Fractional Pilot vs Airline Pilot: An Honest Comparison
Justin went from flying a Citation Latitude at a fractional to a 737 at a major airline. Here is his honest comparison.
Should you fly for a fractional or an airline? In this solo episode, Justin shares his own experience moving from the Citation Latitude at a fractional operation to the 737 at a major airline, and compares the two honestly.
- 017-on/7-off schedules vs airline scheduling
- 02FBO life and owner interaction vs “turn left and you’re done”
- 03How quality of life changes after becoming a parent
- 04The reality of short-call reserve
- 05How to decide what’s right for your family
Two different lives
Fractional flying means seven-day work weeks and FBO life. The airline brings the simplicity of turning left and being done when the flight is over.
Quality of life
Justin compares 7-on/7-off schedules with airline scheduling, and how his priorities shifted after becoming a parent.
Short-call reserve
He’s honest about the grind of short-call reserve at an airline.
Which is right for you
If you love Garmin avionics and working with owners, fractional may fit. If you want longer overnights and more predictable schedules, the airline may be the better choice.
Justin Siems
Justin Siems is the host of Pilot to Pilot and a major airline pilot. Before the airline, he flew the Citation Latitude at a fractional operator.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to fly fractional or for an airline?
It depends on your priorities. Justin compares schedules, customer service, crew dynamics and quality of life in this episode.
What schedule do fractional pilots work?
Justin describes 7-on/7-off schedules at a fractional operation.
What is short-call reserve?
It is airline reserve duty where you must be available to report on short notice. Justin talks about the grind of it in this episode.
