Disappointment but not despair.

you cant predict the airline industry at all. I believe that there should be more jobs in 5-10 years due to most of the baby boomers hitting 60 but it is anyones guess.

 

Ouch I hate to see that happen man. I'm facing some problems on my end with trying to stay flying, but hang in there and it will work out.

Actually I was looking in the newspaper and a corporate flight department is looking for a Co-pilot I'll PM the details if you want them.

 

For what it's worth, I gave up general/corporate aviation 25 years ago after having a great time flying professionally for 13 years. I just couldn't see changing jobs/moving/dealing with recessions/ every couple of years for the indefinite future - without the prospect of solid affordable retirement - disability protection options (those things become more of an isssue when you are a family guy).

The industry has changed in the last 25 years. There are still the guys out there with more money than sense who think it's cool to be connected with aviation in some manner - big watches - huge Ray-Bans - but they are easily identified. What's changed is that business aviation has become a necessity for commerce in this country and around the world. Even with the new technological communications available to companies in this day and time, executives have to have a physical presence to be effective leaders, and I'm sorry - but the major airlines just don't get the job done anymore in many cases.

Consequently, more companies are using their fleets as legitimate business tools (rather than play toys) and treating their flight department personnel as middle management rather than as delivery drivers. I suppose that my point is that I think corporate aviation has a future and that there are consequently more/better opportunities for pilots/mechanics as well.

Just my perspective from working close to the industry now as a lawyer rather than as a pilot.

Good Luck to all of you in whatever you do - I really mean that!

 

www.flightworks.com our citation sics (which is the entry level) make better than $32K. Our company has openings in Manassas Virginia right now. Job has 401K with match, insurance, merit raises, PTO, and everyone is typed upon hire. We operate over 30 jets including Gulfstream II III IV and 450, Falcon 2000, Challenger, Hawker 700 800 and XP, Citation II III V Bravo Excell and CJ, Beechjet, and Westwind. I have been working for them for a year now. I was typed in the Bravo just after hire, upgraded to Captain within six months and had my second type in the 800XP before my one year anniversary date. The company has been in business for over 15 years and is growing rapidly. We need pilots due to recent growth. There is an online application process on the web site above. Hope your year gets better!

 

Try calling one of Kum and Go's corporate offices. I know that they have a flight department out in Des Moines.

Also I remember in the reading in the Omaha paper a month ago that a IA college was looking for a King Air pilot.

For those that don't know Kum and go is a gas station out in the midwest.

 

I am so far out of the contemporary flying game that I can't offer any solid advice on anything now. My son is a very good pilot with past airline experience and a long list of ratings but he has been unable to get a job again as a pilot. It seems that there are 50 pilots for every opening and the salaries are not much better than slopping hamburgers at Greasy Kings. I really feel bad for all the guys who have so much to offer and have no where to go and the many highly experienced pilots who have long experience who are being manhandled or furloughed. It isn't a good business anymore from what I can see. I think back about all of my old friends who flew for the big name carriers and who retired in comfort. Now it appears that it is a meat grinder of a bussiness. Too bad.

 

I hate to say I told you so, but those of us who saw the writing on the wall 20 years ago can't say we are sorry in the long run except that we seriously miss the caliber of people associated with aviation that we have been without this 20 years.