PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Paying for biz jet ratings?
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Old 30th Mar 2014, 23:18
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lifeafteraviation
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: United States
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Let me guess....this was the ad?

"exotic new bizjet driver needed...located middle of nowhere, must be one hour from airport, must be current with 1000 hours PIC in type, must be available on call 24/7 and 365"
Most of the time, bizjet operators don't need to advertise to find pilots so the ads they place are always for the hopeful perfect candidate...one that costs them nothing to hire.

I find it amusing sometimes seeing these ads knowing there is no one who will meet those qualifications but there will be a few who come close. Operators usually still need to run new hires through the same training mill regardless of experience anyway so they're really only saving money on the insurance bill. Previous time in type ensures you aren't likely a dud who can't pass the training they pay for.

It's true that the supply of willing candidates is drying up as the airlines suck up the excess of pilots with the promise of one third the pay but not having to toss the boss's bag into the rear hold. Fractional pilots will likely stay where they are now as hiring picks up and new jets are coming. Charter and private flights are increasing lately so the prospects are good.

The best bet is to be persistent and just try to meet some of the pilots and the guy in charge of hiring at the local operators to get your foot in the door. One day your timing will be just right and they'll hire you and send you to school to fly something for a modest salary. From there you will meet more people from that side of the business and find more opportunities even if you can't move up in your own company.

Networking is key, it's rare to get hired by just mailing out resumes.

One of the things with bizjets is when a company buys a new jet it typically comes with 4 or 5 training slots paid for by the manufacturer. So the operator will almost always send their own best guys to get typed at no cost to themselves...it's good for morale and makes him look like the hero to his employees.

On the flip side when an operator buys a used jet it often comes with the crew (the previous owner may work it into the deal) which means less opportunity for advancement.
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