Need advice PSA vs Corporate/Charter
 

Hey folks

I need some advice. I'm a fairly new FO for PSA. I live in Denver (not really) and I'm a commuter to Cincinnati (not really but close). I've been presented with an opportunity to fly for Jet Linx. I'm torn because I love flying for PSA and I'll upgrade to Captain fairly quick (previous military guy) but Jet Linx is based where I live; hence no commuting.

I don't know where PSA is headed especially after the It meltdown of 2018. I've heard rumors of more money but SAP is going away but I'll make about 10K more a year with Jet Linx and I'll get to fly a lot more and I'll live at my domicile; again no commuting (It sucks).

This month, I'm on Short Call Reserve and I've Dead-Headed 26 hours and I've flown 24 hours and I had to pay $650 in hotel fees (I'll be reimbursed $250 of the $650).

I have no knowledge of the corporate/charter life. I'd like someone else's perspective who has done the corporate/charter/PSA life. Family life and quality of life is very important to me and commuting sucks, LOL.

Thank you for the advice/perspective.
FNG

Can’t hang your hat on rumors. Can’t go wrong being at home more with the family. Only downside is if you’re looking to get to a legacy down the road you might need to come back to the regionals first. I turned down a corporate gig back in my hometown because they wanted me on call 6 days a week, round the clock. I’d would’ve had to do everything on the flight side when it came to setting up fuel, flight plans, hangers, scheduling MX, etc. But that was a small 1 jet op for the “board” to get to meetings around the Midwest. Didn’t bring me down the path to get me where I want to be in 10 years.

Being prior military does give you some bonus points with the airlines. I would say if you aren’t able to move to a base location then you are better off doing what is best for yourself and your family... sometimes if that means giving up something that you enjoy like working with PSA’ers.

I am former military and I know us vets have a tendency to show loyalty to whoever takes the time to train us, but take care of the family. I know plenty of guys that decided to stick with the charter side even if it meant less money but gained time and quality of life with the family.

I’ve done both 91/125 and now 121 for almost 4 years. 121 is hands down the better option. But that’s just my opinion based on my experiences.

What’s jet links schedule? I used to fly 135 and the reputable 135 companies are wayyy better than the regionals. I wish I would have stayed in the 135 side instead of coming to Psa

I flew citations for a few straight part 91 operators on contract. They were some of the best trips I’ve done so far. The only reason I went part 135 was because they couldnt keep me busy enough to make it worth it.

Read the forums on the ULCC and majors. It sounds to me like theres a mixed bag of pilots getting hired there from the regionals as well as military and corporate too. I think a regional would be the “safe” way to get to a major eventually but it can be done through other channels. As long as you stay in a jet and make captain I wouldnt worry about it much.

I've done all three, 91 corporate, 135 charter, and 121. Hands down corporate was the best in my career. That being said corporate flight departments are as varied as the colors in the prism. Charter would be my last choice as they usually offer little in terms of schedule and benefits, and with flying being on demand you'll likely be on call.

I was employed with a corporate operation for over 15 years and we had 3 pilots for 1 plane. Schedule was simple and easy to work out with another pilot if you needed a day off. Seldom flew more than 7 days a month, never worked a holiday, and maybe 3 overnights a month. 6 figure salary, plus profit sharing, corporate credit card for expenses, rental cars for overnights, and upper tier hotels or resorts. I'm always keeping an eye out for an opportunity like this again. Fractional is a good career choice too, in that a place like Net jets has a union, good benifits, pay, schedule, and home based with no commuting.

Family, QOL, and salary should drive your decision, not rumors of what may happen. Good luck!

Check this out:


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtA..._Sq1FHw/videos

It all depends on your end goals. Want to go majors? Corporate might get you into Spirit, Jet Blue, Frontier, but probably not the big boys (depending on the 121 hours you have). Also, most 91 stuff you don't fly much, so it'll put you behind the curve in the long run for hours to get to your end goal. (if that's your goal)

If you think there's a possibility you'd want to make part 91 stuff a career, than go for it. Regionals will always be here, and you can always come back. (may have to choose a different one).

Good luck either way.

I agree generally that 121 has a more predictable QOL and gives you the hours to make yourself more competitive for the Legacy carriers. I don't know anything about JetLinx specifically, but I can say a subscription to ************* would be the best way to get some current information and advice.



But, if you're within easy driving distance to DEN I'd suggest applying to Frontier.