Where do you even start?

[rm_pic]

How does one get their foot into this kind of niche? As far as I've seen, getting jobs all seems to be a game of 'who you know'.

But assuming you dont know anyone, is a matter or looking up companies with flight departments, sending resumes, and hoping to get lucky?
These jobs don't seem like theyre in the spotlight, compared to other types of "end game" jobs, so how do you guys find out about openings?

[I have control]

Go to a pub where pilots drink and start networking.

[sissyphus]

I got in because I applied. It is a small world once you're in. You hear of jobs opening up, airplanes being bought, being sold. London Air Service had an ad in Wings a couple months ago.

[DA900]

Start with a companies like Sunwest or North Cariboo. Even if you start on a Metro/Kingair/1900's you can eventually move to other aircraft. Once you have some time on a Lear or Citation then start talking and investigating the corporate flight departments you would like to work at. Let them get to know you and keep in touch.

It is almost unheard of any flight department hiring someone who does not bring something to the table. Remember that their bosses are expecting very qualified crews and will probably want to meet with you.

[pilot_pete]

Hey everybody,

I just got my first job outside of instructing and I'm very excited for the things that are coming up. I'm working on a sched run; although, I want to get into the corporate markert. I figured that this would be a great way to build a little time on something bigger and faster. My only concern is that the planes I'm flying are old steam gauges and was wondering if this was going to be a problem with me getting into jets.(no FMS experience) In the end I want to fly a large corporate jet and know that this market is a small niche community so getting in is just as much luck as who you know. Networking is how you get in I hear, but I can only spend so many hours in the pubs. Since I don't know too many people in this market, and I'm not related to anybody who works on jets. I figured that I either start dating an owner's daughter or I make myself more marketable. So how do you make yourself more valuable within the corporate domain? I've almost finished a dual degree form University so i have other skills to offer, but figure more cannot hurt. Any advice would be appreciated and please feel free to PM if you need too. Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

[Noob]

Most corporate flight departments do require a lot of time. This is something you can't get around. The bigger the faster the better. Your sched run sounds like its helping you in that respect. DA900 is right, Sunwest or North Cariboo would be a great place to go. It may take you a while to get on a jet but while your there you'll build time and have the opportunity to get jet time and network.
The attitude at most corporate gigs is that personality is the most important thing once minimum requirements have been met. Hire for attitude and train for skill. Having glass time will help but if you are easy to get along with and have a good attitude you'll get picked up without it, you're a good investment and they won't mind spending the money!

[Treetops]

Steam time isn't bad. I am on my first jet now and I left the glass and FMS of my King Air behind for the steam of my Citation. Honestly once you get over the initial learning curve of the glass it is way easier than steam.

[rippey]

Unfortunately, true corporate flight departments are becoming somewhat rare as more and more owners go with management companies instead. I know of several good corporate flight departments in yyz that have either moved to a management company, or sold the airplane and closed down altogether in the last few years, but I can't think of any new flight departments starting up. There are several decent management companies out there, but I don't think that the pay/benefits etc. will ever be as good as the really good corporate gigs. The good news for those trying to break in is that the management companies usually post jobs so at least you know there's a vacancy. Spots in smaller flight departments are usually filled before you hear they are looking unless you've already gotten yourself on the short list by making yourself known to the chief pilot.

[yzfer]

I'm actually kind of curious as well. One day, the corprate world is where I want to end up, just not when I'm 50. But I guess, working on my CPL now, I still have a while before my first job comes along. Anyone else out there with some advice? Would a university degree in something non-aviation (i.e. Buisness) be beneficial in the corportate world? Or do they just kind of care about your flying skills? thanks.

[mizuno]

In my opinion attitude and personality are just as important as education and hours.
Do you fit in with the rest of the flight department? do you interact well with the executives?
These are important attributes in any corporate flight department.
Get your hours, education, and be professional, if it works out corporate aviation is a great way to go.

Cheers

[pilot_pete]

Thanks for the info

[sprucemonkey]

...........corporate aviation is a great way to go.

Funny. EVERY 57 year old (or older) corporate pilot I've met said go to the airlines. No job will be there forever, but senority puts food on the table. I am leaning that way and will go when the industy picks up again.

Oh ya, where to start......like others are saying, go to the managed companies and market yourself from there.

[wallypilot]

...........corporate aviation is a great way to go.

Funny. EVERY 57 year old (or older) corporate pilot I've met said go to the airlines. No job will be there forever, but senority puts food on the table. I am leaning that way and will go when the industy picks up again.

Oh ya, where to start......like others are saying, go to the managed companies and market yourself from there.

Maybe 15 years ago, sure. But now, the airlines are not what they used to be. A good corporate gig can't be beat, imho. The airlines, however, leave a lot to be desired these days.

[it'sme]

I have had the same corporate gig for 28 years come next month and I wouldn't trade it for any airline position.

[Mr. North]

Care to elaborate on what has made your 28 years of corporate flying so good it'sme? I'm very curious!

[it'sme]

I am treated very well. The remuneration is equal to many an airline gig and better than some. With the exception of a possibility of free travel, the benefits package exceeds any airline one that I am aware of (at least within North America). We run our own shop without management constantly looking over our shoulders. If something is needed, whether it be an aircraft system addition/upgrade, training or what have you...it's obtained. The maintenance department wants for nothing. I fly 11 days per month. I enjoy going to work....not many people I know in this industry or any other can say that....which I guess accounts for our extremely low turnover.

[lyncher]

I have had the same corporate gig for 28 years come next month and I wouldn't trade it for any airline position.

Im going to have to agree. While I dont have 28 years in the corporate world, nor in the industry, Im going on my 1 year in my current spot, and I love it. I may not have enough time to get to AC or teal, I could get into Jazz, but why? I make good money, see interesting places, new places all the time, and my job is very secure.

So I dont see why I would go elsewhere to make the same money, if not less, to fly to the same places, and work more often... The only advantage would be a schedule, but I can live with working 4 -7 days a month, wish I worked a little more actually...

[hertford]

The corporate world can be just as volatile as the airline world with the exception that you don't have a union to warn you of upcoming lay offs.
its like they say the first thing to go when the economy tanks is the private jet
i felt that first hand this year
got the call a month after buying my new place sorry we are selling the plane and you're out

here is our letter of recommendation, and oh by the way good luck

b**t**ds

[CJ3PILOT]

The corporate world can be just as volatile as the airline world with the exception that you don't have a union to warn you of upcoming lay offs.
its like they say the first thing to go when the economy tanks is the private jet
i felt that first hand this year
got the call a month after buying my new place sorry we are selling the plane and you're out

here is our letter of recommendation, and oh by the way good luck

b**t**ds

I'm with you 6 days before Christmas.Have a nice one we don't need you anymore.Oh by the way Merry christmas At least I got a merry christmas.

[xsbank]

I know a guy who got laid off and he got 2 recurrents as part of his package... some places have class.

[yfly]

As a 30 some-odd year career pilot, I have flown both corporate and major airline. I have had tremendous experiences at both and have been terminated by both during economic down turns.

I always recommend a solid airline for ultimate security. Not only will you eventually be recalled, but you also have insurance for loss of license, something that is not easily found in the corporate world.

My airline went bust so there was no opportunity for recall. Once that ended, I found great reluctance from corporate employers as they would typically believe I would be gone at the first sign of airline hiring.

In my opinion, there are only two airlines in Canada and that is where people seeking security should seek employment if they are in the airline mindset. Any of the niche charter operators can be gone at the drop of a hat.

That said, there are outstanding corporate jobs in Canada. The key to success in corporate aviation is to network and build a solid reputation. A poor reputation gets around this small industry whether that reputation is deserved or not.

I work in corporate now and enjoy every minute of it. I find the work more rewarding than airline flying although both jobs are tough to beat. We are a lucky bunch when the winds of prosperity blow in our favor!

[wallypilot]

Im going to have to agree. While I dont have 28 years in the corporate world, nor in the industry, Im going on my 1 year in my current spot, and I love it. I make good money, see interesting places, new places all the time, and my job is very secure.

So I dont see why I would go elsewhere to make the same money, if not less, to fly to the same places, and work more often... The only advantage would be a schedule, but I can live with working 4 -7 days a month, wish I worked a little more actually...

I'm in the same boat and loving it. Except, I have a bit of a schedule. the working less than 8 days a month thing is awesome...especially if you have young children.

[Westward_Bound]

Just wondering, what you corporate guys flying 10 or less days a month make for that month?? If it's decent money, then I'd say that's an awesome gig!

[sissyphus]

This time of the year is slow, mostly due to public perception of executive travel. They pay us a salary. Its fantastic.

[wallypilot]

Just wondering, what you corporate guys flying 10 or less days a month make for that month?? If it's decent money, then I'd say that's an awesome gig!

Doesn't matter how much I fly....salary is a wonderful thing.