Can anyone offer me some advice on breaking into the corporate world. I'm currently finishing out my contract as a military fast jet pilot and, like the rest, looking at options when I get out. Before I'm branded as a fast jet ****** who expects the world after leaving, (as all my previous postings have been received) I don't. I'm fully aware of starting at the bottom and working up, and as an aviator, enjoy that challenge. However, I'd like to get some idea's other than streaming into an airline at the end of my tenure. Most of my time is single seat, although I'm currently flying Tornado's, and as you can expect, most ops are restricted to "the bungee cord" of the Mil training area's. So if anyone can offer some advice on this type of flying or, specifically, gone from Mil community to the corporate world could you give me a heads up on what the lifestyle is like, particularly as my wife likes to see me sometimes and will probably have kids at some stage (such a family man).

Cheers

You could always combine both your military experience and desire to fly a biz jet and fly Falcons for FR Aviation
http://www.fraviation.co.uk/

http://www.fraviation.co.uk/Operations/images/EW3.JPG

[This message has been edited by Flypuppy (edited 21 June 2001).]

And pretend you're in a Tornado !!

http://www.derekpake.flyer.co.uk/cqwi/falcon10.jpg


http://www.derekpake.flyer.co.uk/cqwi/falcon14.jpg

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10 West
UK ATC'er
10w@<hidden>

[This message has been edited by 10W (edited 21 June 2001).]

Where did you get those pictures?

They are fantastic!

I could tell you, but then I'd have to shoot you ;)

http://www.derekpake.flyer.co.uk/cqwi/falcon46.jpg

Seriously though Knuck, a friend flies for them, so I could put you in touch if you want more info.

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10 West
UK ATC'er
10w@<hidden>

At the regular BALPA, OATS and Co-Pilot employment seminars there used to be a presentation by the Chief Pilot of Hanson, a large bizjet operator, about that side of the business. His main thrust was to try and put people off, an the grounds that they then wouldn't be too disappointed with what they found if they did get in!
He described the lifestyle as being permanently on the end of a phone, whenever you were, or were about to be, or just had been, within duty hours. When operating, you're not just the flash jet pilot, you're also the hire-car/taxi booker (and driver if necessary), the diary organiser, the refueller, the turn-round engineer, the spares and repairs procurer, the chef (literally in some cases) and chief bottle washer. If there's a job the customer needs doing, it's down to you! It's a long way short of the glamour that is often associated with this kind of job. Time at home would depend on who you work for, but you're likely to be away a lot - and at very short notice. In fact, you might be getting the impression that it's not too different from dispersed operations with the mob, and you wouldn't be far wrong!
There is a kind of half-way house operated by Ford and, I think, Shell, and a few others, where exec jets are used on European flights for large corporations. Because of their size and relative predictability, these are almost short-haul scheduled operations. What the pay and conditions are like, I've no idea, but I do know that jobs are few and far between. The FRA suggestion maybe not a bad idea; they are more likely to have contacts within the bizjet world than anyone else you are likely to know, and they seem to run a fun operation.
Keep your eyes open for the next batch of job seminars - the next BALPA one is on October 13th (there is a thread on here already - try a search), but I've not heard about the others.
Best of luck!

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Scroggs
Wannabes Forum Moderator
scroggs@<hidden>

HI, sorry to but in on your topic but ever since I saw ‘Airshow’ on BBC with the FRA doing mock attacks on a navy ship, I wanted to know more about them, basically, do pilots have to have a ATPL or CPL or military experience to fly for them or do they offer any kind of sponsorship?

Thanx

:)Eagle 1 :)

P.S...I have to agree, great pics!

Eagle 1,
last time I looked (when I was leaving the RAF in '98), FRA wanted specifically military-trained pilots with significant operational experience - as the pictures by 10W would tend to confirm!. They did have some non-military people, but I think they were there by virtue of being with the company when it got the contract. As a Wannabe, forget it, mate!

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Scroggs
Wannabes Forum Moderator
scroggs@<hidden>

Thanks to all those responding to my post. As I've been away for the last couple of weeks in a no internet zone I have only just had the chance to read the replies. It's a start. Thanks particularly to those who e-mailed me direct, I intend to keep in touch. If anyone has any furhter news please post. Cheers.