pilot866

I guess I'll never understand why someone would pay 30k for Gulfstream. I paid $3,500 for my CFI and the company I worked for paid for the CFII. During the 8 months I was an instructor I averaged around 85 hours a month. Now I work at a good regional airline. I enjoyed instructing it made me a better and more knowledgeable pilot.

I have a feeling that the guys who are always complaining on these message boards are the same guys who are to good to become a CFI.
"If after only 400 hours you are feeling burnt out on flying small planes, perhaps a career in aviation isn't for you."

There were two Gulfstream guys in my class. Both complained about how poorly the operation was run and about maintenance issues. They don't call it scare stream for nothing. On top of that one failed his systems test, maybe he should have thought about getting a decent education before flying passengers.

de727ups

The problem with Gulfstream isn't so much that it's a bad way to build time from a flying standpoint (which is a seperate issue), but more that its bad for the profession when people are willing to pay for a seat that would be an entry level flying job anywhere else.

There is little to hold a streamer back down the road. Management doesn't care. But there is no getting around the fact that PFJ is bad for the profession in spite of it being good for the individual.

eightballer

pilot866, what systems test are you talking about? where at?

OK, aside from all the PFT stuff at Gulfstream, how do you guys think gulfstream compares to airlines like colgan air or piedmont that fly turboprop planes? If Gulfstream never started this First Officer program and instead interviewed applicants like the other airlines, what would you guys think of them, seriously? Just trying to get a straight forward answer with all the PFT stuff aside.

eightballer

de727ups, I guess I can agree with you somewhat there, but I'm looking at it more from the standpoint of someone that can't waste anytime because they are already over 30 or 35 and they are switching careers or have a family or whatever the case may be. Put yourself in their shoes for a sec and let me know what you think. Wouldnt you want to take the fast track just so that you can secure a job quicker and also have a faster chance of getting to a higher paying job at a major?

de727ups

No, I don't. You could use the same idea to justify being a scab. Some things just aren't right no matter how you slice it. You're trying to justify something based on your personal situation. Would you pay Delta 50K for 250 hours 737 time so you can get hired at SWA? It just isn't right.

Ewfflyer

Being ahead of me? I'm curious how you can judge who is ahead or behind me, without even knowing where I am, where I came from, and where I'm going. Possibly I could be at the last job I ever have. I'm only 26 yrs old btw, and never been to an airline. No I don't make 6-figures, and I doubt I ever do at this place, but you know, some things are worth more than money!

Ewfflyer

Thank you, that supported my previous post on the other page.

eightballer

Well, I guess in the end, it always comes down to doing what's best for yourself and whatever's going to get you to your goal. You can't let a bunch of pilots who disagree with something bring you down. In this case, I believe the end result justifies the means. It's not hurting anyone else at the other regionals. Most of the other regionals are paying higher than what Gulfstream is paying anyway so it's not like Gulfstream is bringing down the national average for First officer first year salaries. ...it's only affects people who have an intention to work for Gulfstream (and from the looks of it, none of you guys would ever want to..so that's good for the people doing the First Officer program because they will be guaranteed a job with them.).

And honestly, if I was guaranteed a job with SWA, I probably would take the 50K loan and pay Delta to get those hours. But obviously, I wouldn't if the job wasn't guaranteed. And I also wouldn't need to do that if I was going to upgrade at a regional very quickly to build up my PIC time.

In the end, it's all about whatever is going to make you more marketable to move yourself up higher in the industry, as long as it's not done illegally....and the Gulfstream program is not an illegal operation, although some of you guys would think so.

eightballer

You keep telling yourself that buddy.....good luck.

de727ups

"And honestly, if I was guaranteed a job with SWA, I probably would take the 50K loan and pay Delta to get those hours"

Well, at least you're honest....
But that sort of mentality gives management the upper hand it abusing the profession and makes it harder for us to raise the bar for the career. Make the job better.