How many will punch when/if major pay starts inching back up?

I sincerely doubt people will leave NetJets for the majors because of pay, or any other reason, specially with a bit of seniority. You top out higher at the majors, but there's no way in hell I would leave NJ for CO or UA so I'd make $15,000 more 18 years down the road. Commute my whole career, pay for my own benefits, give up my QOL just for that much difference, no thanks.

However, my opinion, a new trend will begin around 2010. Then, newbies will be looking at a 9-10 year upgrade. Some of the younger pilots won't like the idea of sitting on the right seat of an Xcel, Beech Jet or Hawker for that long, they'd rather do it in a 737. I think around 2010 we'll start loosing some, (not many) guys to the majors.

That's why I tell people, if you're thinking about NetJets, get here soon. If you get in this year, mid 2009 at the latest, then you'll be OK, great career ahead of you.

just my opinion

Very few. All of the eligible pilots I have talked to have turned down recall and laugh at the idea of going back to a 121 airline. They can "inch" up all they want. The major carriers will never have the same mystique and QOL that it once had. If the airlines have their way, they will have pilotless aircraft on the line.

That's right. Get a Ultra Capt. bid, then when they force you out get another type w/o the lock and if it sucks, just get another bid. Just my opinion.

Questions from an Old Fart
 

Gents,

This is a good informative thread. At age 45, sitting right seat on an A320 at a major (USAirways), with upgrade probably in 5 years or worse due to age 65, I am wondering if a career change is in my benefit.

I have a great QOL, drive to work, easy trips, lots of time at home, so so paycheck.

Going to Netjets would of course give me a base in my city, and about the same pay for now while we are under a crappy contract, and eliminate the VERY negative work enviroment that I deal with as well.

Bottom line is that my glass is half full here at US. I am wondering if I would wind up with a glass 3/4 full or better at NJ. Or anyplace else for that matter.

Another question, when in training at NJ do they type you as well, even though you are an FO?

Thanks in advance for all the insight.

IW

Yes, all newhire FOs receive (PIC) type ratings. Come on in, the waters fine.

I think most "newbies" (or "wanna-bes" as is my case) around my age (late 20s-early 30s) should be prepared for a 10 year wait for the left seat. I'm not saying 10 years will be a hard and fast rule, but it is a real possibility we should be mentally prepared for. There are many factors working against short upgrades all over the industry... age 65, mergers, slowing economy, etc. I wouldn't avoid NJA based on a projected time to upgrade. It's either that or wait on the same thing at a post-merger legacy. Somehow, I think NJA is a better place to wait for a left seat than the legacies. Also, if a pilot truly desires a left seat in short order, he/she should bid the first available one even if it lands you in the Mighty 400. That will get you the pay raise and Jet PIC time.

Just my .02.

Skyward80

As of Sep 07, guys upgrading to the Ultra, the most junior aircraft, were at NJA for 2 1/2 years. Growth remains the best predicter of upgrade times still probably. As for attrition, remember there are some senior (meaning age) guys here. But without the 65 required retirement age, it's impossible to predict upgrades based on attrition unlike 121 companies.

Ron Hendrickson
Those aren't majors.

I know 2 ex ultra pilots at NJ that upgrade in 6 & 8 months... I say ex cause now they are flying other types which came with the upgrade and a pay raise. Not bad eh, NJ is the place to be.