I posted this on FI also, opinions please.

About to be furloughed from current 121 gig, looking at getting a biz jet type through the WIA. Looking for a common aircraft in use that having a type in would help land a job. I would like the type to cost around what the WIA will pay or slightly over. I am a 121 pax/freight guy with 9,500 hrs typed in the 72, 73, & DC-9. I have 6k jet PIC and 3k Check Airman with international experience. Not really looking to do a ton of international flying since I've got a family. Given all the info, what do you recommend?

Thanks!

I have always been told the Lear and Citation ratings offer the most flexibility between each series...

Most good corporate or frax operator aren't so concerned with types if you have good experence. Citation, Lear, Hawker are probably most common. best of luck

The question is who do you know, who's daughter did you do, or who is linked to you in the family tree....

well said..

Yeah, aint it the truth! If I can get it for free, which one should I get (under $10,000)?

That is probably going to be the limiting factor. There aren't too many bizjet types out there that are under $10K. Citation 500 maybe or Beech Jet. Start calling around to FSI and Simuflite and ask what is the lowest cost jet they have. Then out of the ones offered make a decision. I think even 20 and 30 series Lears are around $14k.

Good luck in the search, sorry to hear about the furlough. With that kind of time a fractional would probably snap you up.

SimCom CE500 Initial at MCO is somewhere north of $13,000, if I recall from my training down there in Jaunary. They were running a special on the CE525s (S means single pilot) type, priced under $12k.

CE-500 types cover the Citation I (500/501), Citation II (550/551), S/II, Bravo, Ultra and Encore...covering a LOT of airframes.

Those jobs may not all be great and they may not all pay well, but IMO the CE500 type probably offers you the best opportunity for contract flying given fresh training and all your other excellent qualifications.

I have to agree with the CE-500 type. Many different frames to fly that are still popular in the market and likely to have the shorter trips that you are looking for. 10k is a bit low though as Boiler said. My Initial was around 18k at Flight Safety and that was two years ago. Most other places are cheaper than FS, but not that much.

Thanks guys. I've spoken with a school in San Diego fairly close to me and they said the WIA should cover the costs for the CE-500, plus they have experience dealing with the program.