Blutarsky

Did anyone go to that dinner thing at the schoolhouse? I'm flying, so fill us in. Was there anything important, or just fluff?

Btoflyer

Hey y'all, I'm interviewing with FJ in July and hoping to get some real world info. I've flown Pt 135 and 121 but very interested in the fractional side. Wondering how many legs per day, typical length of duty day, whether a new guy can get four day trips (apparently the min for the PBS bidding) and other QOL questions. Also wondering if swapping seats for legs is still a thing at FJ.
Thanks for any help.

GeeWizDriver

Um....err....either you haven’t been paying attention, or you are OUT OF YOUR MIND.

Flex is now the biggest dumpster fire in all of aviation. Is that “real world” enough for you?

You’ve been warned.

Jeff Lebowski

Flexjet isn't a fractional anymore. The term "fractional" implies certain things, not the least of which is one pilot group working off one seniority list and one set of work rules, regardless of the various types of equipment employed. By that definition, Netjets is still a fractional. XO Jet is also a fractional. Flexjet used to be a fractional but is now run more like a large managed charter outfit where the pilot group is chopped up into bite-sized morsels which can be digested and spit out somewhat more easily.

The term "fractional" also implies that the majority of the people flying on your jets are owners in the true sense. And while I've been gone from the place for a couple of years now and cannot speak to the current business climate, I can say that when I left the percentage of true "owners" seemed to be in a state of irreversible decline, to be replaced with so-called "card clients," which is just a fancy way of saying "charter."

So if your dream has always been to fly for a fractional and all that implies, I would advise you to look elsewhere.

WiskeyTango

Work days can really vary. In comes in waves. An easy day is two legs, average is probably 3, 4 is not uncommon. Average duty day is probably 10-12 hours. Min rest (10 hours) is not uncommon either. Bottom line is you will be busy on the road. first and last day can be especially long with trips and airline to/form your base. 4 day trips will probably be few and far between. Not only because you are junior but the company restricts the Number of 4 day trips allowed, although they don’t release any guidelines on these restrictions so it is hard to plan for it.

Buckaday

BTO, unless you have no their options due to a DUI, felony or some other huge red mark, go elsewhere. Elsewhere, as in anywhere but flex.


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RI830

You sir are nominated for TOTD. Keeping it classy.

LloydBraun

Problem is he's absolutely correct. It's a dump.

AirBear

Things are going to get very ugly at FJ. I would only work there as a last resort. They're so desperate for pilots they've sent out recruiting postcards to random pilots and more recently some NetJets pilots have been getting unsolicited emails from them.

With many uncrewed jets sitting around everyday, and with no union contract to protect you the work environment will soon turn very ugly. 4 day trips? In your dreams. You'll be assigned to work days off to cover trips. Might be better as a "Red Label" Pilot but you really need to be a "Team Player" (overlook Mx issues, never fatigue, etc) to get on as "Red Label".

A company that's critically short of pilots combined with no contract meaning work conditions can change at the whim of management is NOT a good combination.

Btoflyer

Thanks very much for the well-reasoned responses to my request for help. I'm going to stay at my regional. And for the trolls who like to take a dig at a fellow pilot,
........