Decision...
 

Coming up on 17 years at NJA. Been in the XL most of that.

I’m looking at changing fleets and was looking for some advice.

Should I bid what I really want to fly or play it safe and bid what gives me the best relative seniority?

So basically go for the green or lay up? If you’re into golf...

Thanks in advance.

hkdguy

Would you bid left seat in the long haul fleet as well ?if no how would the schedules be and how big would the pay cut be?

What matters more?

Being happy on the road.

Being happy getting the schedule, vacation, and other bids that you want.

It's too bad after 17 years you can't have both. How much longer will that take?

I remember your previous Latitude vs CL350 thread. Sounds like most fleets are working hard these days. Your questions are highly personal in nature and specific to your situation - but I am interested to hear what others say....

Friend of mine is facing a similar decision and has been on the Sovereign for 10+ years (FO and now Capt). He is bored with the Sovereign and currently looking at the new Longitude given that there will supposedly be 7 on property by the end of 2019 with many more on the way. Plus, the airplane is more advanced with the Garmin cockpit (something new vs the older Sovereign) and it is Hawaii capable. That’s his perspective and your opinion may vary...

Same for me. Bored in the XL.

Would really like to do some non-XL type flying. Would like to fly something besides a Citation. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the airplane. Just want a change of pace.

Would really like to try the 350. But I’d be in the bottom 10% over there. Jeez...

In the Latitude I’d be around the 2/3 point on the capn’s list. That wouldn’t be too bad seniority wise. But I’m afraid it’ll just be more “XL” flying.

Wrestling with, is flying the 350 worth the QOL I’ll be dealing with.

Or maybe I should just sit tight a few more years in the XL, get the schedules/vacations I want a few more years then crossover to the 350.

Want to make just one move for awhile.

Thanks

Have you tried the 52 day? Less time at work to get bored.

2 cents
 

I do not work a t NJ, but I have worked at similar places. I get what you are talking about, but in my personal experience the “new” wears off fairly quickly when changing equipment. The view is exactly the same, regardless of type. I love learning new planes, but at the end of the day, for me, it is about making the most money and having the most time at home. If someone wants to pay me big bucks to work a few days a week flying a Cessna 172 and sleep in my own bed most nights, I am down for that.

Christmas off, my wife, and kids birthdays off,and at least one summer vaca a year is keeping me in the mighty XL for the moment ,I don’t mind the old girl and her quirks ( Honeywell.....) and as the 350, and the Lat are ascending both in numbers , and subsequent activity , QOL on the skyroad has been improving, slowly , steadily .

Latitude is a pretty awesome aircraft, the Garmin is probably one of the most advanced set of instruments out there right now. We are flying about 25-30 hours a tour depending on what you get to do (seems I have been all east coast lately). New hires are currently holding Tuesday to Tuesday on 7 day but we have been told that a ton of 17-20 year guys are about to bid over as more airplanes are parked. Good news is the fleet is growing at about 2-3 new aircraft a month fir forceable future. 350 flying looks better, but I think they are stopping deliveries at 75 aircraft with all the MX issues? Id wait it out, place may look very different in a year? Told were losing more pilots than we can hire so seniority is going up, 70 year old retirement is also rumored to be coming?

Wait another year and see how the longitude stirs things up.