My escape from the airline industry
12-26-2012, 01:54 PM
#11
New Hire
Joined APC: Dec 2012
Posts: 4
Originally Posted by Apokleros
I wonder whether total flight time has any influence on being hired for such job. Is part 121 experience deemed advantageous?
Or maybe they think that airline guys do not adapt to the different work environment, which may be true in some cases but definitely not true in all cases.
I am a bit disoriented...
03-12-2013, 06:27 AM
#13
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2012
Posts: 37
Originally Posted by jetstream11
Hey guys,
Just thought I would post my story to provide some insight to others.
I went to UND, commercial aviation degree. Worked for UND for 3 years in a couple different roles, instructor, stage pilot, management. Accepted a job at a regional airline flying a CRJ-200.
I realized fairly quick that working at an airline wasn't for me. I wanted to be home for my family, want to progress my career based on ability not seniority, didn't enjoy flying(why i got into this career), fed up with management vs pilots.
I printed off about 10 resumes/cover letters and went to all the local airports. Researched certified aviation managers using NBAA and got in contact with a couple chief pilots. Emailed and called, followed up and followed up. Scored an interview with a couple different corporate flight departments. Also had an interview with a local 141 flight department to be a full time instructor. My thinking was that I could progress this into a corporate career.
While I was out dropping off resumes I happened to see an aviation insurance company and decided to drop of my last "pilot" resume there. About 3 weeks later I got a call from that company. Interviewed and interviewed again with them.
About 3 months later I accepted a job with an aviation insurance company, non flying job. I'm extremely happy with my decision to leave the airline career. Now my lifestyle is based on my work ethic, abilities, dedication and passion. I still get to fly but now I fly for fun!
My point is that I would have NEVER thought about aviation insurance as a career but am extremely happy with where I am at. Pursue all opportunities, you never know what you will find.
Jetstream
Just thought I would post my story to provide some insight to others.
I went to UND, commercial aviation degree. Worked for UND for 3 years in a couple different roles, instructor, stage pilot, management. Accepted a job at a regional airline flying a CRJ-200.
I realized fairly quick that working at an airline wasn't for me. I wanted to be home for my family, want to progress my career based on ability not seniority, didn't enjoy flying(why i got into this career), fed up with management vs pilots.
I printed off about 10 resumes/cover letters and went to all the local airports. Researched certified aviation managers using NBAA and got in contact with a couple chief pilots. Emailed and called, followed up and followed up. Scored an interview with a couple different corporate flight departments. Also had an interview with a local 141 flight department to be a full time instructor. My thinking was that I could progress this into a corporate career.
While I was out dropping off resumes I happened to see an aviation insurance company and decided to drop of my last "pilot" resume there. About 3 weeks later I got a call from that company. Interviewed and interviewed again with them.
About 3 months later I accepted a job with an aviation insurance company, non flying job. I'm extremely happy with my decision to leave the airline career. Now my lifestyle is based on my work ethic, abilities, dedication and passion. I still get to fly but now I fly for fun!
My point is that I would have NEVER thought about aviation insurance as a career but am extremely happy with where I am at. Pursue all opportunities, you never know what you will find.
Jetstream
Jetstream,
This is a great story, I'm happy that you were able to figure this out. I've also had an interest in the aviation insurance but I'm still in the rat race of the regional's. I don't care if I'm a CA or not, it's still not a rosy picture.
04-11-2013, 08:11 AM
#15
Gets EVERY weekend off
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: SIC
Posts: 1,367
I have a friend who graduated college with me and immediately went to work for AIG aviation insurance. He's been loving life ever since. Him and his wife have had to move for work a couple times, but think they're settled now, he still gets to fly a company plane on occasion, and always has some of the most interesting stories of how people crash their airplane. One such example was a pilot who decided to set his mag timing himself, he loosened the magneto hold down nut on the 172 and set the timing, must have snugged it up (but didn't tighten it) and after the engine had been running a while, the nut started to back itself off the bolt. End result was the mags departed the accessory case, and the engine promptly died. The guy made an off airport landing, and balled the plane up pretty bad, but survived...If he gets back into flying, i'm sure he'll be more vigilant in double checking torque specs.
04-20-2013, 06:24 AM
#19
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: Retired
Posts: 38
stayed in
Wow - we started out on similar career paths: I attended UND, instructed there for three years, got hired at a commuter, got hired at a major three years later (Flying Tigers) which was purchased by FedEx in less than a year (1989). That was 24 years ago and I'm flying nights as a widebody captain! Still a good job...
05-03-2013, 01:17 PM
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2009
Posts: 112
Hey guys,
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I honestly figured no one would even care. haha
So far I haven't regretted the move 1 second. I'm having a blast and learning a new career.
I'm home every night. Pay is better than a regional with potential to be equal to major CA pay or better. We have a company airplane that I fly - just got back from florida(midwest based). I don't worry about non-revving anymore, when we travel it's either with a ticket or on a clients aircraft(so far I've been in a PC12, Phenom 100, and CJ). Do a lot of "business" with clients at restaurants/events which usually involves an adult beverage or two.
Anyways if anyone is interested more you can PM me or post it here. I will do my best to respond more quickly. Or if you need insurance let me know!
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I honestly figured no one would even care. haha
So far I haven't regretted the move 1 second. I'm having a blast and learning a new career.
I'm home every night. Pay is better than a regional with potential to be equal to major CA pay or better. We have a company airplane that I fly - just got back from florida(midwest based). I don't worry about non-revving anymore, when we travel it's either with a ticket or on a clients aircraft(so far I've been in a PC12, Phenom 100, and CJ). Do a lot of "business" with clients at restaurants/events which usually involves an adult beverage or two.
Anyways if anyone is interested more you can PM me or post it here. I will do my best to respond more quickly. Or if you need insurance let me know!
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