NaviNut

What is the job avalibility (saying the economy was in better shape) of a fractional pilot job? Also, about how many hours would be needed to be fairly competitive?

Triggs

Given the amount of pilots out of work right now, I would venture to say that 7000+ is going to be needed to get looked at when the frac's start hiring again. (just the opinion of one in the industry)

Sputnik

Same for military pilots? Not that we're special, just curious. Don't know a lot with that kind of time.

Cubdrick

With that said when does the "total hours = total experience" curve plateau? I buy a 2000 hour pilot is "more experienced" than a 1000 hour pilot, who is more experienced than a 500 hour pilot etc., but is there not a point when 3000 = 5000 = 7000 = 10000?

In my opinion there has to be a point when quality of hours, recency and depth of experience, and over all attitude, aptitude, and general likability of a candidate means more than "total hours."

Cubdrick

arjmjj

Being a Fractional Pilot is the toughest job in the whole world..no, galaxy; no, UNIVERSE!!!!

USMCFLYR

Sputnik -

There were many threads over a year plus ago about NJA's hiring practices when it came to high time civilian pilots versus military pilots. The conventional take was that NJA seem to hire in three groups - and those in each group were competitive against others in that same group - P121, P91/135, and military basically. A military pilot would not be competing against a 8,000 TT former P121 guy; and within the groupings there as probably some variance too since I doubt many of the strike fighter guys in my community could compete on hours with the heavies in the USN/USMC much less the haevy guys in the USAF.
There are a ton of NJA guys here on the forum, so I hope that some will speak up and share their opinions.

USMCFLYR

amaineiac

I don't think it's just the amount of time, it's the quality of time. A guy with 3000 TT who's been a CFI most of the time doesn't have the same type of experiences as someone with 2000 that's flown checks, and then flew an RJ or corporate airplane.

I'm amazed at the variety of guys we have a NetJets. All walks of life here. Pure 121, some mixed 121/corporate, some pure military, some on their second career etc.

Aside from your TT, most corporate/fractional companies are looking at what you bring to the table customer service wise. Anyone can fly a plane, they want to make sure you're able, and willing, to do all the other stuff that goes along with the job.

When the economy does turn around, I think it's going to take a while to recall everyone and start hiring new guys off the street.

Best of luck to you.

Sputnik

All makes sense, thanks guys

UCLAbruins

some obstacles at present:

thousands of experienced pilots out of work
thousands of regional pilots eager to move on/up
several corporate pilots who wanna get on for better QOL or schedules
fractionals shrinking

my guess if you're civilian, at least 6000, not sure about mil guys.. it'd be a couple of years before Netjets opens up the barn again

plasticpi

It's almost as hard as being a complete pilot.