chesty

Go to Netjets and stay far from Flexjet as long as Ricci and RH are at the reigns... you will deeply regret your decision as it’s a “who can kiss the most a** to get ahead” company.

WiskeyTango

But you can eventually hold the base where you live at the regional? Why not just stick it out? Make it a career there?

rswitz

Yes, but not for many years.

FNGFO

I don’t think you understand how hard you’ll be working for whatever they say you’ll make this year. You’ll probably fly 5-700 hours a year at Flex, but you’ll be cleaning, stocking, doing lavs and throwing bags an additional 5-700 hours, and it’ll be more like 1000 if you do it well. So if spending a month of your life each year hunched over servicing the cabin of a Phenom sounds like what you dreamed about in aviation then go hard after it.

You’ll also enjoy rolling rest, an interesting concept of maintenance and flexible rules. I personally wouldn’t take that step if a major airline was my goal. Not because it’s undoable, but because it’s unnecessary. What was once a very good place to hang your hat it now Flight Options with lipstick.

wankel7

How many days per year on the road to make the 100K?

I bet you will be gone more flying for Flex than you would be commuting to your upcoming RJ captain gig.

How many days per year on the 8/6?

MudhammedCJ

Anybody with internet access and the ability to read who contemplates suckjet as a viable option deserves what they get by ignoring all the warnings and going to work there.

lowandslow

Going to Flex from a regional will probably seem amazing for a little while. After a couple of years you start to realize how much more you’re working for how much less than an airline counterpart in both days away and actual labor. Additionally, in the airline world when you’re more senior you gain bidding power in both days off and quality of trips. No such thing when everyone is 8/6 or at least set to a minimum amount of days out. This was during the good old days when fractionals were booming and the airlines were hampered by bankruptcy contracts.

GeeWizDriver

Switz,

Are you sensing a trend here?

Avi8tor441

Have you really looked at the schedule at Flex? Read all the posts? While it may be a place for some it’s not for everyone.

1. You will fly 500-700 hours a year and you aren’t just flying. You are the flight attendant. The aircraft cleaner. You stock the airplane. You throw bags. You are a customer service rep (believe me pax can be a pain in the rear). Oh and have fun with the cramped phenom. I fly a 100 corporate currently. Smaller but the 300 is just longer and not that much wider. I’m 6’3 and I hardly fit.

2. Look at the schedule. If you go to the 8/7 then you take a DRAMATIC pay cut. So your life is the PBS. Kiss weekends and holidays goodbye until you get senior.

3. Ready to upgrade? Well guess what? Phenom here you come. You won’t get much of a raise either. Sure the per is nice but salary wise you are still below 100k a year.

4. Included in that salary are bonuses. You may or may not get the top bonus payout. You really never know.

5. Read up on everything you can about flex. Some pilots are happy, but from my understanding most aren’t. It’s not a career. It’s a stepping stone.

I personally am doing my best to get to an airline. I’m around 6000 TT, but I’ve never flown crew or anything over 12.5. I’m interviewing with XO jet sometime this year because I’m guaranteed a big airframe. An 8 on 6 off schedule. Yes I’ll take a pay cut, but the worst that happens is I upgrade in 8-18 months depending on what airframe I get. After 12 years I wish I could have gone regional and been where you are at. Look at the hiring wave that is coming for the majors. Get a degree in literally anything and check the box.

A 5 year captain (assuming you are in the phenom) banks 111 a year. A 5 year FO at United...154k a year. That does not include per, benefits, override, premium trips or anything. Retirement? Flex can’t hold a candle to a major. Take it from a guy who made the choice to spend 12 years flying 135. I am ready to make the jump. United, southwest and Alaska all have my resume. I will be another 2-4 years before I become competitive. This is coming from 5 internal recs I have at United. They hire 40% from 121, 40% military and just 20% from 135/corporate/91k.

I’m done with my rant. Just take it as food for thought.

rswitz

Yes, I've read the APC threads and am aware of all the negativity. I've also spoken to some current FJ pilots who are happy with their jobs.

I'm trying to gather enough info to make the most informed decision for myself and my family.