FlexJet vs Airlines
 

What is flying like there?
i am debating airlines vs flex,
flex has better pay the first year, but long wait for an upgrade.
airlines = crap pay but alot quicker upgrade. HMMMM.....
I never have flown "airlines" been a freight dog so i dont know how to compare them.
so if there are opinions out there especially from airline guys who have flown fractionals, it would be nice to get your 2cents. worth
also do the airlines frown on fractional guys coming into the airline side of things? thanks

Upgrades are about two years, don't know of any airline with upgrades that fast with as nice equipment. Flew for the airlines for 12 years not going back, you are also treated better by managment then any airline I had been at.

I had a very similar, but short lived debate. Regionals were definitely not an option I was considering. I chose Flexjet.

Can a guy flying at Scenic get a job for a fractional? I'm leaning towards the fractional world right now instead of the airline gig.

Probably...when you get some PIC turbine.

Probably if you know someone. Don't know if twin otter is exactly an advanced airplane, still turbine...

Just a few questions for any Flexjet pilots

1. What is the usual schedule like

2. how are the medical benefits for you and your family

3. How much vacation are you awarded each year

4. How is the relationship between management and the pilot group

5. Do you bid on gateways or do you have the choice of which one you want to live at or commute to.

I have about 2500 hours with an ATP and Learjet type rating and am just starting to figure out if Flexjet would be a good move, any help would be great thanks.

The "usual" schedule varies since a PBS is used. Anywhere from 4 - 6 day rotations. Average 16 days On per 28 day bid period.

The medical benefits vary depending on the plan option chosen. Family is around 30-40 every two weeks, someone else can probably give better numbers on that, I have a single policy.

Two periods of 5 vacation days a year each preceded with, and followed by 4 days off. So, two 13 day blocks.

The relationship with management seems pretty good right now.

You don't have to bid on bases.