If I'm not mistaken there is no RVSM requirement for an autopilot to be engaged, Only for an autopilot to be operational.

 

Fair enough. Either way you can hand fly as much as you want.

 

Is Flex a career 135 for long range international flying? I know about Red Label but what is the reality of a young-ish (late 20s) HondaJet PIC getting a SIC spot / future PIC role in a Gulfstream here? Is it a pipe dream or something I could work towards in under 5 years after hire. Opposed to "the other guys" global spots that seem to be defferring to junior-ish pilots.

 

You can absolutely expect to have the opportunity to get on one of the Gulfstream or Global fleets within 5 years if that is your goal.

 

Not wrong by any stretch although I'll add emphasis to the fact that Gulfstream/Global side isn't seniority-based, but interview based. Odds are strong someone could get in within 5 years, but also go 20 years and never get picked. Sorry if that was posted already - didn't read the whole thread.

 

Maybe he could bid SIC on the ILC and fly with some of the crews and get brought in that way? And, if you do that and still don’t get picked, well, it’s probably you that’s the problem…

ETA: I’m just spitballing since I’m not on line yet and don’t know the intricacies.

 

There are no ILC SIC’s.

 

Ah. Rick H. in the interview said there might be a spot or two for SIC’s in the 450. Thanks.

 

He was more than likely talking about SIC slots in the Legacy 450, not G-450.

 

This is true, which is why I said you could expect the opportunity to get on, not to expect to get on. The program is very much merit/reputation/relationship weighted, and doesn't take into account a seniority number. If you don't have a previously established relationship with an aircraft commander, it's a definite grind to get your name out there and visible to the ILC group and upper management. Advancing to captain in other fleets and making yourself stand out by taking on duties such as IP/CA roles is the easiest path towards ILC for regular line pilots. Even then there are no guarantees. You're at the mercy of the aircraft commander to pick you for their tail, and management to okay your entry into the program.

The program operating outside the seniority list can be grating to some, but considering you will be working with the same 5 individuals for years at a time, team chemistry and effectiveness are paramount to the success of the program.

Previously it'd been seen as a good ol' boys club by many, but with the rapid expansion of the ILC Gulfstream fleets, that is much less prevalent now. There simply aren't enough good ol' boys to go around. Spots are now more freely given to those who work to differentiate themselves and put in the requisite work to join the program.

There are plenty of pilots who have joined the program in their first 12-18 months on property, and most of those did so without prior relationships with an aircraft commander. It is a realistic possibility for anyone who comes here with it in mind and puts the work in to make themselves competitive.