Becoming a corporate pilot?

C

CarpetCritter

New Member
I have just been accepted to a few schools, but my final decision is K-State. I plan on doing an AS in aviation (since you cant fly at K-State without doing some kind of degree in aviation) and a BS in something like mech. engineering. I would do my training at an FBO, but I am using a post 9/11 GI bill, so therefore I have to use it at an IHL (institute of higher learning). My question is...what is the best track to becoming a corporate/business/charter pilot? I have more desire to go that track as opposed to the airline track. Any suggestions are much appreciated.
 
as with any industry...NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK! This will probably be the thing that lands you a corporate pilot job.
 
Get a job at the local FBO and network. It is all about who you know.

You can also have some success working at a Flight Safety type place as a sim instructor. Get typed, start doing contract work for guys you meet and do sim work with and try and work it into a full time spot.
 
Matt13C said:
Get a job at the local FBO and network. It is all about who you know.

You can also have some success working at a Flight Safety type place as a sim instructor. Get typed, start doing contract work for guys you meet and do sim work with and try and work it into a full time spot.
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I agree.
 
Major in Business or Economics, get a corporate job as a pilot and network that into the executive corner office job where one of your perks is sitting in the back of the falcon/gulfstream/global :p
 
I worked as a CFI for a while, then as a right seater at FSI, networked, got a type, then got picked up by my current company. Big key = networking and a great attitude.
 
CarpetCritter - I don't know if you're aware, but K-State has a very close affiliation with the FlightSafety International Cessna Center in Wichita, KS. FSI Wichita takes intern applicants from K-State and puts them into the SIC programs. The commitment is a "gentlemen's" agreement for one year and then they will type-rate you in whatever jet you get a job in. Along with that, whatever program you're in, they will SIC type rate you. I am currently an intern here in the CE-560XL, CE-650, and the CE-750 programs and love it. Also, once you become proficient and are social, the chances of being asked to do contract trips increase. I have only been here for four months and I have just received my first full-time offer to fly a CE-650 out of Farmingdale, NY.

I did the same route as Crockrocket and did some teaching down at FlightSafety Academy and then got this job. If you go to FSA, there are more opportunities to go to different FSI centers because of the Business Jet Direct program between FSA and FSI.

You fly with chief pilots from all around the world and the exposure is priceless. For example, I just did a recurrent with the chief pilot for Cessna in the Citation Ten and just from "flying" as his co-pilot, I learned so much. Its an awesome learning experience and I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to get into corporate aviation.
 
If you go the FSI SIC program route make sure you get some flight time in there. It is one thing to be typed in the jet; it is another to be able to meet insurance minimums. I have heard of people coming out of CAE's program with a type in a large jet only to find they don't have the flight time to get a job.
 
Piece of cake. I flight instructed until I had 1200 TT, flew part 135 night freight in a Cessna 402, then got hired flying a 19 seat turboprop for a commuter. Went to an LCC, got furloughed, went back to the commuters. Then I flew for a major for a few years before getting furloughed and going back to the commuters for a few more years of 30 seat turboprops and 50 seat jets. Then I got hired by a corporate flight department.

Note: I do not necessarily endorse this method. :)
 
Did you say you want to be a charter pilot? Why not just poke yourself in the eye with something sharp, it's cheaper, quicker, and far less painful.
 
Yeah,you'll want to go in with some time. You may have a type on a jet, but with 800 hrs it s is worthless (there are some exceptions). I waited till i had about 1700 till I accepted the position at FSI on the GV/550, All the clients I've worked with said that will suffice.If you can do the SIC program it will benefit you more than any of us can possibly explain too you. Prior to applying there you will prob wanna instruct for a bit, not just for the time, but for the overall learning experience. Good luck!!
 
TheresaPilot said:
And flight instruct at an FBO if you have the opportunity. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be where I am now. :)
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Thats the route I went! But I dont look nearly as cute as THERESA's pic! But my legs are pretty darn close . . . :) (i guess thats why I got the job)
 
TheresaPilot said:
And flight instruct at an FBO if you have the opportunity. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be where I am now. :)
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I'll second that and add a point that far too many miss. Always approach every person you meet as if they were interviewing you right there on the spot. Sometimes you are being interviewed without knowing in advance. I can't tell you how many people i've seen miss an opportunity due to this...
 
Yep same thing as the rest of the guys.

I just worked at the FBO and networked with everyone and it eventually landed me my job now.
 
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