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Hello all,

Looking for some advice here and maybe even some help! I'll start with my background. I was a Corporate Pilot for 11+ years flying Hawker 800XP's. Started as co-pilot and then closed the department in 2009 as Flight Department Manager/Chief Pilot. As many of you know this was not a good time to be on the street. Since that time I have flown single/multi engine piston for day rates, flown contract in an single turbine amphibian and some Hawker contract, although not enough to pay for school. Pretty tough couple of years to say the least. About a year ago I was lucky enough to get a job flying a B727 then was able to move to the B767. I am grateful for the job, but it pays about a third of what I used to make, with no real potential to make much more than half what I made. The quality of life, well there is none.

I very much want to get back into Corporate Aviation, but have had no luck in the past 2.5 years. I have been calling all the people in the World I know and lots I don't know, applied to every posting for pilots, no matter what type. Every once In a while I get a request for more info, via e-mail then it drops off. I am wondering if some perceive my former Flight Department Manager/Chief Pilot position a threat? It should not be, as I have had my turn, and I have to say I enjoy just doing my duty and going home. Also, I'm wondering if my 121 time in big aircraft is hurting me. I know the international flying has been good for me as far as procedures go. I though it might help me find a job in a Gulfstream or Global Express, but I'm not sure you can actually get a job in a Gulfstream unless you have already flown it. Chicken or the egg argument, I just don't know.

Anyway, sorry for the long post, I just need some constructive input.
My total time is 9000 hours, 3300 jet, 2700 PIC turbine typed in HS-125,B737,B757,B767. SIC type in BE400,B727

Thanks in advance

There just isn't a ton of corporate work out there to be had...especially if you don't have an extensive network that has been maintained & expanded over the last few years.

Good luck!

I would guess all those B7XX type ratings may scare off some people, fearful that if they get you aboard, you'll run off to the airlines when the "Great Pilot Shortage" really hits.

Not sure what to offer you other than to stay persistent, and try to meet folks face-to-face so you at least have an opportunity to convince them that you really do want a corporate flying job. Sounds like you've made some calls already. Maybe make them again just to keep your name fresh in everyone's mind, or go out in person.

Sorry, wish I had a silver bullet for you.

Thanks Mink,

I actually have two versions of my resume. One shows big airplanes and former Flight Department Manager/Chief Pilot and the other shows only Hawker type and NO management experience. I really don't like using the latter as it is not an accurate picture of who I am. I do understand people being worried I'll run off during he upcomming pilot shortage, ha,ha. I'm more worried people will feel threatened by my former position, how do I convey that I've had my turn in the pressure cooker and they can have it, not to say I would not step up and help IF asked. I really would like to hear from current Chief Pilots thoughts on these matters. I know when we looked for pilots, we would talk to former airline types if they did not have recall rights. We hired the person, not the type rating on the pilot certificate. These days people are only concerned about the applicant having the required type and be current. Seems like a good way to get a sour apple into the cart! It only takes one of those to make a real mess, just ask me how I know!

First bold: A resume isn't a truth telling document. It is a short sales pitch to highlight your qualification to a prospective employer. Not everything has to be on a resume. Someone with years of flying experience very well might not be able to fit all jobs and experience on a single page (or even two). The untruthfulness would come if they asked you questions about experience and you lied about it.

Second bold: That is a great sentiment and certainly the way we all WISH it could be I suspect, but you'll have to consider how the business feels who spends hard capital on training and doesn't realize a return on the investment if the prosepctive employee runs for the next opportunity. The business side of it can be at opposite ends of the *ideal* side of it and they seem to rarely meet.

USMCFLYR

There's actually quite a bit of work out there...but people are looking for experienced guys in Falcons/Gulfstreams/Globals....I have also seen Aviation Manager position in similar equipment. I have talked to people very recently who simply cant find qualified people, as they want experienced International PICs in the above aircraft...current or not.

I would suspect the issue may not be your Boeing time, but more likely your location and your lack of desirable ratings?

I would also NOT have 2 resumes. It would not be good to dig up stuff during an interview...like that you were hiding being a Chief Pilot?....:confused::confused:....just be truthful.

Good Luck!

Agree with NowCorporate, there's work but all at the top end of the business. Hawker/Citation/Lear end of the market got killed the last three years and hasn't shown any signs of life yet.

GF

Flint Stone…
Have you considered employment outside the US? There are some financially rewarding opportunities in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Some contracts offer, for example between 45 an 60 days on duty, and 30 day of which an economy ticket home. This type of arrangement may be a compromise where a family is involved. You can maintain your career, and earn a respectable wage greater than the minimum wage that some companies pay in the US.

Good experience, not just flying wise, but a great way to see the world on someone else’s Nickel, Euro, or whatever. Not to mention overseas postings look pretty good on the CV too.

ACASS of Montreal is a fairly large employment agency that specializes in corporate pilot job placements. There are others in Swords, just north of Dublin such as PARC, Contractair, Sigmar. You can google them and contact a representative over the phone for more information.

All the best…

captjns,

Yes, I was actually hired by Jet Asia, Macau, as CP back in 2009 over a 6 Hawker fleet. Went over, interviewed, signed the emploment contract came home to pack then received an e-mail stating contract cancelled. This was due to some rule changes by China. So yes, I have and will still consider overseas. My only problem is I'm more than 12 months current on the Hawker. I really need to find a path to the Gulfstream or Global because as previously stated, those aircraft have not experienced the down turn like the little airplanes. I was hopeful that the 72 and 76 time would help, but so far no luck.
Any ideas galaxy flyer.

I wonder if Walmart still needs a greeter?

Sign up for and find a way to attend the Bombardier Safety Standdown and other corporate aviation events. Take business cards and network- trade cards and recontact the people to chat up and meet/develop a relationship with immediately following the event. Send them a follow up email with your resume, but don't pass them out at the event itself.

Just doing that got me several call back and 4 interview offers in the 3-4 months after last years event (I turned them all down since I had subsequently accepted a job).

Safety Standdown: Aviation Safety Seminars and Online Resources | Safety Standdown

Register soon and commit to the event. Spots fill up QUICKLY.