Where have all the experienced Co-Jo's gone?

[5reds]

There was a time when, if looking for prospective captains, attention was turned to turbo prop operators, or experienced piston pilots. Over the last couple of years this source appears to have dried up? So, has everyone moved to bigger aircraft; or were there a couple of gap years for GA pilots; or maybe is it bonding?

Just wondering coz, chatting around the bazaars, there seem to be a few light jet command positions becoming available for 'experienced' pilots, which do not seem to be finding qualified applicants?

Note: I am not a hirer and firer, just posing the question.

[unimuts]

Well those leaving flight training schools now, seem on the whole competing for the rhs of 737 A320's. With the advent of pay for you own type, most pilots dont want to shell out for a tp rating, just going for a heavy type, cant really blame them.

TP salary is very low and cost for a rating very high. Bizjet rating now, initial, for say a c550 bravo flightsafety around £ 15 000, Cost for a 737 or A320 circa £15 000.

Basic average pay say 737 £ 35 000
Basic average pay say Light biz jet £ 20 00

The days of light piston twin and then RHS of a TP have gone for many reasons. One seems to be that It's not really worth it, as now JAA require 500 multi - crew hours to unfreeze an ATPL as well as a few other things. So why try flying light piston when you still need to get onto a jet ( +5700 kg mcc approved ) and 500 hours mcc?

The Uk market seems tough to get into for Bizjet flying, almost like a closed shop. Other operators pay very very little and find it difficult to retain pilots for this reason. Get the hours move onto the airline's, pay is better and your not working on a 24-7 call out, so stability seems to be better.

Companies advertise for captains but want high time and pay is very little. In fact a recent company wanted c550 bravo captain, interesting that they where offering " great terms ". Dig deep and the offer was 30,000 euros and thats all in ! Companies asking a lot and not even uping the salary. 737 captain is circa £ 65 000 and not on call out 24 - 7.

Another operator is offering for an FO uk based £16 000 you pay for the type rating and medical and LPC OPC/IR .... Why would you ask where are the pilots ? why would a new pilot take a second look at bizjet operators when the future upgrade to captain is P ss poor pay, for 24 - 7 standbye ? Attitudes of take it or leave it.

So when the airlines offer a structured route, RHS to LHS, medical payed for rostered days on and off, pay, pension, no 24 - 7 standbye and no one telling you to take your day off when your down route !

Again, only my idea as a reason to answer your questions.

But bizjets is a lifestyle choice, suits some not others.