How to get into Corporate Aviation?

[viciousviking]

Hey everyone, :)

I am hoping someone can help me out here and give a tip or two...

I have just recently got my frozen ATPL issued, so needless to say, I am fairly low on hours- 370-380 hours.
I so want to get into corporate aviation, but as far as I can gather, you need to have like 1500+ hours, which makes the whole thing a bit difficult.

Therefore, can anyone please tell me where - and if - I can find a company (or job) that could be interesting for me (or should I say 'where I could be interesting for them'?), having in mind that it doesn't matter where it is.
I know this might be a shot in the dark but I have to give it a go…

Thank you very much, and happy flying! :ok:

[B200Drvr]

I would highly recommend going the instructor route if you are aiming at a career in Corporate aviation, get the 1500 odd hours required that way and you will find the reward when you are offered positions based on your Instructor experience. It is a very different life to airlines, and not for everybody. IMHO much more fun than airlines

[boogie-nicey]

I am intrigued with the aspect of business aviation but have little knowledge of it's operating culture. What kind of work environment is it and as for the personnel such as pilots where do they come from? Are they ex-military, mature pilots that have seen a thing or two elsewhere before getting into business aviation.

I must confess I do have an infinity towards this 'unique' aspect of our beloved industry. Is it worthwhile getting some time on turboprops before approaching one of these operators or would I need substantially more in terms of jet time too.

Appreciate the input.

[redsnail]

You can be lucky and be "johnny on the spot" if you're low houred. How those lucky guys get their break is by being on the airport where such a jet(s) exist. It's a very small world and if the operator sees a person who's helping out around the FBO and the like then it just might happen.

The more usual route is usually quite a bit of experience in GA. Whether those hours are obtained in the UK, Africa or the US it doesn't really matter. However, hours you do need. Jet time isn't vital (I didn't have any jet time) but turbine time is extremely useful.

With corporate aviation you work much more closely with the owners/passengers than you do in airline life so a reasonable personality is essential. You could have the best log book on earth but if you don't get on with people you won't get hired.

Yes, it definitely is interesting flying too.

[Lembrado]

Viking,

Totally disagree with B200.

With low hours in the UK, the best way in is via working in the respective company operations department.

An Instructor with 1500 hours has more chance of an airline job rather than a biz jet.


L.

[Topple]

I agree with you, redsnail, although many of the mid to long-range corporate jet operators are now happy to look at ex airline pilots as they tend to have better SOP discipline with regard to MCC & CRM.

[Bugcrusher]

Or both?;)

[CFW's]

My first airline job after instructing was with a corporate company, and I started with 600 hours and no jet/turbo prop time.

A lot hinges on being in the right place at the right time. Corporate companies tend to be smaller than the charters, so the ability to muck in and get on with everyone(or nearly everyone!) helps. Your previous work experience, in aviation or otherwise, will help...particularly if you have customer service , sales or marketing experience.

It seems corporate companies are prepared to consider slightly older people...I was 37 when I was taken on. Again, my previous experience was a bonus. In fact, all F/O's in our company have worked outside of aviation, or in other aviation related jobs before joining us.

If I can offer you any advice, it would be , keep everything current....you never know when you may get a call for that all important sim ride! Secondly, have something to offer your chosen company, as well as your flying skills (see 'experience' above). Finally, keep trying, don't give up. You'll probably get quite a few knockbacks at first, but corporate aviation is good fun and it's well worth the effort to get in . Good luck!!