Pervis

I haven't heard that in over 20 years. When we didn't need tips because we were "adequately compensated". I get tips at least every other tour. I'm told the 650 owners are possibly the most generous, and each fleet is different, but with 5 Netjets types, I've seen it in every fleet. Certainly not something I count on, but very much appreciate it.

SDG1517

So, if I am at a Regional, should I come too NJA? I have an interview soon, but wonder it it's the right move. Sometimes I think it could could be good long term, especially if something bad were to happen, but overall, it seems like a good place to hang the hat for the time being. How do others feel about that? (I am optimistic about contract negotiations).

60av8tor

To hang your hat until what? If you want to progress in 121, stay 121. WAY more info is needed to give you any opinion much more than that.

You're asking the internet if you should bag your regional and hop to NJ...

SDG1517

I honestly don’t know. I haven’t experienced the 135 world, but sometimes wonder if that’s a good place to stay for me. I guess I won’t know until I’ve tried it. But for sure I do not like the Regional life. Everyone seems to tell me to pursue the Majors. I am coming from the military full time (and now a Reservist), so I legitimately don’t know where to go. I’m used to being told where to go/what to do. Most of the time I think the end goal is 121. If NJA future is solid, then I would feel more comfortable about it.

60av8tor

Looks like you're very new - maybe reserve, commuting? I would not recommend doing anything drastic ATM. I also came from mil to regional and it was... interesting... A few years later, and I can't imagine a much better gig. I just can't see you liking a 135 newb gig more than 121 unless you've seen the better parts of 121 and still don't like it, but for sure it's not for everyone. About to fly, but send me a PM if you're inclined and maybe we could talk through the culture shock you're experiencing. I've been there!

MinRest

Regionals are not a career destination, neither is NJA.

HazyIPA

Regionals for sure are not a career destination; I think everyone can agree on that.

NetJets not being one, though - I have to ask what is that based on and do you think that's really applicable to anyone and everyone? I'll put forth that there is a lot about NJ that appeals to me, but I will also be coming from military flying which sucks in all sorts of ways most people here can only imagine. For me, the predictable schedule, the very nice/new aircraft, and not having to deal with big terminals/TSA are huge pulls.

The positive space commuting is probably the biggest one, as well. Having lived in almost every major region of the country, I've decided being forced to live anywhere east of the Rockies again would be a dealbreaker for me. Where else can I swing that (and not have to play the jumpseat lottery just to get to a ****ty New York crashpad) besides SkyWest, Horizon, or a non-121 like NJ who will guarantee a ticket?

It sounds to me like popping into this forum every now and then that compensation, while decent, isn't really where people want it to be because it isn't on par with what legacy airline pilots make. Is that the gist of it?

MinRest

Well, it is all subjective. I know people who made careers at several regionals. Hell, when I was at Ameriflight I saw several pilots retire from there. When I was in the Navy, my squadron had pilots that were on both ends of the spectrum. Some knew they would fly and stay in until they were booted out, and others did their 8 and with both middle fingers up, left and didn't look back. I don't think regionals or Ameriflight are career destinations. NJA isn't really set up for career progression. Seniority means very little, and the pay has always been severely lacking. Anyone can make a career out of anything. NJA has a lot of positives but a 20-year NJA CA can get the same crappy red eye to TEB as a new hire, along with the same relentless garbage QOL as a new hire. But if you love flying private jets and want the job security of a large company, with PS commuting and huge flexibility then NJA is a great spot.

You do know that every major airline has at least one base, if not multiple bases that is west of the Rockies, right? I live on the West Coast and have no intention of moving east of the Sierras, and I can work for every major airline. You can go to UAL and hold 737 CA in SFO this very instant. OAK is a junior base for SWA, SFO is a junior base for AS, and you could hold SEA very quickly with DAL. That doesn't even cover it all. There are plenty of choices west of the Rockies to live, and live in base without having to commute right now.

At the end of the day, if NJA suits you and you love the lifestyle, that is awesome. Embrace it and enjoy!

tm602

Uhhhhh...NO. At least until you think about the long term. I did the commuters, both of which no longer exist. I did regualr corporate flying and I did 16 years at NutJets. About to enter year 3 at a major. The grass is lush, deep and VERY green here. I fly alot (good). I sit very little (even better). No BS. No childidh scheduling games. Overnights are "short" when they are 12 hours but I average 16 hrs 90% of the time. Better hotels, better hotel discounted food (crew food isn't all its cracked up to be at NJA) and I can foregt my job when I go home IOW no ancillaries like expense reports. Even reserve wasn't bad. If you want adventure and constant change, go to NJA. If you want stability in the schedule and control of your life, go to the majors.

AirBear

I was at NJA from 2005-2017, I lost my medical so took advantage of the 3yr LTD and the Union's private LOM plan which I still have over a year left.

In 2017 there was no incentive pay for flying over a set # of hours. I was on the CC72 schedule my last year. Averages 18 days per month, I had already bid the 7-7 when I deployed the medical parachute. My last 12 months I made $202K. Had FDP been availalbe that number would be higher, but not by a lot since I was on the Phenom 300. 18 days sounds bad but I was over 10 years and got 4 vacations per year which usually gave me around half the month off. On the 7-7 I would have gotten 21 days in a row off 4 times per year.

The Good: NO COMMUTING. That was huge for me after commuting from CLT to PIT, DCA, BWI, BOS, & PHL. I could have accepted recall back to USAirways but chose to stay at NJA. Lots of new airports, I usually saw a new one every tour. Lots of interesting people. Excellent and free health insurance for the family. Minor Good: Hotel and Airline loyalty programs. I was Gold or Silver on most airlines. I have lifetime Diamond Status with Hilton. I finally used up all my hotel points but I still have enough miles on AA for several free tickets.

The Bad: Pay below airlines; Short overnights, over 12 hours are rare and you're usually on a 30 minute callout to leave the hotel when you get more than 12. Fly for NetJets, see the world thru your hotel room window. Having to stock and clean the jet, although at our hubs that usually gets done for you. We used to do a fair amount of FBO standby but I think that's gotten better. I didn't mind it, I had games on the laptop or books to read. Seniority doesn't mean as much at NetJets as it does at the airlines. 7-7 start day and vacation awards and of course what jet you fly, although I believe they all still pay the same.

I liked it at NJA. Had I gone back to USAirways I would have remained a F/O for quite some time and I may not have made PIC before losing my medical. I made PIC at NJA at the 2.5yr mark.