Bridging the gap

[Stratopilot]

Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out what segment of aviation I'd like to end up in. Both the airlines and corporate aviation have thier benefits. However, after perusing Climbto350.com last night, I have notice that its very difficult to find companies that don't require turbine time as part of thier mins. My question is, especially for y'all that have been doing this a while, how does one go about tranistioning from pistion to turbine? And how do you not find yourself pidgeon holed in one particular aircraft. Meaning how do you tranisition from, say, a C550 to a larger aircraft like a GIII or a Falcon?

Best regards,
AP

[Mr.Maximus]

Personally, I've done Part 121 for quite a few years and have just moved over to corporate flying. I've flown Beechcrafts, Embraers, Boeing and am now flying a Challenger 604 - my first corporate aircraft.

They are very different types of flying. I found 121 to be getting old from the perspective of the same routine over and over and over. Hurry up, load the peeps, hurry up get the peeps off with this routine repeating itself to no end. Don't get me wrong the equipment was good, most of the folks I flew with were great people - it was just getting very mundane.

Corporate flying so far has been very enjoyable. Other than my home base, I have yet to fly into the same airport twice - so as a pilot, I really enjoy that aspect. I've flown into everything from non-controlled 5,000' airports to LGA, ORD, SFO and a variety in between. The passengers we carry expect alot (as they should for the price they pay) and so far have been very pleasant - unlike the the folks that pay 200 bucks for a roundtrip ticket from LA to NY. We have a flight attendant - so other than greeting them - there isn't much interaction unless they come up to the flightdeck to chat while in cruise - which I find enjoyable. Nothing but the best FBO's where we're always treated with a red carpet - litterally, and no more TSA and crowed airports.

Pay is excellent and the people you work for treat you with a great deal of respect at my corporate job - a big difference from the current state at most airlines. The one thing I have yet to get used to is not having a set schedule. While I get about the same amount of days off per month (@16-17), I usually only know when those off days are a week in advance or so. Most of my trips are out and backs - which is really good for the family, something you can't put a price tag on.

As of right now - the corporate flying is by far more enjoyable for me personally. Time will tell because things can change in the blink of an eye in this industry, no matter which type of flying you do. I guess if down the road I get bored with the corporate flying like I did with the airline flying - about the only thing left will be to go fly a kite. Hmmmm...........


Max

[ATPInstructor]

Stratopilot,

I wish there was an easy answer to your questions but every case is different. I do know that if you do not enjoy flying, be it in a C-208 or a G-V, any road you take will be difficult. Here are a couple of tips:

• Be good at your job, that includes more that just finding you destination.
• Get to know your fellow pilots, and learn to stay in touch.
• If you can, move to a major market. Just a few years in a big market can make a big difference.
• Being active in your job search improves your chances of being at the right place at the right time.

Good luck in your journey Stratopilot, and really try to enjoy the difficult times as much as the tough times.

Speaking from experience, especially the tough times stuff

Bill