Some corporate operators don't think 121 pilots want to deal with everything you have to do as a corporate pilot -- in corporate flying, you're the ramp agent, the baggage handler, the cleaner, etc, etc... If you're coming from the 121 world and use to having a large team to help you out, it can be quite a transition and many 121 pilots find they don't like it. On the other hand, many pilots get into corporate flying and find it's the best flying they've ever done...

With a good principle, it can be the best flying you've ever done. My only caution would be to make sure you're prepared for the possibility of the job going away. Either the owner dumps the flight department or retires and the flight department goes away or it goes away for any number of reasons. Also, no union protection in the corporate world -- someone wakes up and decides they don't like you one day and you're gone. That being said, nowadays, it's a crap shoot in any flying job. Even if it does go away, having the Global Express type rating would be a big plus in finding more corporate work. As I'm sure you've figured out, corporate flying is all about who you know and being in the right place at the right time. If you do make the transition, I'm sure you'll really enjoy the flying!

A friend of mine that never went back to U.S. Air said althought is making 150-200K per year flying contract on G-3.G-4's his quality of life sucks compared to what he had at the airlines.

I have flown 121 and 135/91 jobs. To be honest the flying is more fun in 135/91. The problem is you end up being the *itch to either the management company or the owner and if your owner decides he can almost do anything he wants to you and there is no union protection. You will also find alot of corporate/charter guys undersell themselves below NBAA or Pro Pilot magazine industry pay rates.

There are many few corporate pilots who have had the SAME job for most of their carear. My mom is a corporoate flight attendant and has been with like 5 different corporations..... job security is non existant..... when costs have to be cut, they usually get rid of the gulfstreams lol

I am sure no job id forever but I have been with my company 10 years. I dont see the flt department going away for a long time...

^ Same here. Most guys at my department have been here 25+years. Very telling if you ask me.

As a WHOLE how many corporate pilots do you know who have only worked for 1 or 2 companies....... not many... My moms company just took order of a brand spanking new custom G-450.... well 2 months later, company sold, divided up. Bye Bye flight department.... Who woulda thought?

BIG airplanes become BIG targets, it's just a fact of life in this business.

As a WHOLE, if you fly for a financially stable company that is not a takeover candidate with a culture that supports corporate aviation, then I would say that long-term, stable employment is pretty much in the bag. Having the right aircraft for the corporate mission is also very important. If load factors are (e.g.) running at three and average stage length is 1.2, then the corporation does not need a G450.

If you fly for a relatively new company that has not had a department for over five years, then I would be cautious. Many companies seem to lose aircraft congruently with IRS MACRS depreciation schedules.

If a corporation flies 100-250 hours per year, I would be cautious as well. Utilization of this type would be better suited with a fractional share or a pre-purchased block of charter hours.

You have to complete your due diligence before accepting any offer from any corporate flight department. Culture and utilization are the brick and mortar of determining secure employment.