135 Citation Captain or 91 Challenger Captain

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Hello everyone,

I might be offered a job in the near future and wanted to see what the good pilots of the forum thought about the career move. Mainly I want to see how this move would position me to move to a major or another part 91 or 135 department in the next few years, but would also be interested in any other thoughts you might have.

Current Job:
**Part 135 Citation 500 series and Cirrus SR22 Captain
**Mostly domestic air ambulance operations. Some international work that is limited to the Caribbean.
**Flying 400 hours per year

Potential Job:
**Part 91 Eclipse Captain/Challenger FO for 6-12 months. After getting a few hundred in type I would be moved to Challenger Captain
**In addition to flying, I would be managing both of the planes. This would include scheduling planes, crew and maintenance. Also planning and executing domestic and international trips. This would include a moderate amount of international flying to include Atlantic and Pacific Crossings.
**Would be typed on the Eclipse immediately and the Challenger shortly thereafter
**Flying 500-600 hours per year

My Current Stats:
Total Time: 4000
Total PIC: 3350
Total Turbine PIC:2100, only 300 of this is multi turbine PIC. Most is in a Part 91 C208 flying single pilot freight.
Total Turbojet PIC: 300
Total Turbojet: 830
Type rated on the Citation 500 series

Thanks for any input everyone, I really appreciate it!!
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No brainier--take the move. International time, couple of types, so e mgt time all improve your resume whatever you want to do in the future.

GF
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Quote: **In addition to flying, I would be managing both of the planes. This would include scheduling planes, crew and maintenance. Also planning and executing domestic and international trips. This would include a moderate amount of international flying to include Atlantic and Pacific Crossings.
**Would be typed on the Eclipse immediately and the Challenger shortly thereafter
**Flying 500-600 hours per year
I hope you get a healthy pay bump for managing two planes and handling the scheduling! That's a lot of work considering the amount of flying you'll do each year. I'd take the new job. Broader range of experiences, more responsibility.

Make sure the pay is commensurate!!!
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The pay bump is significant. I used the Pro Pilot survey to negotiate along with adding some for managing the planes as well as flying two types. Does anyone think that flying under part 91 as opposed to part 135 would hurt me with getting to a 121 major in the future?
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No, I don't think it makes a difference. That said, with flows and military getting hired from "outside" (91/135) is tough. Corporates doesn't seem to be a great path at present. It's great pilot experience, the leadership experience is good, but airlines don't always value that when they have the option of either military or regional guys with records of operating in an airline-like, disciplined, rule-bound system.

GF
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