Learflyer

Sorry, man. I've got to go with Triumph on this one. you've been a member on this board a long time, with a Rookie question.

Nicaflyer

I used to work at Flight Options...quit about four months ago. Since then, the company has been sold, so I couldn't really tell you about how things are now. Back then, morale was low...there weren't too many happy pilots there, except for a few check airmen and some other management/pilot folks. There was a very "us vs. them" attitude with the contract negotiations. One of the major issues with the pilots were having domiciles cut back (new hires only get to choose from about four or five). Some had to move to new areas to avoid awful commutes. The other major issue was the increase in the cost of health insurance. Most pilots saw their costs double or triple. Believe me, it wasn't just "a few malcontents," and many pilots have left.

All that being said, I think that once there is a contract, morale will improve quite a bit. It seems like that is what happened at NetJets.

cosmosdrvr

Do they require you to move to the assigned domicile? I am a 3 hr to ATL.
How long is the upgrade currently.

GlasssPilot

Dude, look up what dude means in an english dictionary. That was the context used.

If you want to go to a company that will drive you into the dirt then apply to FLOPS. Read the HUNDREDS of posts on flightinfo.com and come to your own conclusions. No flame here. Really. The company blows. I have first hand seen beaten down FLOPS pilots in FBO's and sometimes hotel lobbies and they do NOT look happy. Super long days followed by super short nights in sub-par hotels for sub-par pay while dealing non-stop with company BS.

Just accept that 99.9% of posts can't possibly be wrong.

good luck...

Radials Rule

By the same token, don't believe it's just as good as other companies unless you've been there. You have obviously not been there.

No, not so many planes are flying...planes are sitting with no crews (reference mass exodus below). I wouldn't call the owners "happy". Tolerant? Sometimes. Happy? Definitely not. As for happy flight crews? HA HA HA HA! The only happy crews are the Kool Aid drinkers.

"Handful"? 67% voted for the union and as of my departure, 80% were paying their union dues.

Actually, there has been a mass exodus and I was part of that exodus. Guess what. The other side of the tracks is indeed better and I am not alone. FLOPS have driven some pilots out of flying altogether because their perception is that all professional flying is like FLOPS.

Management there is clueless. In less than 4 years, they took a pilot group that was 95% anti union to 80% pro union. What does that tell you?

It is not an attitude problem or an issue of whining. i.e. Some of those "whiner" FLOPS pilots are now happy NetJets pilots. It's the same job.

Yes, there are always whiners in any bunch but with FLOPS, chances are that the "whining" is justified. Apparently, you have no idea.

Kdub

GolfKilo has a consistent trend. He is optimistic. We all would do well to observe his example. It is just as easy to be positive as it is to be negative. Chin up. Enjoy the fact that aviation is better than it has been for well over 20 years. THESE ARE THE GOOD TIMES. Understand that we will look back, and remember that these were among the best times that we have ever had during our careers. ENJOY IT. We all have several options to choose from. make your best choice, and smile. We have the best jobs in the world.

Thanks for your example, GK, you da man.

GolfKilo

Roger that, Kdub!

Radials Rule

I and I'm sure many others appreciate your attitude. However, FLOPS management wants everyone to look at everything through rose colored glasses and turn a blind eye to all of the systematic intimidation and gray area operations. I know, it sounds paranoid but really, ask any FLOPS/former FLOPS pilot that isn't on Kool Aid.....and the majority aren't drinking the stuff.

It would put the union in a better position for negotiations to keep issues in perspective and remain realistic.....just saying. Also, a perspective new-hire should have a comprehensive picture of the issues at FLOPS. By this, I mean more than the rosey picture management paints for the interviewees.

If one that is interested in working at FLOPS can sort through the excess of whining and fighting on Flightinfo, there is indeed some sound information in the fractional forum. Another suggestion for someone considering employment there would be to go to the FBO's where FLOPS goes. Galaxy PBI, Jet Aviation TEB, Atlantic LAS, etc and chat with a good sampling of FLOPS pilots.

Again, a positive attitude is great but, one doesn't want to parade oneself to H-E double hockey sticks.

CitationMan

What hiring?
Was there a February class?
How about March?

Doubt they are finding much out there....

CitationMan