How did you get into aviation (NetJets)?
I started flying in 2020
COVID
Life-long interest
Time and resources
Discovery flight
career change.
39yo I approached it very deliberately
Researched
Second bachelor’s degree in aviation while working through my certificates.
Working full-time
Training steadily and methodically.
Commercial certificate - work
Multi-engine twin Cessna,
King Air turbine, single-pilot experience.
Contract flying Part 135 and Part 91
Twin Cessnas and King Airs.
Enjoyed the variety, responsibility, and customer interaction that came with that role.
Flyin CJs
CJ captain flying single-pilot
Class B airports
Challenging mountain
environments.
The combination of single-pilot turbine operations, customer-focused flying, and operating into complex environments is what led me to NetJets. I’m looking for a long-term home where standardization, safety culture, and service are emphasized—and where I can grow as part of a professional, team-oriented operation.
Why NetJets specifically, and why now?
I spend a lot of time in FBOs around the country, and I hear ‘exec jet’ on the radio constantly. Over time, I’ve consistently noticed the professionalism of NetJets crews—the way they carry themselves, how they interact with owners, and how highly they speak about the company and its safety culture. That stood out to me long before I ever applied.
NetJets is the most established and stable Part 91K and Part 135 operation in the world, and the backing of Berkshire Hathaway reinforces that long-term stability. Just as important to me is the training—NetJets is known for world-class, standardized training and an impeccable safety record. That combination makes it a place where I can see myself finishing my aviation career, not just passing through.
I genuinely enjoy owner and customer interaction. I take pride in making people feel both safe and well cared for, and that service mindset aligns closely with the NetJets model.
I’ve spent several years flying single-pilot turbine aircraft in challenging environments, which has taught me discipline, planning, and decision-making. At this stage of my career, I recognize the significant safety and operational advantages of flying as part of a highly trained, standardized crew.
This feels like the right time because I’m ready to bring my experience into a team-based operation where safety, professionalism, and consistency are the foundation—and where I can continue to grow while contributing long-term.
Tell me about a time you had to say ‘no’ to a customer or owner.
I recently flew owners to a Dallas Cowboys game. As we were preparing to depart to return home, the weather at their destination deteriorated significantly—ceilings and visibility dropped to zero.
I briefed the owners on the current conditions and the forecast, and explained that we wouldn’t be able to safely get into their home airport. We discussed waiting it out, but the forecast didn’t show meaningful improvement until the following day.
The owners were understandably disappointed and strongly expressed the need to be home because of family commitments the next day. I acknowledged their concerns but explained that safety had to come first and that attempting the flight wasn’t an option.
While I had been waiting, I was also monitoring nearby alternates and identified an airport about an hour’s drive south where the ceilings and visibility were within limits. I proposed flying there and arranging ground transportation so they could still get home that night.
We flew to the alternate without issue, coordinated transportation, and the owners were able to complete their trip safely. While it wasn’t their preferred outcome, they appreciated the clear communication and the effort to find a safe solution. That experience reinforced for me the importance of being firm on safety while still doing everything possible to take care of the customer.
Describe a time you disagreed with another pilot or crewmember. How did you handle it?
Early in my multi-engine flying, I had the opportunity to fly with several very experienced captains, each with a different style. On one particular trip, I was flying as the first officer with a captain who had a very aggressive demeanor and made sarcastic comments that created some tension in the cockpit.
My priority during the flight was safety and professionalism, so I stayed focused on my duties—making standard callouts, backing up the flying pilot, and keeping communication operational and task-oriented. I felt that addressing the behavior during the flight would likely increase distraction rather than improve the situation.
After landing and completing the trip, I waited until we were no longer under time pressure or responsible for passengers. I reached out to him later and asked to meet for coffee so we could talk about the trip in a more relaxed environment.
During that conversation, he explained that his approach was intentionally demanding and that he was assessing how I handled stress. While his style wasn’t one I would choose, the discussion was professional and productive, and it reinforced for me the importance of choosing the right time and setting to address interpersonal issues.
That experience helped shape how I approach CRM today—staying professional in the moment, speaking up when safety requires it, and addressing interpersonal concerns constructively once the operation is complete
What weather conditions would cause you to delay or cancel a flight?
I tend to think about weather-related delays or cancellations in a few broad categories: winds, convective or winter weather, and ceilings and visibility.
With winds, my first consideration is always aircraft limitations. I’m not going to exceed any published limits, and beyond that I look closely at company SOPs. Even if conditions are technically legal, I want to make sure both pilots are comfortable operating near the margins. If the winds are near maximums and trending worse, that’s a strong candidate for a delay or alternate plan.
With storms, convective weather is often something you can manage with timing. Thunderstorms usually move through, so delaying rather than canceling is often appropriate. Winter weather tends to be more complex—snow, ice, braking action, and in-flight icing all factor in. I’m looking closely at runway condition reports, braking action, pilot reports, and whether getting into an airport could leave us unable to safely depart later.
For ceilings and visibility, my baseline is published approach minimums, but company SOPs often add additional margins. For example, in my current operation we won’t attempt an approach into Aspen unless ceilings are at least 500 feet above the FAF. I always operate to the more conservative of the two—approach minimums or SOPs.
Overall, my goal is to avoid putting the crew or passengers in a position where we’re relying on luck or hoping conditions improve. If conditions don’t support a stable, predictable operation, I’m comfortable delaying, diverting, or canceling.
What would you do if a captain consistently deviated from SOPs?
I view the captain as the PIC, but also as a teammate. SOPs exist to create consistency and safety, so if I noticed a captain consistently deviating from them, my first step would be to address it directly and professionally at an appropriate time—typically after the flight or at the end of the duty day.
I’d approach it from a place of curiosity rather than accusation, because sometimes what looks like a deviation is actually a misunderstanding or a difference in interpretation. I’d listen to their perspective and work together to make sure we’re aligned with the SOPs going forward.
If the behavior continued or crossed into something that affected safety, I would speak up in the moment using standard CRM principles. And if it still wasn’t resolved, I would use the company’s established reporting or management channels.
My goal wouldn’t be to challenge authority, but to protect the safety culture and ensure we’re operating consistently as a professional crew.
What do you know about the NetJets schedule, and how do you feel about it?
I understand that NetJets offers several schedule options, including a 7-on/7-off schedule and the various Crew Choice schedules. What really appeals to me is the predictability and flexibility built into the system.
While I haven’t worked a structured schedule like this before, I’m very comfortable being on the road for extended periods. Being away for seven days at a time doesn’t concern me, and I actually enjoy traveling and operating in different parts of the country.
Right now, I often fly more than fourteen days a month, but the schedule can be inconsistent. The ability to know my schedule months in advance would allow me to better manage fatigue and be fully present during my time off.
From a family standpoint, that predictability is extremely valuable. It allows me to prioritize and maximize quality time at home while still fully committing to the job when I’m on duty. Overall, the NetJets scheduling model fits well with both my professional expectations and my personal life.
What’s something you’re still working to improve as a pilot?
I don’t think I’ve ever had a perfect flight, and I try to treat every trip as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Most of my background has been in single-pilot operations, which builds strong decision-making skills and discipline. As I’ve transitioned into more crewed environments, I’ve been very intentional about refining how I operate as part of a two-pilot team.
I’m comfortable making decisions and communicating clearly, but I continue to focus on being even more proactive with challenge-and-response communication, encouraging input, and picking up on non-verbal cues from my crewmate.
I work on this through recurrent CRM training, observing strong captain–first officer pairings, and actively asking for feedback after flights. It’s something I take seriously because I know strong CRM directly impacts safety and efficiency.
Do you have any questions for us?
- From your perspective, what part of the NetJets culture has had the biggest impact on you personally?
- From what you’ve seen, what do new pilots tend to find most challenging during initial training, and what separates those who do well?
- How does NetJets gather pilot feedback and turn it into operational or safety improvements?
Checkride Failures
Yes, I’ve had two training setbacks. The first was a private pilot oral checkride failure early in my training, where I was underprepared for the depth of the questioning. That was my responsibility, and I corrected it by changing how I prepared and passed the retest.
I also required additional training on my initial CE-525 single-pilot type rating. During the checkride, I failed to maintain heading within standards during a single-engine go-around. I recognized the deviation at the time and elected to continue the evaluation.
I completed the remainder of the checkride within standards, retrained later that day with a focus on single-engine workload management and directional control, and successfully re-performed the maneuver the following day. I passed the type rating and went on to operate the aircraft without further training issues.
What did you learn from the failures?
From my private pilot oral, I learned the importance of preparing for depth of understanding rather than relying on rote memorization. That experience pushed me to focus on concepts, decision-making, and being able to explain the ‘why,’ not just recite answers. That change in preparation style has stayed with me throughout all subsequent training.
From my CE-525 type rating, I learned the importance of slowing the process down in high-workload situations. In an emergency scenario, it can feel like everything is happening very quickly, but taking a deliberate, methodical approach to memory items improves accuracy and aircraft control. By focusing on smooth, disciplined execution rather than speed, I was able to stay well within standards.
TMAAT that you went above and beyond for a customer.
Recently, I flew an owner, her friend, and their children to Fort Worth for a concert. When we arrived, the ground transportation they had arranged failed to show up. With the concert starting in less than an hour, it was clear that time was critical.
Anticipating that ground transportation can occasionally fall through, I had already reserved a backup rental car. I coordinated quickly with the owner, let her know the situation, and offered to drive them to the venue so they wouldn’t miss the concert.
I got them to the concert on time, and to make sure they didn’t have any issues afterward, I also arranged to pick them up and drive them back to their hotel.
From the owner’s perspective, the trip remained seamless despite the issue. That experience reinforced for me that going above and beyond often means anticipating problems and quietly solving them without adding stress for the customer.
What is safety to you?
To me, safety is the result of disciplined preparation, standardization, and good decision-making before a situation becomes time-critical.
It starts well before the flight—understanding the weather, the aircraft, the environment, and having realistic plans and alternates. In the airplane, safety comes from adhering to SOPs, communicating clearly, and creating a cockpit environment where both pilots are comfortable speaking up.
I don’t view safety as avoiding risk entirely, but as managing it conservatively and predictably. If a situation starts trending toward the margins, safety means being willing to slow down, delay, divert, or cancel rather than pressing on.
Ultimately, safety is doing things in a way that makes the outcome unsurprising—not relying on luck, heroics, or perfect execution.
What is the difference between good and great customer service?
Good customer service is responding professionally to requests and solving problems as they arise.
Great customer service is anticipating needs and preventing problems before the customer ever becomes aware of them. It’s creating a seamless experience where safety, professionalism, and care are evident without being intrusive.
In aviation, that often means thinking several steps ahead—weather, ground transportation, timing, or passenger comfort—and quietly building margins so the trip feels smooth and predictable.
Most importantly, great customer service never compromises safety or standards. When something can’t be done, it’s about explaining it clearly, offering safe alternatives, and maintaining trust.
What do you know about NetJets?
NetJets is the world’s largest and most established fractional aviation company, operating primarily under Part 91K with a supplemental Part 135 component. The scale of the operation is significant—large fleet, diverse aircraft types, and a global footprint—which makes standardization and training absolutely critical.
The company is known for its strong safety culture, conservative operational decision-making, and industry-leading training. SOP compliance and crew resource management are central to how NetJets operates, which is one of the things that attracts me to the company.
From a customer standpoint, NetJets sets the expectation that owners receive a seamless, professional experience, while pilots are empowered to make conservative safety decisions without pressure to ‘get the trip done.’
I also understand that NetJets is backed by Berkshire Hathaway, which provides long-term stability and reinforces the company’s focus on safety, professionalism, and sustainability rather than short-term growth.
Why should we hire you?
I think I’d be a good fit for NetJets because I bring a combination of conservative decision-making, a strong service mindset, and a team-oriented approach to flying.
My background in single-pilot turbine operations has taught me discipline, planning, and accountability, while my recent experience in crewed environments has reinforced the value of standardization and CRM. I’m comfortable making decisions, but I’m equally comfortable inviting input and adjusting when appropriate.
I genuinely enjoy owner interaction and take pride in providing a calm, professional experience—especially when things don’t go exactly as planned. At the same time, I’m very clear about maintaining safety, SOP compliance, and consistency.
Most importantly, I’m looking for a long-term home where I can continue to learn, contribute, and uphold a strong safety culture. NetJets’ emphasis on training, professionalism, and teamwork aligns closely with how I already operate.
Tell me about a time you’ve had to demonstrate crew resource management
421 Story
What do you know about our culture?
From what I’ve observed and learned, NetJets has a culture built around safety, standardization, and professionalism. Pilots are encouraged to make conservative decisions and are supported when they do, even when that means delaying or changing a trip.
There’s also a strong emphasis on teamwork. The operation is large and complex, so success depends on consistent SOPs, good CRM, and mutual respect between crewmembers and across departments.
From an owner perspective, the culture values delivering a calm, seamless experience without compromising safety. From a pilot perspective, it’s a place where preparation, discipline, and communication are expected—not exceptional.
Overall, it comes across as a culture that prioritizes doing things the right way every time, rather than taking shortcuts or relying on individual style.
What is your customer service philosophy?
My customer service philosophy is centered on anticipation, consistency, and trust. I believe great service starts before the customer ever arrives—by preparing thoroughly, thinking a few steps ahead, and building margins so the trip feels smooth and predictable.
During the trip, service means being professional, approachable, and responsive without being intrusive. When something doesn’t go as planned, it’s about communicating clearly, taking ownership, and quietly finding safe solutions without adding stress for the customer.
Above all, customer service never comes at the expense of safety or standards. If something can’t be done safely, my responsibility is to explain why, offer alternatives, and maintain the customer’s confidence in the operation.
What is professionalism?
To me, a professional pilot is defined less by technical ability and more by judgment, consistency, and how they conduct themselves every day.
A professional pilot prepares thoroughly, follows SOPs, and communicates clearly—especially in challenging or time-critical situations. They maintain a calm, respectful cockpit environment where everyone is comfortable speaking up.
Professionalism also means accountability: owning mistakes, learning from them, and continuously improving. It’s about making conservative decisions, even when they’re inconvenient, and representing the company well with owners, coworkers, and vendors.
Ultimately, a professional pilot produces predictable, safe outcomes and earns trust through consistency rather than individual style.”
Why Flexjet
“What draws me to Flexjet is the combination of a premium ownership experience with a strong safety culture. From what I’ve seen, Flexjet places a lot of emphasis on professionalism, judgment, and brand representation, while still empowering pilots to make conservative decisions.
I enjoy owner interaction and building trust, and I’m comfortable delivering a high-touch experience without compromising standards. Flexjet feels like an environment where precision, service, and professionalism are all expected—and that aligns well with how I already operate.
NetJets Mindset
Predictable. Scalable. Standardized. Conservative
Flexjet Mindset
Premium. Polished. Relationship-driven. Judicious. Flexjet wants thinking professionals who represent the brand.
How did you get into aviation (FlexJet)?
I started flying in 2020
COVID
Life-long interest
Time and resources
Discovery flight
career change.
39yo I approached it very deliberately
Researched
Second bachelor’s degree in aviation while working through my certificates.
Working full-time
Training steadily and methodically.
Commercial certificate - work
Multi-engine twin Cessna,
King Air turbine, single-pilot experience.
Contract flying Part 135 and Part 91
Twin Cessnas and King Airs.
Enjoyed the variety, responsibility, and customer interaction that came with that role.
Flyin CJs
CJ captain flying single-pilot
Class B airports
Challenging mountain environments My background in single-pilot turbine operations, customer-facing flying, and operating in complex environments naturally led me to Flexjet. I’m looking for a long-term home where professional judgment, a strong safety culture, and a premium ownership experience are all expected—not treated as extras.
Flexjet appeals to me because it values precision, adaptability, and the ability to deliver a high-touch experience while still operating conservatively. I’m excited about growing within a team-oriented operation where pilots are trusted to represent the brand, build relationships, and consistently deliver a polished, professional product.”
