Corporate flight interviews
 

Hey guys I have less then zero knowledge about how things work in the corp world, Ive been an airline guy for about 10 years. That being said I have an interview with a small (1 plane) department flying a Citation Ultra. I know this may be an extremely dumb question, but are the interviews normally a "can I sit next to this for a few hours a day?" or are they usually very technical? With the airline interviews I generally knew what to expect, with this one I have no idea.
Second question is: The job is a SIC position and was told it pays 35K 1st year, and 45K second year... after year 2 nothing further was mentioned. Is this average, crap, good??? Seems very low to me, but then again I really dont know the 91 world at all.

Thanks in advance for any advise or help!

From my experience it has always been more about personality rather than technical but everyone is different. I don't know if the Ultra is a two crew airplane or not but first year pay seems on par. Seems to me your experience should net you a better position.

never had a corporate interview, but I'm guessing is more HR than tech.

They wanna make sure you will be in a good spirits everytime the company's CEO sees you

they're not gonna ask you what a MOCA is

Agreed.

I've flown some corporate stuff. What helped me was working as a line service guy for the FBO while in school. Get your foot in the door and build those contacts! This will be crucial if you want to move up to Falcons, Gulfstreams and Globals. The bigger jets all hire guys by word of mouth or by having rapport with the applicant. If you're lucky enough to move onto a bigger jet, you'll likely never have to come back to the airlines, Good Luck!

First year pay is low. You should expect in the 45-50k first year. That's a better average from what I have seen.

As far as the interview goes, I would be surprised if it was too technical, if at all. I'm guessing it will be a relaxing atmosphere and they will just want to get to know you and give you the details of their operation and what to expect if you are hired. Good luck.

Use the Pro Pilot Salary link to figure out a decent wage.

If you are getting a PIC type, the 10k difference may make sense. 35k does seem low.

Depending on the company it may not be any technical or HR questions. They just want to see if they can hang out with you. Others maybe more technical...but nothing like an airline.

First, find out if you are applying to a managment company or the actual company. If it is a management company, the no talk after year two makes sense since they may have a two year contract which may or may get renewed. As far as any technical portion of the interview, it is fair game and I have had corp interviews with both more and less technical portions. The 35k/45k sounds about right for that aircraft for SIC. Keep in mind that if it is a management company, the company may pay the management company 40k/50k (management company pockets the extra). Also ask if you get a PIC type at some time during the 2 years. Corporate is a different world and you are no longer just a number,but someone who will interact with the same pax/pilot(s)/admin/rampers/MX/etc.
Good Luck:D

Again, look at the pro pilot survey, the average for an SIC on that airplane is 45-50k.

Thanks guys for all the info... I would be a direct hire into the aircraft its not a mngment company. They did say since they would have to type me the pay would be 35K 1yr and then 45K 2yr.
I would have to relocate to take the job, and nothing as far as help for that was offered. I will have to drive about 5 hours to the interview and stay in a hotel on my own dime the night before.
The reason I ask these questions was it just seems like very low pay... I have a feeling Im gonna be sitting in a room full of flight instructors looking for their first job and Im sitting at 6000+ tt with a few type ratings.
I guess the ultimate question I have is... would you spend the money and the time going on the interview?

No. I've been furloughed for 7 months with 5 types (heavies to corp jets), but still continue to pass up low paying opportunities that require me to pay for everything to interview and have these training contracts attached. I am fortunate enough to have saved a lot over the years and can hopefully out last this time in the aviation industry that is favoring the employers. It's hard to get a call form anybody right now, but sounds to me as though your giving up a lot to fly for very low pay. Is this in the Midwest?