Netjets vs. Part 121
 

A question for those whom have done both. How much different, or same, is flying for Netjets vs a regional carrier? Even though they're not hiring, I sent in a resume to Netjets. How has flying for them been for you?

I can't speak about Netjets vs a regional carrier, but I can tell you about Netjets vs a major airline (Delta and UPS), because I have done all three.

I'm going to explain it to you as simply as I can: They are different worlds.

It's going to depend on what you value most (schedule flexibility, pay, time off, type of flying, job stability) to determine which is the best fit for you.

Do you like people? How do you feel about cleaning/stocking/loading the airplane? What does the phrase "customer service" mean to you? Before you accept a job at Netjets, you'd better be enthusiastic about all the above, because it will be a way of life for you there. In fact, you're not really dealing with customers at Netjets...you're dealing with the aircraft owners!

I found that it was much harder work at Netjets than Delta; much shorter layovers, and less pay. However, the pay issue has changed at Netjets, and it is much better now. Also, considering the benefits, scheduling, and what basically amounts to home basing at Netjets, and you have a very appealing overall package. If you feel that throwing bags, cleaning the plane, dealing with catering, and delivering exceptional customer service is below you, then Netjets is not for you.

I'm at UPS now, and it's the easiest, best paying flying job I've ever had. I routinely have 2 weeks off at a time (sometimes more) depending how I manipulate my schedule, and my world is 1 leg a day international flying (rarely two legs), and a short layover is 24 hours. The downside to UPS is that some people don't like flying at 2 am, and it can be hard on your body if you don't get the rest that your body needs.

Bottom line is...you have to determine which airline best fits your expectations and needs. Good luck.

Thank you very much for the insight.

Amazing, intrigues me that people still put NetJets on the same ballpark as the regionals and not the majors because we don't have big airplanes.....

Don't let the secret get out. It's where I want to be when you guys start hiring again. I've got a pretty decent 91 job, but Netjets is the place for me.

thanks for posting the question ERJ; and thanks for a great reply Archie. it's great to read an insightful response from someone who has really has something to compare it with, rather than just hearsay.

i was wondering if anyone would be willing to post a day-by-day of a 7-on work week. i'm curious to know how busy/long the days are in that schedule and what type of flying is done. it could be an actual week, or something more like a made up generic schedule.

also, for you fractional guys on the 7/7, how does family/social life work out? do wives hate it, love it? how do the kids deal?

sorry ERJ, don't want to hijack your thread, but was hoping this would add some info you'd be looking for, too. thanks for all responses in advance!

He didn't put it in the same ballpark as regionals - he asked how the flying and the job was different than the regional world...which given his screen name is what I assume he is most familiar with.

Having flown for a regional and then made the transition to bizav (albeit pure 91), Archie's analysis of the differences between airline flying and bizav flying are spot-on.

Dude, I fly for Eagle. I wanted to know the tempo of the flying vs ours. Arche answered what I wanted to know. Thanks for your $.02 UCLA!

Typical 7 on schedule
 

Well, I'll give it my best, but you need to realize there is no typical anything at NJA. My last 7 on tour was all reserve at home. But in the interest of answering your question, I will post my daily activities (within the limits of privacy and company secrets :) ) so you can see.

Yesterday I flew on a revenue ticket from my crew base (about a 40 min drive from my house) to ORD with a 1650L departure. I don't usually start that late, but it's nice when I do since I have little ones at home. Then took a cab (on the company) to an embassy suites near the executive airport the plane is at. I was on reserve at the hotel until 1030 pm. At 1030 I got a brief for the next day indicating a show time at the airport (1400L) and a trip to HPN at 1730L. Then to bed.

Today I woke up at 830 to catch breakfast. I checked my brief when I woke up (always a good idea) and my hotel time had been extended to 1530L. Then I did some paperwork for my other job, worked out and will go to the airport at 1430 anyway to get my company provided food since I don't want to wait until I am hungry.

More to follow.

Keep it coming. Sounds like you can spend a few days deadheading to your/from trips. Does NJ have any crew pairings?