Here’s why! Everyone in this business believes they are the next “Top Gun.” And employers couldn’t care less. What you think (perception) is not what they think. They know you can fly an airplane. Let’s face it! We’re a commodity that cost money and does not make the employer money. So, it’s all about the money to the employer regardless what we believe. Again, our own perception. Yes, qualifications are important, but the guy with 3000 hours less can do the job. Bottom-line – if the airplane could fly on its own the employer wouldn’t hire someone – period. We think we’re important, nevertheless to the employer he/she has another agenda. I think it’s humorous when I look at employment websites and pilots post pictures of themselves in uniforms, Ray ban sunglasses, and cockpit shots. Would you dress that way and then show up for an interview? The older you get they know that your requirements for pay are probably higher and for the younger person with fewer hours is more than likely not going to need as much – Again money! I am just a pragmatist, been there done that. But, have always been able to stay employed, and make above average pay. Why, I have been willing to bring more to the table besides a certificate and add to the profit and loss statement and that’s what they understand.

 

DING DING DING DING! Folks, we have a winner. At the end of the day it's all about the company or individual P&L.

 

OK first you write that you are a commodity and cost money and do not make the employer money.

Then you state that you add to the profit and loss statement.
How?

 

Do you have airline stink? I have been to an interview where the guy doing the interview showed me a stack of resumes from people with way more time than me, but said he wouldn't hire them because they had been flying for the airlines. They don't want guys that never file their own flight plans, or load the luggage themselves, or clean the lav, or.....

 

That kind of narrow-minded attitude is a great way to exclude otherwise excellent candidates.

I was hired into my current company from the right seat of an RJ; Chief Pilot at the time was hesitant to hire an airline pilot (and one that did union work to boot) but the big bossman had no such qualms.

Doing your own flight plans, loading luggage, cleaning, or any other ancillary corporate pilot duty isn't rocket science or difficult...and anybody who does interviews worth a damn should be able to tell if a given candidate thinks their job will begin and end with driving the airplane.

 

I had the same experience with my previous job. They think that because we don't have to file our own flight plans at the airlines that we are incapable... Uh... Fltplan.com is definitely not rocket science, and as far as loading bags, i played a lot of tetris. Emptying a honey pot sucked big time... Luckily not my problem anymore since we have external lav.

I always get along best flying with former airline guys. The two groups of pilots are just... Different. My exposure to charter/corporate guys is pretty limited though.