Thinking about taxes today could add more than $200,000 to a pilot’s retirement

taxesCompound interest has been called the eighth wonder of the world.  Incredible monetary growth is possible given two simple ingredients – persistence & time.  And for airline crewmembers, perhaps one of the most overlooked opportunities to benefit from the power of compound interest comes during tax season.

Airline crewmembers (both pilots and flight attendants) incur a number of expenses associated with their employment.  Most of these expenses are eligible to be written off as itemized deductions on IRS Form 2106 (Employee Business Expenses).  Continue reading Thinking about taxes today could add more than $200,000 to a pilot’s retirement

Recommendations: Always Good Idea?

recommendationOver the course of the last several weeks I’ve had three clients who have come to me with differing problems in the same area: recommendations.

My definition of a recommendation covers everything from a short letter of praise written by past/current employer or coworker, to a pilot-acquaintance who offers to walk your resume in to his company, to the person who puts his or her reputation on the line by vouching for your professional and personal background. Continue reading Recommendations: Always Good Idea?

Flight Time Presentation

logbookQUESTION:
I am in the process of filling out airline applications.  I’m not sure about how to list PIC time, as the PIC time in my logbook is different than what will be listed on the application.  Do I need to make changes in my logbook to have my times listed exactly as the application wants it?

ANSWER:
There is nothing worse than having an Interviewer look at your logbooks and say, “WHY did you list your time THIS way?” Continue reading Flight Time Presentation

The ‘Professional’ in Professional Pilot

professionalpilotThe word ‘professional’ when attached to the word ‘pilot’ means much more than just flight ratings and number of hours at the controls.  In my 18 years of providing career advice to professional pilots I have learned a great deal about how non-technical characteristics can help you rise to the top of the applicant pool…and ultimately allow you to achieve your highest career goals.

1. Preparedness

How well you prepared while gaining your flight ratings will be closely reviewed.  Your goal is to show your preparedness by scoring well on written tests and passing your checkrides on the first try. You can increase your chances of reaching these goals by following a few simple rules: Continue reading The ‘Professional’ in Professional Pilot

Q&A: What are some of the most damaging interview mistakes pilots make?

interview1Question: What are some of the most damaging interview mistakes pilots make?

Answer: A very popular question! And, recent dilemmas faced by Cage Consulting clients highlight two important facts that a pilot must face in order to eliminate two of the most damaging interview mistakes.

FACT # 1
The decision to not provide requested information on employment applications will follow the pilot throughout his or her career. Continue reading Q&A: What are some of the most damaging interview mistakes pilots make?