Advice on NJ A/C
 

Hello all,

I interviewed a week and a half ago at NetJets, and I am anxiously awaiting the phone call to make things official. IF, there is a choice in a/c for me to accept (fingers crossed), I was leaning toward the XL/S and the G200, but I would love some input on these choices especially from anyone actually flying these. Any other input would be appreciated too.

Thanks

The Excel/ XLS and X work the hardest. At least the Excel/ XLS gets extra pay due to the differences pay ($225 a month for SIC). The Excel will get you the most pay as a new FO with the differences pay and a lot of overtime. I've heard that the Hawker 800 (with the Collins) will get differences pay and fly the 900s when we start getting them this fall. The Hawkers are pretty senior for CAs since they supposedly have a fairly light schedule without being so light that you are sitting hot standby all that much. I haven't talked to any G200 FOs, but we are getting 6 new ones this year so there will be some slots available. Good luck.

What is difference pay?
Also, am I correct in interpreting that the aircraft in which a new FO will be doing the most flying is the Excel and X? Personally out of the gate as a potential new hire I'd rather be in the air than the recliner at the FBO.

Are you asked at the interview what your preferences for A/C are, or when you get the "you're hired" call?

Thanks,

The "differences pay" for a new hire, is, as mentioned above, about $250/mo. This was one of the reasons I chose the XL/XLS.

When I interviewed, I had the choice of about 5 different aircraft. It made a big difference in how soon I started according to what airplane is chosen. NetJets is happy enough to give you whatever plane is available, but class schedules are pretty much set quite a bit in the future. If they know they'll have a new-hire slot in the Falcon, but it won't be for six weeks, you're going to have to wait. Conversely, if they discover a slot the next week, it will be on a particular aircraft.

As far as aircraft go: I have type ratings on six different airplanes and experience in lots of others. While the Citation XL is a great aircraft for the company and our customers, I would have to say, it is without a doubt the worst airplane I've ever flown. How Cessna got it certified is a mystery to me. I like the schedule, I like the captains, I like the length of legs, but I hate the plane. It is totally "rinky-dink". Most of the guys who like it, don't seem to have much to compare it to.

I was asked during the interview which a/c I would like. I told them that I was going to hold out for the BBJ...after we all quite laughing, I think I said XL or G200. I think that I would rather get the first available.

Thanks for the replies

Mooneymite,
I would have to say, it is without a doubt the worst airplane I've ever flown. How Cessna got it certified is a mystery to me. I like the schedule, I like the captains, I like the length of legs, but I hate the plane. It is totally "rinky-dink". Most of the guys who like it, don't seem to have much to compare it to.[/QUOTE]


Please Explain.

Yeah, I don't like the airplane much...

Not an issue any more... Linda called and I chose the 800XP over the Ultra or the XL (later start date).

Can you be more specific about the XL, please?

Imigine that Cessna mated a C-172 to a B-720...then called it a Citation XL. That would give you some idea of the engineering.

There is a two position stabilizer that moves when the flaps are extended or retracted. As flaps are retracted after takeoff, the aircraft wants to fly into the ground. As you slow for approach and extend flaps prior to GS intercept, it wants to climb through the GS...nice. Even this would be bearable, except that the electric trim has only two speeds: too slow and way too slow.

Aside from the way it flies, the creature comforts are poor, there is no room in the cockpit for anything. And the systems are totally rinky-dink. When was the last time you flew a plane with pneumatic deicing on the tail? The hydraulics are quintessential Cessna "powerpak" mentality.

However, you will find a lot of guys who think it flies "great". I'm not one of them.