Originally Posted by TCASfail

The QOL is definitely better than your average run of the mill 135. What you have to understand is, we are inferior to NetJets when it comes to retirement. Retirement is lacking here and KR knows it. Will that change, it may. With that being said, I’ll share my experience below:

I’ve gotten a few friends hired here and I believe the quick upgrade is something to think about. I told them to interview at NetJets AND Flexjet. And 3 of my friends have decided to join me. DRL CA (Challenger/Praetor) is down to 14 months. PBS CA (Phenom) is down to 8. I know folks who have gotten ILC CA (G450, among other large cabins) in under a year. There’s unique opportunities available depending on what your goals are. Pay becomes decent once Captain can be held. Right now there is a 24 month seat lock if you are in a midsize jet and upgrade into the phenom. Rumor is a 12 month seatlock will be instilled if you upgrade from right to left seat in phenom. Im not sure how accurate this is. There may be changes in the coming months, maybe weeks. As a PBS FO, I was able to have major holidays off. And a rotation is a nonevent. I don’t even talk about work when I’m home unless the in-laws ask me “where are you flying to tomorrow?” And I have to answer the question for the 1 millionth time: “I have no idea, pass me the potatoes.”

At the end of the day, in the 135/91k world, you have to be gone away from home to bring home the bacon. This is different than a airline when you live in base and can bid LCR and be at home all the time and make the monthly guarantee while also making 17% direct contribution. I’m not in an airline hub so I couldn’t do that without headache, although I’ve thought about it and commuting.

Flexjet pays for my parking or Uber from my doorstep to the airport on day 1. Pays for all food expenses on the road. Schedule flexibility is different than Netjets. As DRL, you’d have to get guys to cover for you for a vacation. This can be done while the schedule is being built with the other 2 pilots. Instead for example at Netjets, you would take 7 days off of a 7/7, and you have 21 days off automatically. I’ve flown my family in the Flexjet plane I fly. I was able to coordinate with dispatch for a short reposition. That was awesome, but it’s not like I can list myself as standby on Delta heading to the Canary Islands in first class.

They are extremely flexible with calling in sick for an emergency, whether on day 0 or in the middle of the rotation. They take your word for it, and don’t ask for a sick note or proof. I’ve had house emergencies, kid being sick, and me being sick. All approved. My friends at NetJets however have had the Bridgeway 1 arrival after their first sick call. If you don’t know what that is, just imagine their chief pilot drilling you about why you called in sick, and why you may not have checked into the hotel (yes NetJets tracks this; very creepy).

All the captains I fly with are very cautious and by the book when it comes to safety. This is very appealing to me as I have friends at mom and pop 135s where they discourage writing up the plane in order to keep revenue constant.

Flexjet is different, but in a good way. I made more than my friends at NetJets year 1. But will this always be the case, maybe not. If NetJets gets a pay increase, will we get one too? I hope so, since we don’t have a union. Do your research, make your decision. It’s not for everyone, but flying isn’t either. If you wanted to see your kid every nights maybe go to Allegiant or work for FlightSafety. We are pilots, and we are merely transportation tools.

Originally Posted by Artifact

enjoyed this post. Just accepted the offer. Class in June.

Originally Posted by cdub

How soon can a new hire expect the 7 and 7 schedule?

Originally Posted by droptrack97

When I received my offer letter the 7/7 option was offered, but it really wasn't. What I mean is that there were 5 potential pay rates:

1) 7 on 7 off at annual salary of $56,459.46
2) 8 on 7 off at annual salary of $56,459.46
3) 8 on 6 off at daily rate of $513
4) 14-day schedule at daily rate of $513
5) PBS schedule at daily rate of $513

It was explained to me that the 7/7 and 8/7 were holdover salaries from previous acquisitions/mergers (maybe Flight Options?). Anyway, the 2 effective rates at 8/6 and PBS, both at daily rates.

Originally Posted by jdownend

How are initial AC assignments given out.

Originally Posted by C340

Im in training right now and so far it’s been fantastic. They’re treating us really well, and even when I take off the rose colored glasses and put down the jug of company Kool aid, they do seem to offer a pretty good package, all things considered.

Originally Posted by Artifact

CONGRATULATIONS. Did you get the Challenger or Praetor? Did it matter?