looking for somebody that will provide service and support for the company as well. Networking, attitude and personal outlook will often dictate whether or not you land a corporate flying job- not flight experience.
That said (and as stated previously), corporate gigs will vary greatly from company to company. Some will have very demanding schedules and poor QOL/pay/benefits. Others will have more time off than time gone, great benefits, and excellent pay.
The one thing about corporate that I like is that my salary and benefits are individually negotiated. As such, they are based on my own personal merits- not some other persons (or lack thereof). I'm not a "number" in the system. Instead I'm considered an essential part of the corporate structure and am treated as such. (Bear in mind though that in many ways I also pull a lot more work/responsibility than I would have if I was simply a line pilot for a regional, thereby justifying the better pay/treatment.)
I'd say jump on the opportunity. After a year or two if you don't like it, you'll have no trouble returning to the airlines or you might find another (better) corporate job, but once you get into the airlines, it can be a lot harder to get back to the corporate world.
One important thing to remember though in this side of the aviation industry is that everything is 100% customer focused. A corporate flight department isn't looking for an employee that is in it for only themselves. They are looking for somebody that will provide service and support for the company as well. Networking, attitude and personal outlook will often dictate whether or not you land a corporate flying job- not flight experience.
06-09-2007, 05:48 AM
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: E170 CA
Posts: 200
Thanks all for the replies. My resume is in with them!! We'll see what happens...it sounds like a great place. Mostly out and back trips, benefits, fly 4-500 hrs/year. I've always been more of a fan of GA type flying than airline type flying...even moreso with the recent developments in the industry. I've had my share of blue collar jobs...I've got NO issues with making travel arrangements, loading bags, cleaning the aircraft, etc. I think that type of thing makes you feel like more a part of the company as well, versus a number like in most airlines.
06-23-2007, 03:41 AM
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Posts: 181
Flying in a corporate environment is like being married to the other guys. Will you fit in? Are you someone I would want to hang out with on the road or slam click you? I think thats more important than being a stuffy shirt reg reciter.
06-23-2007, 05:33 PM
#14
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Position: A319
Posts: 80
Coming from a guy who did corporate, regionals and now the majors, I can tell you I was able to keep a great QOL because I only was at regional for 6 months before I realized there was no way I would make it, so I went back to corporate, upgraded quick, and flew 99% day trips and as soon at my PIC turbine time was high enough I started to apply with MAJORS while all of my buddies were still sitting rt seat at the regional. The move worked great for me, my QOL improved when I got to Frontier and after flying corporate I really enjoyed having a schedule again. Just my 2 cents, good luck
06-24-2007, 11:42 AM
#15
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Posts: 32
Corporate is great if you can have some days off. Some companies
like eastman kodak give you weekends off yet part 135 you can be
stuck on call forever. I, personally left my 135 job for fractional,
specifically netjets. I could not be happier! I love the fact that I have a
schedule. Family life is great because we can actually plan to go places.
One week off, one week on and with recurrent training, my family goes
with me.
In essence, I get two three week vacations per year. (six weeks total)
Plus, my family stays at the hotel w/ me for recurrent and ground (another
6 weeks with them.) Health insurance, vision, dental are all paid by the
company. This is by far the best job I've ever had. After having a schedule,
I don't think I could ever go back to the pager.
The best part is that in 10 years time I will have four three week vacations.
(that's 12 weeks vacation, plus 12 sick days per year) The time at home
and with family really adds up. QOL, QOL, QOL!!!!
like eastman kodak give you weekends off yet part 135 you can be
stuck on call forever. I, personally left my 135 job for fractional,
specifically netjets. I could not be happier! I love the fact that I have a
schedule. Family life is great because we can actually plan to go places.
One week off, one week on and with recurrent training, my family goes
with me.
In essence, I get two three week vacations per year. (six weeks total)
Plus, my family stays at the hotel w/ me for recurrent and ground (another
6 weeks with them.) Health insurance, vision, dental are all paid by the
company. This is by far the best job I've ever had. After having a schedule,
I don't think I could ever go back to the pager.
The best part is that in 10 years time I will have four three week vacations.
(that's 12 weeks vacation, plus 12 sick days per year) The time at home
and with family really adds up. QOL, QOL, QOL!!!!
06-24-2007, 03:47 PM
#16
Big Poppa
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 613
Originally Posted by FlyerJosh
I left the airlines after I was furloughed for a corporate gig (part 91 Citation). Haven't looked back since (and have passed up on at least two potential opportunities to return to airline flying.)
That said (and as stated previously), corporate gigs will vary greatly from company to company. Some will have very demanding schedules and poor QOL/pay/benefits. Others will have more time off than time gone, great benefits, and excellent pay.
The one thing about corporate that I like is that my salary and benefits are individually negotiated. As such, they are based on my own personal merits- not some other persons (or lack thereof). I'm not a "number" in the system. Instead I'm considered an essential part of the corporate structure and am treated as such. (Bear in mind though that in many ways I also pull a lot more work/responsibility than I would have if I was simply a line pilot for a regional, thereby justifying the better pay/treatment.)
I'd say jump on the opportunity. After a year or two if you don't like it, you'll have no trouble returning to the airlines or you might find another (better) corporate job, but once you get into the airlines, it can be a lot harder to get back to the corporate world.
One important thing to remember though in this side of the aviation industry is that everything is 100% customer focused. A corporate flight department isn't looking for an employee that is in it for only themselves. They are looking for somebody that will provide service and support for the company as well. Networking, attitude and personal outlook will often dictate whether or not you land a corporate flying job- not flight experience.
That said (and as stated previously), corporate gigs will vary greatly from company to company. Some will have very demanding schedules and poor QOL/pay/benefits. Others will have more time off than time gone, great benefits, and excellent pay.
The one thing about corporate that I like is that my salary and benefits are individually negotiated. As such, they are based on my own personal merits- not some other persons (or lack thereof). I'm not a "number" in the system. Instead I'm considered an essential part of the corporate structure and am treated as such. (Bear in mind though that in many ways I also pull a lot more work/responsibility than I would have if I was simply a line pilot for a regional, thereby justifying the better pay/treatment.)
I'd say jump on the opportunity. After a year or two if you don't like it, you'll have no trouble returning to the airlines or you might find another (better) corporate job, but once you get into the airlines, it can be a lot harder to get back to the corporate world.
One important thing to remember though in this side of the aviation industry is that everything is 100% customer focused. A corporate flight department isn't looking for an employee that is in it for only themselves. They are looking for somebody that will provide service and support for the company as well. Networking, attitude and personal outlook will often dictate whether or not you land a corporate flying job- not flight experience.
)
06-24-2007, 06:02 PM
#17
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Posts: 39
Originally Posted by 2Lazy
Coming from a guy who did corporate, regionals and now the majors, I can tell you I was able to keep a great QOL because I only was at regional for 6 months before I realized there was no way I would make it, so I went back to corporate, upgraded quick, and flew 99% day trips and as soon at my PIC turbine time was high enough I started to apply with MAJORS while all of my buddies were still sitting rt seat at the regional. The move worked great for me, my QOL improved when I got to Frontier and after flying corporate I really enjoyed having a schedule again. Just my 2 cents, good luck
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