Advice
06-03-2016, 02:21 PM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2016
Position: Challenger 300 PIC Type Right Seat
Posts: 4
Advice
Hello,
Just looking for a little career advice from pilots with more time in the industry then myself. I have been flying right seat in a Citation V for the last three years. I got hired right out of flight instruction, because of training costs it took me a long time to get to a position where I was able to get a job. The flight department I work for is very stable and my boss is great. The Chief pilot is a good friend of mine and we have a blast working together and it appears that a Gulfstream or Challenger product is in our near future. Because of our light flying schedule (100-200) hours per year I have continued to instruct for a 141 operation. Between the two jobs I make around $90,000 a year with excellent benefits and lots of time home with the wife and kids in my hometown. My concern is at 35 I'm not getting younger and if in the future one job goes away I'll be faced with a huge paycut and not a lot of options that will come close to that number because of my relatively low time and low flight time schedule. I am just about to break 3000 hours total and pushing up on 500 jet. The question is do I take the hit now while I am younger and try to climb the ladder somewhere that has more room for growth or possibly get on with the airlines or stay with 2 jobs I love and enjoy the quality of life as long as it lasts.
Just looking for a little career advice from pilots with more time in the industry then myself. I have been flying right seat in a Citation V for the last three years. I got hired right out of flight instruction, because of training costs it took me a long time to get to a position where I was able to get a job. The flight department I work for is very stable and my boss is great. The Chief pilot is a good friend of mine and we have a blast working together and it appears that a Gulfstream or Challenger product is in our near future. Because of our light flying schedule (100-200) hours per year I have continued to instruct for a 141 operation. Between the two jobs I make around $90,000 a year with excellent benefits and lots of time home with the wife and kids in my hometown. My concern is at 35 I'm not getting younger and if in the future one job goes away I'll be faced with a huge paycut and not a lot of options that will come close to that number because of my relatively low time and low flight time schedule. I am just about to break 3000 hours total and pushing up on 500 jet. The question is do I take the hit now while I am younger and try to climb the ladder somewhere that has more room for growth or possibly get on with the airlines or stay with 2 jobs I love and enjoy the quality of life as long as it lasts.
06-05-2016, 08:19 AM
#5
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2016
Position: Challenger 300 PIC Type Right Seat
Posts: 4
Originally Posted by galaxy flyer
What's your career goal? Legacy of top-flight corporate?
GF
GF
06-06-2016, 04:11 PM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2013
Position: BD-700A
Posts: 210
In corporate aviation I have yet to meet a hiring manager question my time. They are rarely looking at the number per say, but at your overall personality and temperament. I would rather hire a green first officer with no international experience and a professional drive/good sense of humor over any high time, PITA Sky God. The bigger the airplane, the longer you are likely gone on it. I want the guy that won't drive me bat**** on a 7 day trip.
If you are wanting to stick to corporate, stay where you are at & continue to network. It is the most valuable tool in this crazy business.
Best of luck-
If you are wanting to stick to corporate, stay where you are at & continue to network. It is the most valuable tool in this crazy business.
Best of luck-
06-06-2016, 05:09 PM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2011
Position: CA
Posts: 1,027
I'd stay. You have a possibility of bigger aircraft coming on board. Use your relationship with the CP and negotiate a higher salary. That should be a nice jump in pay from the 5 to a Gulfstream or Challenger.
06-06-2016, 07:37 PM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Posts: 425
What are you willing to do ???
Listen up ....... Plenty of good flying jobs coming around especially since the Air Carriers are in a max hiring mode ....... It's the domino effect in full tilt ....... Now is the time to either stay in your fish bowl or jump out and get into a bigger fish bowl ......... Are you happy with your current situation ? Is it enough money ? Can you retire from this place you are working for ? Does it meet your families needs and expectations ???????? You are at the crossroads friend ........ Many of us have been there , some stayed put and some went out on the limb to get a better deal ........ Talk it over with your wife , sit down and write it all down on paper ........ Pros , Cons ....... Needs , Wants
Where does it put you after that analysis ?
I'm 61 , civilian flying background , ex military and FAA ATC , I'm glad I made the jump out of my fishbowl years ago and I'm very very lucky and blessed to have been hired at a really great overnight package express company in Tennessee ........ Don't waste any more time on this ........ But if you stay put , don't look back either and ask yourself ....... What If ? God bless and good luck in your Life !!!
Where does it put you after that analysis ?
I'm 61 , civilian flying background , ex military and FAA ATC , I'm glad I made the jump out of my fishbowl years ago and I'm very very lucky and blessed to have been hired at a really great overnight package express company in Tennessee ........ Don't waste any more time on this ........ But if you stay put , don't look back either and ask yourself ....... What If ? God bless and good luck in your Life !!!
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