Working for the airlines...
Moderators: North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako
Working for the airlines...
Just wondering if they are any airline pilots out there that are willing to comment on their experience. I mean, has it been all you thought it would be. I just want to know the pros and cons. Is the eventually salary worth all the time away from home, etc...? I just don't know which way to go career wise: Airlines or executive charter company. Any personal opinions would be appreciated.
So far it's been an excellent experience... only been flying for the airline for about 5 months and it's been better then then I expected.
Home all the time, most of our pairings are single day and we are guaranteed 12 days off a month.
Delicious hot meals served in china with stainless utensils...
Above average pay... not a big pay sacrifice to start and you get most of it back after your first year.
Rotating days off bid schedule so everyone can get the days off they want...
Profit sharing...
Cost of living salary increases...
Pension and a great benefit package...
You don't feel like a number as we only have about 50 pilots...
Challenging flying... not just ILS to ILS and we operate Boeings into gravel runways.
Overall, I think it's probably the best airline job in Canada... but that's just me.
As for your decision, it depends on which airline, where you will be based, and what other opportunities you might have in the corporate world.
Best of luck!
Home all the time, most of our pairings are single day and we are guaranteed 12 days off a month.
Delicious hot meals served in china with stainless utensils...

Above average pay... not a big pay sacrifice to start and you get most of it back after your first year.
Rotating days off bid schedule so everyone can get the days off they want...
Profit sharing...
Cost of living salary increases...
Pension and a great benefit package...
You don't feel like a number as we only have about 50 pilots...
Challenging flying... not just ILS to ILS and we operate Boeings into gravel runways.
Overall, I think it's probably the best airline job in Canada... but that's just me.

As for your decision, it depends on which airline, where you will be based, and what other opportunities you might have in the corporate world.
Best of luck!
-
- Rank (9)
- Posts: 1646
- Joined: Thu Mar 04, 2004 9:59 pm
- Location: The Best Coast
Hi Brew
I have been flying 705 airline for a while. It is enjoyable and a lot easier on the system then charter or rig pig flying, but always remember first, and foremost it’s a job. People seem to forget that while there is nothing wrong with enjoying what your doing don't be in a rush to get to that "airline" job.
Don't also forget look after yourself first. You owe the airline nothing. They did nothing for you to get to a skill level that they want or need. Do not be fooled that once you are at an airline that they are all the same. Investigate who you want to work for. Don't just ask one or two people. You will of course get the FNG who think it's better then sliced bread, and the old grouchy who will tell you it was 10X better 20 years ago. So with that I found one that fits my parameters and have no complaints. You will probably have different agenda so find one that fits you and go with it.
I have been flying 705 airline for a while. It is enjoyable and a lot easier on the system then charter or rig pig flying, but always remember first, and foremost it’s a job. People seem to forget that while there is nothing wrong with enjoying what your doing don't be in a rush to get to that "airline" job.
Don't also forget look after yourself first. You owe the airline nothing. They did nothing for you to get to a skill level that they want or need. Do not be fooled that once you are at an airline that they are all the same. Investigate who you want to work for. Don't just ask one or two people. You will of course get the FNG who think it's better then sliced bread, and the old grouchy who will tell you it was 10X better 20 years ago. So with that I found one that fits my parameters and have no complaints. You will probably have different agenda so find one that fits you and go with it.
Either you're in, or you're in the way