I am a regional captain with a decent schedule making a little less than 60k a year. I was recently offered a Challenger position at 90k a year. I would be flying with a friend which would be awesome, but I don't know much about the corporate world... I am wondering what the pluses and minuses are. In addition, I have reached the Southwest mins just to add fuel to the fire. hmmm... decision, decisions

Positives for me:
Safety is their #1 priority
Flying with a good friend
Good equipment
Diversity of flying

Negatives:
No travel bennies, this is the biggest one for me. I am really addicted to hopping around every other week to friends or adventures in europe or asia.
Location is ok, but not the greatest for me.
The unknown....

Well that is about it. I appreciate your help. Thanks.

 

Go for SWA. Corporate jobs are unstable.

SkyHigh

 

Take the Challenger position and work on SWA at the same time. It could take several years to get on with SWA, and in the meantime the Challenger job sounds like it could be fun. How does your friend like the job/company/company principals? It's a lot easier going into a corporate job with inside info like that.

As far as the traveling, you can do a lot of traveling for the 30K difference in pay, if you just kept your standard of living the same. Split the difference in standard of living and you still have 15K to travel with.

Also, if the Challenger job does lots of RONs, join a hotel rewards program that gives points towards frequent flyer programs and be loyal to that hotel chain. It'll add up. I'm a Marriott Rewards member and it's been pretty good to me. I also have a Marriott Visa card that gives points for purchases and I use that card for EVERYTHING and pay the balance every month. I don't do much personal travel, but I've picked up some nice high-end merchandise (digital camera and a GPS), and several vacation hotel stays from that program. They usually have special offers on trips that include airfare and hotel stays. The points were earned at my company's expense, which they'd have to pay anyway. It takes a few years for your points in a program like that to build useful steam, but once it does you can really take advantage of it.

 

I have done nothing but corporate/charter. I like it, and have had some really great experiences that I would not have had otherwise. I stay in nice places, eat nice meals, and generally have a good qol.

Safety and quality of equipment sounds good, so there is a plus. Working with someone you like is a big plus, because you always fly with them, and spend long hours in close proximity to them. Your situation sounds like a good deal to me.

One downside is the lack of a schedule. You can't plan ahead very far, if at all. I always tell people--"I will be there if I can". Vacation policies vary from company to company. Plans sometimes have to change---on YOUR end.

 

GOGOGOGOGOGOGO.

Did I say go?

Many people would give their left nut for the corporate world. It's especially difficult to get into from the airlines. Hopefully your friend can shed some insight on the type of corporate gig it is (certainly some are better than others).

I do miss having the travel benefits, but at 90K, you're 30K better than where you were before. That should buy you a few round trip tickets each year, no?

PM me if you want, I'd be happy to share my POV on corporate flying (at a good job) over the phone with you, and offer some advice about things to look for in a company.

 

Shoot, I was just telling my f.o. earlier today that I would give both nuts to go to a nice Challenger or Gulfstream gig. After all, I have two kids and don't want anymore so I don't really need them anymore.