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-   -   PBS question (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/flexjet/144789-pbs-question.html)

TexasLonghorn 10-22-2023 05:40 AM


Originally Posted by BetOnIt (Post 3713495)
It would appear that you are the one who is really drinking the kool-aid hardcore at Flexjet. If you think the airlines are inefficient then just wait until you get out there and actually experience the operation. My record is three straight empty legs because they cannot make up their mind on what they wanted to do. Leaving for the airlines was the best decision I have made, and not only because of the money. Actually having control of my schedule and where I fly to and what time I fly is a huge QOL gain that Flexjet cannot offer. I’m interested to see where your enthusiasm is after about a year or two.

I mean, those are all operational pitfalls of 91K/135 operations, not Flexjet specific issues. Owners cancel trips, recoveries happen, schedules change. Multiple empty leg repos are a cost of doing this kind of business. Also show me a 91K/135 pilot who not only knows when and where they're flying all the time but can control those factors. This side of the industry isn't for everyone, and that's okay. It clearly wasn't for you. There are many legitimate issues at Flexjet that are company specific that need to be addressed sooner rather than later to address attrition and recruitment, but what you've listed is just the reality of 91K/135 life. 🤷🏻‍♂️

followingdreams 10-22-2023 04:00 PM


Originally Posted by TexasLonghorn (Post 3713554)
I mean, those are all operational pitfalls of 91K/135 operations, not Flexjet specific issues. Owners cancel trips, recoveries happen, schedules change. Multiple empty leg repos are a cost of doing this kind of business. Also show me a 91K/135 pilot who not only knows when and where they're flying all the time but can control those factors. This side of the industry isn't for everyone, and that's okay. It clearly wasn't for you. There are many legitimate issues at Flexjet that are company specific that need to be addressed sooner rather than later to address attrition and recruitment, but what you've listed is just the reality of 91K/135 life. 🤷🏻‍♂️


Some people prefer to fly Alaskan bush to Airline (or 135), some people quit airlines to go back to flight instructing (and maybe making money on You Tube), the type of flying in this industry is diverse. I also prefer the 135 flying to airline. Id rather deal with FBOs than airline terminals, I'd rather live where I want to live and have a positive space ticket vs. driving 2 hours each way to the nearest airline domicile or worse, commuting. Id rather see different airports every rotation. Flex is a very good place to be and within 24 months on property you are making around 200k, not bad income if living in most areas of the country. I would love to make Flex a career destination, the only reason at this point I would see myself leaving is if they dont get the new PBS figured out for a better QOL (and that is a very common theme from other pilots I talk to) or I dont get to DRL before someone offers me a better QOL. They are sending out emails saying "Sick calls have gone up quite a bit, please remember to wash your hands and take care of yourself"......They havent quite made the connection between increased sick calls and new PBS.....

AA717driver 10-23-2023 06:15 PM


Originally Posted by Brooklyn99 (Post 3712998)
I hear you - but I almost stopped reading at "I haven't been to the line yet." There's nothing more to be said.

With respect, in my mind - you might be the one looking at a recruiting poster, but for Flexjet.

I absolutely understand that. I tried to research my post airline job as much as I could. I talked to several Flex guys at length last year and several more I’ve run into in airports.

I’m guessing it doesn’t suck as much as So. FL 135…or Netjets.;)

AA717driver 10-23-2023 06:18 PM


Originally Posted by FlyingCougar (Post 3713201)
I am in my early 30s now and healthy. But you never know what could happen later in life or be waiting dormant. That is a very good point I will need to chew on some.

I will say, no LTD drove me back to AA from a pretty good G550 Pt. 91 job when I was 49. Lots to look at.

AA717driver 10-23-2023 06:28 PM


Originally Posted by BetOnIt (Post 3713495)
It would appear that you are the one who is really drinking the kool-aid hardcore at Flexjet. If you think the airlines are inefficient then just wait until you get out there and actually experience the operation. My record is three straight empty legs because they cannot make up their mind on what they wanted to do. Leaving for the airlines was the best decision I have made, and not only because of the money. Actually having control of my schedule and where I fly to and what time I fly is a huge QOL gain that Flexjet cannot offer. I’m interested to see where your enthusiasm is after about a year or two.

I’m going into this not caring where I fly. I’m out for 8 days, do whatever you want. I’m a big boy, I won’t let you abuse me. But, at AA, I had no more control over my schedule once I left my driveway than I will at Flexjet.

Never buy tickets for a ballgame on a layover unless you’re in the van, heading to the hotel.

As for changes to the schedule, at least Flex seems to be trying to serve the customers (owners). At the airlines, the customer is an afterthought.

Hope you have a great rest of your career.

AirBear 10-30-2023 12:10 PM


Originally Posted by AA717driver (Post 3714588)
I will say, no LTD drove me back to AA from a pretty good G550 Pt. 91 job when I was 49. Lots to look at.

The Loss of Medical plan the union at NJA sponsored saved me from having to be the Walmart Greeter. I went out at age 60.5, drew 36 months of partial pay from NJA, then switched to the LOM which will run out when I'm 68.5. So 8 years total of benefits. And the LOM benefit is totally tax free unless you deducted the premiums from your taxes.

TransWorld 10-30-2023 12:50 PM


Originally Posted by AirBear (Post 3717599)
The Loss of Medical plan the union at NJA sponsored saved me from having to be the Walmart Greeter. I went out at age 60.5, drew 36 months of partial pay from NJA, then switched to the LOM which will run out when I'm 68.5. So 8 years total of benefits. And the LOM benefit is totally tax free unless you deducted the premiums from your taxes.

Always pay disability premiums with after tax money. Good financial move.

TCASfail 11-06-2023 06:11 PM

How bad was today’s Flexbid optimization? Assuming many folks on PBS is working Christmas thanks to the new system.

droptrack97 11-06-2023 06:35 PM


Originally Posted by TCASfail (Post 3721323)
How bad was today’s Flexbid optimization? Assuming many folks on PBS is working Christmas thanks to the new system.

Christmas is a go-home day for me. (mid-seniority FO)

Brooklyn99 11-06-2023 09:15 PM


Originally Posted by TCASfail (Post 3721323)
How bad was today’s Flexbid optimization? Assuming many folks on PBS is working Christmas thanks to the new system.

About as awful as can be expected


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