FuelJetA

In the corporate world, it's all about the pay.

If they pay you $150k to fly a Cub. do it. It WILL lead to another corporate job, if you want a change.


There is no room for egos in corporate aviation.

I have a buddy, Jack, that flies a C-421 for $75k a year. He sees these jerks around that say, [pompous attitude]"Well I fly that BIGJET over there for FORTUNE 500 COMPANY X."[/pompous attitude] Jack just says, "Oh, that's a nice plane." He doesn't fluff his feathers and tell them that he flew for United for 32 years and was a test pilot for Piper in the Navajos and Cheyennes, and has a load of type ratings. He just is content with a big pay check and a fun little airplane.

So, my philosophy is all based on this cool older man. If it has wings and a big salary, it's all good.

Frozen Ronin

I can easily see that Jack has his priorities figured out. But consider this: I've worked as a mechanic on everything from C-152's at the local flight school to 747's for TWA and JAL. Wrenching on 152's allowed me to go home for lunch, a mile away from our little hometown airport. My quality of life went through the roof when I left the 6 figures and was just scraping by. I probably could have saved my marriage if I had done it sooner. Money is useless if you have no one to share it with.

While I'm bending your ear, allow me to ask you a question. I posted this on another thread, but it seems to apply more here:

I find myself wandering in my career path, and I wonder if the corporate scene is what I need. I have over a decade with the airlines in maintenance, several more years in management, and now fly single pilot multi engine IFR in Alaska, in the bush. I'm pretty good at what I set my mind to, but now what? I'm looking for a vocational home, where I can be for a while. I've watched my employers go out of business (TWA, Swissair, Braniff, etc). I'd like to settle in and raise a family, and be around to enjoy it....

I'm looking for an employer that values what I have; a proven ability to fly under extreme conditions and workloads, an A&P, an IA, a manager. And yet allows me to be home enough to maintain a healthy marriage and family. Wow. That seems to be asking for alot... has anyone found that? Is it in the Corporate World? I need to know there's a place like that in aviation, somewhere...

FuelJetA

I have had 2 corporate jobs in the 10 years that I have been flying professionally. Both were (second one still is) exactly what you are talking about. I fly 350 hours a year and I do a little work for the company on the side. I know months in advance what my schedule will be and they really stick to it. Sometimes it's a lot of work and sometimes it's home for a week. I have a strong marriage and left the charter world for the sake of my family and my relationship with them. They are out there, they really are. Perhaps I got lucky.

One little note, Jack flys about 10-15 hours a month! That is all he does. And he still gets paid that much. Sometimes people will pay for the best when they know they are getting the best. People don't mess around with their safety when it comes to aircraft. And if you get with a person who will sacrifice safety for money, run. There are plenty out there who value their life more than their money. Just my opinion.

FlyerJosh

Another word of wisdom for the corporate world... Assume nothing - particularly if you are trying to break into the industry or land a corporate flying job.

I have often offered help to the wayward pilot that is sitting in a crew lounge trying to land a job or score some contacts. Usually I'm blown off by others (mostly older folks) who see me as some "kid" that has no experience, that's not worth the time/effort to talk to.

I'll be the first to admit that I have a baby face (I'm 28 but look 18 and still can't get rid of those stupid occassional zits). But I do have 8 years of professional flying experience at two airlines, and an outstanding corporate gig. I also know folks in management at just about every airline or major charter/fractional out there... it's a small community (as you already know)

I've even offered some kind words and insider tips or referral help to land a job. But usually get blown off. As a result, qualified people that I would have recommended to close friends at companies across the industry have lost an opportunity. It's a shame because so far I'm batting 1.00 for the people that have asked for recommendations or referrals, and I'm often willing to give one just based on my impressions of our first contact.

FuelJetA

Josh, that is totally true and a great summation. I'm sorry you aren't taken seriously. I get the same thing sometimes and well, it really sucks. For so many, it's all about age and appearance. Just because you are currently flying a 'small' airplane or have a young look doesn't mean you don't know know what you're talking about.

Frozen Ronin

I appreciate the candor and honesty in your replies. I usually don't waffle in my direction, but I find myself re-evaluating my occupational goals and priorities. I believe I could be a real 'find' for the right employer. This time around, however, my job will support my family, not the other way around. It appears that you both have found the balance to make this happen.

Kudos, Josh, for being open and helpful to your fellow aviator. I have helped along dozens of careers, both in flight and maintenance pursuits... it comes back to you in the strangest of ways. I'm hoping for some of that good karma to return soon.

I've searched the job boards for the past few months. The jobs that are worthy most certainly aren't advertised, what I'm finding isn't attractive at all. Unfortunately, most of my networking has been in the maintenance field, so I'm coming up short.

Thanks again for your replies. Good luck and best wishes.

Kevin

Blackhawk

Some years ago I was a 135 pilot who spent my days in the Tomasville, GA FBO waiting for checks to be hauled to Atlanta. Thomasville is a big quail hunting location and it was not unusual to see charter pilots hanging out in the FBO for days at a time waiting for their bosses to finish with their hunting- had to be ready just in case.
One day a very nice jet comes in and is met by an SUV. A young looking guy who I assumed was one of the pilot gets off and starts loading bags into the SUV and helps a young lady off the airplane and into the truck. He then brings the catering into the FBO, puts it on the table and tells me I can help myself. He exchanges a few pleasantries with the FBO operator and walks out. FBO operator asks if I know who that was. "Some pilot?" I respond. No, it was the passenger- Bill Ford, as in Ford Motor Company. The pilots then come in to take care of everything, then head home. No hanging around Thomasville for days on end for Bill to decide when he wants to head back. He already knew when he was, and he did not need the jet until then, so the pilots flew it home. That's the type of person to work for.

FlyerJosh

No doubt. I'm very fortunate that my employer takes care of its pilots (we're prettymuch given the opportunity to return home if the boss is staying for more than 1 night... even from the opposite coast...)

I've come across some of the most interesting people in FBOs... everybody from the CEO of a major corporation that was a rated pilot in the company's GIV, to the bitter furloughed airline captain that was searching for work without a current medical or RVSM training. You never know who you will meet hanging around the crew lounge or ramp!

I will say though, that if you find one of those coveted corporate gigs, HANG ONTO IT!

freezingflyboy

Hey Josh, know anybody that could help me at AWAC, Colgan or BellSouth?

Mach Knockers

Colgan? Isn't that a regional airline? Last I heard they were hiring street captains with around 2000TT and time in Saabs. Is that the company to which you refer?