Beech owns them, I don't get what that even means.

http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/st...6/daily27.html

 

From the article: "The Flight Options entity, which is based in Richmond Heights, Ohio, bought 115 airplanes from Raytheon for about $900 million."
Beech is in the business of selling aircraft and not owning/operating aircraft. You make and save more money if you operate someone elses aircraft. No up-front purchase cost and any operating costs get passed to the owner or charged to the charter customer (maint., crew, training, etc.)
I just heard that they were getting out of operating their own aircraft because they are loosing money and the ship is sinking fast. Just wanted to know if anyone else had heard the same thing. Thanks.

 

From the Flops website:

FLIGHT OPTIONS EXPANDS PRODUCT PORTFOLIO WITH AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

CLEVELAND Flight Options, LLC, a leading provider of fractional shares in business aircraft and a Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), announced today that the Company is now offering whole aircraft management services in addition to Fractional First ownership and JetPASS membership.
"Flight Options is proud to introduce yet another product to the aviation marketplace by offering increased access to services we have been providing for ten years as a leading fractional operator," said S. Michael Scheeringa, chief executive officer, Flight Options, LLC. "Our unparalleled experience in managing and maintaining one of the world's largest private jet fleets makes Flight Options the perfect match for owners looking for an aircraft management partner."

The Company offers a variety of unique aircraft management program options that can be specialized to fit the aircraft owner's needs while offering guaranteed revenue based upon owner flexibility, location and aircraft type. Aircraft entered in the management program will be operated by Flight Options and maintained by the largest dedicated maintenance network in general aviation.

"Due to our large customer base and unique ability to accurately forecast flight demand, we are able to guarantee a significant amount of charter revenue for our aircraft management partners," said S. Michael Scheeringa.

Flight Options, LLC, has earned a reputation as a leader and innovator within the private aviation industry. The Cleveland, Ohio-based company will mark its 10th Anniversary in 2008 and offers the complete spectrum of programs from Fractional First™ ownership to leasing, aircraft management, and JetPASS Ultimate Travel Membership. The company is an industry leader in private aviation safety as well, having been selected by the FAA to partner and participate in the development and implementation of a formal Safety Management System (SMS) soon to be required for all air service providers. Flight Options provides personalized service to its Owners and Members, with a fleet of over 140 aircraft consisting of the Beechjet 400A, Hawker 400XP, Hawker 800XP, Citation X and Legacy. More information is available at www.flightoptions.com or by calling 877.703.2348.

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Shows that they at least are putting a toe in the water of the management market. They also have an advertisement in the current issue of AIN (page 77). "Why we'd be good at managing your aircraft: We manage 140 of our own."

 

Does that mean that FLOPS pilots would fly their airplanes, or how would that work? Anyone know?

 

It would probably be a separate pilot group that would fly the managed airplanes, similar to the seperation between Netjets pilots and EJM, which is Executive Jet's aircraft management division. I have no idea if they even belong to the same union or have any flow-through system. Maybe some Netjet or EJM guys here would know......

 

Would this be bad for a future career (not saying I don't believe what others have posted)?

 

EJM pilots are not part of our union. They have no union at EJM.

There is no flow-through to Netjets from EJM

 

I would like to add to the original question about Flight Options and wether it was a good company to work for. I ran into a pilot that worked at flight options and he told me that he had been with the company for 7 years as a FO and had no upgrade available for him in the near future. He also stated that morale was low and he was looking for a new job. I hope this helps you.