Can an Airline Pilot Make a Good Biz Jet Pilot?

Before the COVID-19 lockdown there was a lot of talk about a global pilot shortage. Unfortunately, a few airlines have gone bust and others have laid-off a good percentage of their pilot-force. If you are looking to buy or lease a private jet you may be asking yourself the question if an airline pilot can be a good private jet pilot. Fabrizio Poli offers his insight into this subject...

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[CLdriver]

For the most part, from my past experience, I agree with what you’re saying.
Ideally, any pilot you would hire has to be highly adaptable to their situation, hence being able to think ‘outside their box’. This also applies to bizjet pilots who, for whatever reason, transition to airline/cargo flying. Some just won’t make it in those particular operations.
Flexibility, and ability to adapt to the particular flying environment is key.

[davidjames-maddaford]

? How much does it cost for your service(s)? ...Compared to how much would it cost NOT to hire your service(s)?

[dogstar]

Yes and no. I've recruited three and I'm happy to say that all have taken to it like ducks to water. Having said that, I know a few in other companies who have been an absolute disaster. So much so that they had to go back to the airlines..!

[TenantRepGuru]

Fab I think you nailed it. When I saw the headline I was expecting you to 100% endorse airline pilots knowing that was your background. However, I think you did an excellent job of explaining the advantages and disadvantages of airline pilots. Yes, they are certainly well trained. That said, a lot of them, but certainly not all, are prima donnas that are used to everything, but the flying, being done for them. They show up and fly.  

That's not the corporate world. In the corporate world, at the very least, they are responsible to make sure the plane is ready to fly. Has the maintenance been kept up? Are the tire pressures correct? They have to do the weight and balance and oh my, be responsible for checking the weather.  

I concur with you, they represent the company and have to have a good personality as well as being "good sticks". For those willing to take on the challenge of corporate flying, they can find that it is more rewarding as they are not just robotic flying guys and gals, but in my opinion, a good corporate pilot can become part and parcel of the biz team. As such, they are likely to expand their business knowledge as well as maintaining their flying skills. Don

[andersschoen]

Hi Fab,

Really good points and all so true.

I've done it all as well except the military. Regional, Cargo, Scheduled Airline, Corp/VIP, Low Cost and now luckily heading back to Corp/VIP. But I was also told it is because of previous experience in this capacity knowing my role and what's expected of me.

🙂👍

[parimal]

Nice video Fab. One thing which we need to focus in current issue caused due to China viurs is that these pilots are coming to private jet aviation by force & not by choice. How long they will stay is another question once airlines resume as & when situation normalizes. And if we talk about being pilot to private jet used by owner & not charter company, then in many cases a complete background check is carried out by the agencies in which many fail. Also, a private jet pilot needs to keep things which happen on & off the jet private. There are some behavioral aspects alongwith certain habits (about which I can't write on public forum) which are big no-no irrespective of number of hours under his belt.

[dogstar]

And yes, I'm one as well. 11 years in the airline and 13 and counting in a private...

[edwardc.]

How do you address the pilot issues when one/both are sick ? Do you need to keep one or two pilots on a retainer ? Thanks, Edward