Leave Regional for FlexJet?
06-12-2019, 06:50 AM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2013
Posts: 410
Leave Regional for FlexJet?
I'm a year 2 FO at a good regional and I live in base.
I'm torn between two options.
option 1:: stay at my regional and upgrade, which would mean commuting to a crash pad. Based here as a CA is years out of sight.
option 2: go to FlexJet. Home based. From what I've read, 100k seems doable first year on the PBS schedule, which I'm assuming is more or less like my regional schedule.
With the retirements on the horizon, I'm not sure leaving the airlines now is a great move. I lack a 4 year, whatever that's worth.
Can anyone who has made a similar move, or a current flex pilot, chime in?
My phone screen at flex is scheduled later this summer.
Thanks for any input.
I'm torn between two options.
option 1:: stay at my regional and upgrade, which would mean commuting to a crash pad. Based here as a CA is years out of sight.
option 2: go to FlexJet. Home based. From what I've read, 100k seems doable first year on the PBS schedule, which I'm assuming is more or less like my regional schedule.
With the retirements on the horizon, I'm not sure leaving the airlines now is a great move. I lack a 4 year, whatever that's worth.
Can anyone who has made a similar move, or a current flex pilot, chime in?
My phone screen at flex is scheduled later this summer.
Thanks for any input.
06-12-2019, 10:14 AM
#2
Speed, Power, Accuracy
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: PIC
Posts: 1,699
Let me be the first:
Are you out of your freakin mind?
This is well traveled ground on these boards but as long as you don’t have a disqualifying issue in your background (DUI, multiple training failures) then you’re probably better off in your current track.
If you’re worried about the college issue, go to your local community college and start working on your associates degree. You can get it done even while working on the road and it will play well on a resume and in the interview showing a dedication to learning and improving yourself.
Finally, if you really think fractionals will be a better career path for you, (I can’t believe I’m writing this) go to Netjets instead. Long upgrade but infinitely better gig. Flex was, is, and ever shall be a dumpster fire for those who don’t worship His Ricciness. In EVERY way that metaphor implies.
Good luck to you.
Are you out of your freakin mind?
This is well traveled ground on these boards but as long as you don’t have a disqualifying issue in your background (DUI, multiple training failures) then you’re probably better off in your current track.
If you’re worried about the college issue, go to your local community college and start working on your associates degree. You can get it done even while working on the road and it will play well on a resume and in the interview showing a dedication to learning and improving yourself.
Finally, if you really think fractionals will be a better career path for you, (I can’t believe I’m writing this) go to Netjets instead. Long upgrade but infinitely better gig. Flex was, is, and ever shall be a dumpster fire for those who don’t worship His Ricciness. In EVERY way that metaphor implies.
Good luck to you.
06-12-2019, 10:23 AM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2013
Posts: 410
Originally Posted by GeeWizDriver
Let me be the first:
Are you out of your freakin mind?
This is well traveled ground on these boards but as long as you don’t have a disqualifying issue in your background (DUI, multiple training failures) then you’re probably better off in your current track.
If you’re worried about the college issue, go to your local community college and start working on your associates degree. You can get it done even while working on the road and it will play well on a resume and in the interview showing a dedication to learning and improving yourself.
Finally, if you really think fractionals will be a better career path for you, (I can’t believe I’m writing this) go to Netjets instead. Long upgrade but infinitely better gig. Flex was, is, and ever shall be a dumpster fire for those who don’t worship His Ricciness. In EVERY way that metaphor implies.
Good luck to you.
Are you out of your freakin mind?
This is well traveled ground on these boards but as long as you don’t have a disqualifying issue in your background (DUI, multiple training failures) then you’re probably better off in your current track.
If you’re worried about the college issue, go to your local community college and start working on your associates degree. You can get it done even while working on the road and it will play well on a resume and in the interview showing a dedication to learning and improving yourself.
Finally, if you really think fractionals will be a better career path for you, (I can’t believe I’m writing this) go to Netjets instead. Long upgrade but infinitely better gig. Flex was, is, and ever shall be a dumpster fire for those who don’t worship His Ricciness. In EVERY way that metaphor implies.
Good luck to you.
06-12-2019, 10:38 AM
#4
Perennial Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,474
Originally Posted by rswitz
Thanks for your input. Do you have any specifics on the negatives of flexjet? I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons.
The retirement wave at the legacies that is building already and will peak in three to five years is very likely a ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME opportunity. Unless you KNOW you aren’t going to be competitive (DUIs, Training failures, or other things your regional chose to overlook that A major won’t) or you know you will sit reserve for a year or two while barely flying, it is silly to pass up the opportunity to get 1000 of 121 TPIC.
And in the internet era getting a four year degree an hour a night in a hotel room is actually pretty easy.
https://thebestschools.org/rankings/...tics-aviation/
06-12-2019, 10:54 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2013
Posts: 410
Originally Posted by Excargodog
Do you have any specifics on your regional? Specifically, how long it will take you to get 1000 TPIC after you upgrade?
The retirement wave at the legacies that is building already and will peak in three to five years is very likely a ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME opportunity. Unless you KNOW you aren’t going to be competitive (DUIs, Training failures, or other things your regional chose to overlook that A major won’t) or you know you will sit reserve for a year or two while barely flying, it is silly to pass up the opportunity to get 1000 of 121 TPIC.
And in the internet era getting a four year degree an hour a night in a hotel room is actually pretty easy.
https://thebestschools.org/rankings/...tics-aviation/
The retirement wave at the legacies that is building already and will peak in three to five years is very likely a ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME opportunity. Unless you KNOW you aren’t going to be competitive (DUIs, Training failures, or other things your regional chose to overlook that A major won’t) or you know you will sit reserve for a year or two while barely flying, it is silly to pass up the opportunity to get 1000 of 121 TPIC.
And in the internet era getting a four year degree an hour a night in a hotel room is actually pretty easy.
https://thebestschools.org/rankings/...tics-aviation/
It's now obvious where I work.
06-12-2019, 11:03 AM
#6
Perennial Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,474
Originally Posted by rswitz
I dont think it would take very long once I upgrade, provided I switch airframes and commute from DEN-DTW.
It's now obvious where I work.
It's now obvious where I work.
06-12-2019, 11:11 AM
#7
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2017
Posts: 84
Originally Posted by GeeWizDriver
Let me be the first:
Are you out of your freakin mind?
This is well traveled ground on these boards but as long as you don’t have a disqualifying issue in your background (DUI, multiple training failures) then you’re probably better off in your current track.
If you’re worried about the college issue, go to your local community college and start working on your associates degree. You can get it done even while working on the road and it will play well on a resume and in the interview showing a dedication to learning and improving yourself.
Finally, if you really think fractionals will be a better career path for you, (I can’t believe I’m writing this) go to Netjets instead. Long upgrade but infinitely better gig. Flex was, is, and ever shall be a dumpster fire for those who don’t worship His Ricciness. In EVERY way that metaphor implies.
Good luck to you.
Are you out of your freakin mind?
This is well traveled ground on these boards but as long as you don’t have a disqualifying issue in your background (DUI, multiple training failures) then you’re probably better off in your current track.
If you’re worried about the college issue, go to your local community college and start working on your associates degree. You can get it done even while working on the road and it will play well on a resume and in the interview showing a dedication to learning and improving yourself.
Finally, if you really think fractionals will be a better career path for you, (I can’t believe I’m writing this) go to Netjets instead. Long upgrade but infinitely better gig. Flex was, is, and ever shall be a dumpster fire for those who don’t worship His Ricciness. In EVERY way that metaphor implies.
Good luck to you.
06-12-2019, 01:10 PM
#8
XOJET Citation X
Joined APC: Mar 2005
Position: DO, Baker Aviation, Citation X
Posts: 316
Advice
Are you trying to get to a major carrier? If so, my observations are relevant. If you have a different goal, then disregard.
In my 19.5 yrs with a major I have flown with a lot of folks. I am sure there are some who matched your “ proposed career path”, regional to fractional to major. In fact I have flown with a few but in all the cases I remembered their departure from the regional was due to furloughs, bankruptcy, not a self-induced departure.
Career paths are pretty varied and obviously the hassle of commuting and crash padding is of little interest. However, few in this industry I have found didn’t suffer QOL bumps as a result of making choices to further their career, family separation, missed birthdays and unplanned overnights waiting to catch the next flight out the next day.
Obtaining PIC to be more competitive for the majors is a good call and while “home basing” is a great QOL perk, it doesn’t help you get to the next career steep quicker IMHO....2 OALS based in Denver are hiring..if you have enough time to be upgrading you are approaching the window to be called by those carriers. At XO where I fly, pilots are averaging 650-700 hrs a year (I am a newbie so can’t speak from a personal standpoint), I suspect your regional is at or above that.
2 yrs of commuting sounds ugly and it is...you can never get that time back..but what you trade for that short term pain is taking advantage of the most advantageous time in the history of aviation for pilots to get hired by a major. I would use those 2 yrs to complete the college degree as was suggested and turn lemons into lemonade.
Home basing is great..looking forward to it over my commuting for the last 13 yrs but you will still be on an 7/7, 8/6 or possibly longer time away type of lifestyle. You may not be commuting but you will still be gone.
Could you be successful in getting to a major via a jink to the fractional world? Sure? Take 2 identical scenarios and ask people who have been in this world which of those 2 individuals would make it to the majors more quickly, I would venture to say most would not choose the path you are contemplating.
Life and choices you make is about attitude and your view of how you let others to impact your attitude. You could make it work most likely if you want it too...good luck with your decision.
In my 19.5 yrs with a major I have flown with a lot of folks. I am sure there are some who matched your “ proposed career path”, regional to fractional to major. In fact I have flown with a few but in all the cases I remembered their departure from the regional was due to furloughs, bankruptcy, not a self-induced departure.
Career paths are pretty varied and obviously the hassle of commuting and crash padding is of little interest. However, few in this industry I have found didn’t suffer QOL bumps as a result of making choices to further their career, family separation, missed birthdays and unplanned overnights waiting to catch the next flight out the next day.
Obtaining PIC to be more competitive for the majors is a good call and while “home basing” is a great QOL perk, it doesn’t help you get to the next career steep quicker IMHO....2 OALS based in Denver are hiring..if you have enough time to be upgrading you are approaching the window to be called by those carriers. At XO where I fly, pilots are averaging 650-700 hrs a year (I am a newbie so can’t speak from a personal standpoint), I suspect your regional is at or above that.
2 yrs of commuting sounds ugly and it is...you can never get that time back..but what you trade for that short term pain is taking advantage of the most advantageous time in the history of aviation for pilots to get hired by a major. I would use those 2 yrs to complete the college degree as was suggested and turn lemons into lemonade.
Home basing is great..looking forward to it over my commuting for the last 13 yrs but you will still be on an 7/7, 8/6 or possibly longer time away type of lifestyle. You may not be commuting but you will still be gone.
Could you be successful in getting to a major via a jink to the fractional world? Sure? Take 2 identical scenarios and ask people who have been in this world which of those 2 individuals would make it to the majors more quickly, I would venture to say most would not choose the path you are contemplating.
Life and choices you make is about attitude and your view of how you let others to impact your attitude. You could make it work most likely if you want it too...good luck with your decision.
06-12-2019, 04:15 PM
#9
Speed, Power, Accuracy
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: PIC
Posts: 1,699
Originally Posted by chase
Are you trying to get to a major carrier? If so, my observations are relevant. If you have a different goal, then disregard.
In my 19.5 yrs with a major I have flown with a lot of folks. I am sure there are some who matched your “ proposed career path”, regional to fractional to major. In fact I have flown with a few but in all the cases I remembered their departure from the regional was due to furloughs, bankruptcy, not a self-induced departure.
Career paths are pretty varied and obviously the hassle of commuting and crash padding is of little interest. However, few in this industry I have found didn’t suffer QOL bumps as a result of making choices to further their career, family separation, missed birthdays and unplanned overnights waiting to catch the next flight out the next day.
Obtaining PIC to be more competitive for the majors is a good call and while “home basing” is a great QOL perk, it doesn’t help you get to the next career steep quicker IMHO....2 OALS based in Denver are hiring..if you have enough time to be upgrading you are approaching the window to be called by those carriers. At XO where I fly, pilots are averaging 650-700 hrs a year (I am a newbie so can’t speak from a personal standpoint), I suspect your regional is at or above that.
2 yrs of commuting sounds ugly and it is...you can never get that time back..but what you trade for that short term pain is taking advantage of the most advantageous time in the history of aviation for pilots to get hired by a major. I would use those 2 yrs to complete the college degree as was suggested and turn lemons into lemonade.
Home basing is great..looking forward to it over my commuting for the last 13 yrs but you will still be on an 7/7, 8/6 or possibly longer time away type of lifestyle. You may not be commuting but you will still be gone.
Could you be successful in getting to a major via a jink to the fractional world? Sure? Take 2 identical scenarios and ask people who have been in this world which of those 2 individuals would make it to the majors more quickly, I would venture to say most would not choose the path you are contemplating.
Life and choices you make is about attitude and your view of how you let others to impact your attitude. You could make it work most likely if you want it too...good luck with your decision.
In my 19.5 yrs with a major I have flown with a lot of folks. I am sure there are some who matched your “ proposed career path”, regional to fractional to major. In fact I have flown with a few but in all the cases I remembered their departure from the regional was due to furloughs, bankruptcy, not a self-induced departure.
Career paths are pretty varied and obviously the hassle of commuting and crash padding is of little interest. However, few in this industry I have found didn’t suffer QOL bumps as a result of making choices to further their career, family separation, missed birthdays and unplanned overnights waiting to catch the next flight out the next day.
Obtaining PIC to be more competitive for the majors is a good call and while “home basing” is a great QOL perk, it doesn’t help you get to the next career steep quicker IMHO....2 OALS based in Denver are hiring..if you have enough time to be upgrading you are approaching the window to be called by those carriers. At XO where I fly, pilots are averaging 650-700 hrs a year (I am a newbie so can’t speak from a personal standpoint), I suspect your regional is at or above that.
2 yrs of commuting sounds ugly and it is...you can never get that time back..but what you trade for that short term pain is taking advantage of the most advantageous time in the history of aviation for pilots to get hired by a major. I would use those 2 yrs to complete the college degree as was suggested and turn lemons into lemonade.
Home basing is great..looking forward to it over my commuting for the last 13 yrs but you will still be on an 7/7, 8/6 or possibly longer time away type of lifestyle. You may not be commuting but you will still be gone.
Could you be successful in getting to a major via a jink to the fractional world? Sure? Take 2 identical scenarios and ask people who have been in this world which of those 2 individuals would make it to the majors more quickly, I would venture to say most would not choose the path you are contemplating.
Life and choices you make is about attitude and your view of how you let others to impact your attitude. You could make it work most likely if you want it too...good luck with your decision.
06-12-2019, 08:48 PM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2013
Posts: 410
Originally Posted by chase
Are you trying to get to a major carrier? If so, my observations are relevant. If you have a different goal, then disregard.
In my 19.5 yrs with a major I have flown with a lot of folks. I am sure there are some who matched your “ proposed career path”, regional to fractional to major. In fact I have flown with a few but in all the cases I remembered their departure from the regional was due to furloughs, bankruptcy, not a self-induced departure.
Career paths are pretty varied and obviously the hassle of commuting and crash padding is of little interest. However, few in this industry I have found didn’t suffer QOL bumps as a result of making choices to further their career, family separation, missed birthdays and unplanned overnights waiting to catch the next flight out the next day.
Obtaining PIC to be more competitive for the majors is a good call and while “home basing” is a great QOL perk, it doesn’t help you get to the next career steep quicker IMHO....2 OALS based in Denver are hiring..if you have enough time to be upgrading you are approaching the window to be called by those carriers. At XO where I fly, pilots are averaging 650-700 hrs a year (I am a newbie so can’t speak from a personal standpoint), I suspect your regional is at or above that.
2 yrs of commuting sounds ugly and it is...you can never get that time back..but what you trade for that short term pain is taking advantage of the most advantageous time in the history of aviation for pilots to get hired by a major. I would use those 2 yrs to complete the college degree as was suggested and turn lemons into lemonade.
Home basing is great..looking forward to it over my commuting for the last 13 yrs but you will still be on an 7/7, 8/6 or possibly longer time away type of lifestyle. You may not be commuting but you will still be gone.
Could you be successful in getting to a major via a jink to the fractional world? Sure? Take 2 identical scenarios and ask people who have been in this world which of those 2 individuals would make it to the majors more quickly, I would venture to say most would not choose the path you are contemplating.
Life and choices you make is about attitude and your view of how you let others to impact your attitude. You could make it work most likely if you want it too...good luck with your decision.
In my 19.5 yrs with a major I have flown with a lot of folks. I am sure there are some who matched your “ proposed career path”, regional to fractional to major. In fact I have flown with a few but in all the cases I remembered their departure from the regional was due to furloughs, bankruptcy, not a self-induced departure.
Career paths are pretty varied and obviously the hassle of commuting and crash padding is of little interest. However, few in this industry I have found didn’t suffer QOL bumps as a result of making choices to further their career, family separation, missed birthdays and unplanned overnights waiting to catch the next flight out the next day.
Obtaining PIC to be more competitive for the majors is a good call and while “home basing” is a great QOL perk, it doesn’t help you get to the next career steep quicker IMHO....2 OALS based in Denver are hiring..if you have enough time to be upgrading you are approaching the window to be called by those carriers. At XO where I fly, pilots are averaging 650-700 hrs a year (I am a newbie so can’t speak from a personal standpoint), I suspect your regional is at or above that.
2 yrs of commuting sounds ugly and it is...you can never get that time back..but what you trade for that short term pain is taking advantage of the most advantageous time in the history of aviation for pilots to get hired by a major. I would use those 2 yrs to complete the college degree as was suggested and turn lemons into lemonade.
Home basing is great..looking forward to it over my commuting for the last 13 yrs but you will still be on an 7/7, 8/6 or possibly longer time away type of lifestyle. You may not be commuting but you will still be gone.
Could you be successful in getting to a major via a jink to the fractional world? Sure? Take 2 identical scenarios and ask people who have been in this world which of those 2 individuals would make it to the majors more quickly, I would venture to say most would not choose the path you are contemplating.
Life and choices you make is about attitude and your view of how you let others to impact your attitude. You could make it work most likely if you want it too...good luck with your decision.
I can't deny the temptation of the immediate qol and pay benefits of going to FJ, but if I make that move, I'd probably just stay there and make it my career.
Making 200k+ and being able to live in a small town and not commute sounds like a good life to me. Even if there's legacy airline guys making 400 or 500k.
Commuting for years and having to pay for a degree in 17th century underwater dog literature isn't my thing.
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