Overview: NetJets in 2026
NetJets is the world's largest private aviation company, operating a fleet of over 750 aircraft across the globe under the Berkshire Hathaway umbrella. Founded in 1964 as Executive Jet Airways and later pioneering the fractional ownership model in 1986, NetJets has defined the private aviation industry for decades. The company operates under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, offering on-demand charter and fractional ownership services to high-net-worth individuals, Fortune 500 executives, and heads of state.
The company operates through two primary subsidiaries in the United States: NetJets Aviation (fractional ownership flights) and Executive Jet Management (whole aircraft management and charter). The European arm, NetJets Europe, maintains a separate fleet and pilot group based in Lisbon, Portugal. All U.S. operations are headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, where the company occupies a massive operations center that coordinates flights worldwide.
NetJets' fleet is among the most diverse in business aviation, spanning light jets through ultra-long-range heavy cabin aircraft. The current lineup includes the Cessna Citation Latitude, Citation Longitude, Citation Sovereign, and Citation Excel/XLS from the Textron Aviation stable, along with the Embraer Phenom 300, Bombardier Challenger 350, Challenger 650, and Bombardier Global Express. This fleet diversity means pilots may operate across a range of mission profiles, from quick domestic hops in a light jet to transatlantic crossings in a Global Express.
For pilots, NetJets represents a fundamentally different career path from the airlines. There are no passengers in the traditional sense — there are owners and guests. There are no gate agents, no jetbridges, no hub-and-spoke route maps. Every flight is point-to-point, every owner expects seamless personal service, and no two weeks look exactly the same. If you are preparing for a NetJets interview, this guide breaks down every phase of the process and gives you the operator-specific knowledge you need to stand out.
NetJets Culture and What They Look For
Understanding what NetJets values as a company is essential to succeeding in the interview. Unlike the airlines where you fly schedules and interface with passengers through a flight attendant, NetJets pilots are the direct face of the brand. Every answer in your interview should reflect the following cultural pillars.
Owner Service Mentality
This is the single most important cultural trait NetJets looks for, and it is what separates their hiring from every airline interview. NetJets owners are paying millions of dollars for fractional shares. They are CEOs, professional athletes, political figures, and entertainment industry leaders who expect perfection. You are not just a pilot — you are a private aviation concierge, a brand ambassador, and sometimes the only NetJets employee an owner interacts with on a given trip.
Interviewers want to know that you can handle demanding, high-expectation clients with grace and professionalism. They want stories about going above and beyond for customers, handling difficult service situations, and maintaining composure when plans change at the last minute because an owner needs to divert to a different airport.
Safety Culture
NetJets has built one of the strongest safety programs in Part 135 aviation, and they will not compromise on it for any owner, any trip, or any schedule. The company invests heavily in safety management systems, voluntary reporting programs, and recurrent training that exceeds regulatory minimums. During the interview, every technical and behavioral answer should have a safety foundation. When asked about a scenario where an owner wants to depart into marginal weather, the correct answer always prioritizes safety over schedule — and you must be able to articulate that diplomatically.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Fractional operations are inherently unpredictable. You might brief for a two-leg day and end up flying four legs across three time zones because an owner's plans changed. You might position to one airport only to be reassigned to a completely different trip. The company values pilots who thrive in dynamic environments, who do not get rattled when plans shift, and who can adapt without complaint. If rigidity and predictability are what you need in a career, fractional aviation is probably not the right fit — and NetJets interviewers are looking for evidence that you embrace the variability.
Professionalism
At NetJets, you are the brand. When you step onto an FBO ramp in your NetJets uniform, the way you carry yourself, the way you greet the owner, the condition of the aircraft cabin, the smoothness of the flight — all of it reflects on the company. Interviewers assess professionalism from the moment you walk through the door in Columbus. Your appearance, your punctuality, your handshake, your eye contact, your communication style — everything is part of the evaluation.
Team Orientation
NetJets crews operate in a two-pilot environment across a wide variety of aircraft and mission profiles. Because you may fly with different crew members on each rotation, the ability to build rapport quickly, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively with someone you may have never met before is critical. The company values pilots who are easy to work with, who elevate their crew partner's performance, and who leave ego outside the aircraft door.
The NetJets Interview Process
The NetJets pilot interview is a multi-phase process that is more involved than a typical regional airline interview. The company takes hiring seriously because the stakes are high — every pilot they hire will be operating unsupervised at FBOs around the world, often as the sole representative of the NetJets brand in front of ownership. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Online Application
Submit your application through the NetJets careers portal. Ensure your logbook hours are accurate and current, with particular attention to total time, turbine time, PIC time, and multi-engine time. NetJets reviews applications against their published minimums: typically ATP certificate, first-class medical, FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit, valid passport, and competitive flight time (generally 2,500+ hours with turbine PIC experience). A type rating in a business jet is a significant advantage but not always required.
Phone Screen
Qualified applicants receive a phone interview with a recruiter. This is a preliminary screening to verify your qualifications, discuss your background and motivations, and assess basic communication skills. Expect questions about why you want to fly for NetJets specifically, your understanding of the fractional model, and your availability for training. Be prepared to articulate why you are choosing private aviation over the airlines — the recruiter wants to hear genuine enthusiasm, not a fallback story.
In-Person Interview at Columbus HQ
Successful phone screen candidates are invited to NetJets' headquarters in Columbus, Ohio for a full interview day. This includes both HR/behavioral and technical components, typically conducted by a panel that includes a chief pilot or line check airman and an HR representative. The behavioral portion is heavily focused on customer service scenarios, CRM, and adaptability. The technical portion assesses your aviation knowledge with an emphasis on Part 135 operations, high-altitude flying, and international procedures.
Technical Assessment
Depending on the hiring cycle, NetJets may include a written or oral technical assessment covering Part 135 regulations, weather analysis, aircraft systems at a conceptual level, RVSM operations, and general aeronautical knowledge. This is not a type-specific test — they are evaluating your foundational knowledge and your ability to think through operational scenarios systematically.
Simulator Evaluation
The sim evaluation assesses basic instrument flying skills, CRM, and workload management. You are not expected to know type-specific procedures for any NetJets aircraft. The evaluators are looking at your raw piloting ability, your scan, your communication with the other pilot or sim operator, and how you respond to abnormal situations under pressure.
Background Check, Drug Screen, and Records Verification
NetJets conducts thorough background checks including employment history, FAA records, criminal background, and a DOT drug screening. As a Berkshire Hathaway company, the vetting process is rigorous. Ensure your records are clean and consistent with what you reported on your application.
Training Class Assignment
Successful candidates receive a conditional offer and are assigned to a training class at the NetJets training facility. Initial training includes ground school, simulator training, and IOE (Initial Operating Experience) on your assigned fleet type. Training is conducted at FlightSafety International or CAE facilities depending on aircraft type. Expect several weeks of intensive training before your first revenue flight.
HR and Behavioral Questions
The behavioral portion of the NetJets interview is where the company truly differentiates its hiring from the airlines. While you will still encounter standard TMAAT questions and the STAR method, the emphasis is heavily weighted toward customer service, adaptability, and interpersonal skills in a high-end service environment. Here are the core themes and how to prepare for them.
Customer Service and Owner Interactions
This is the dominant theme in every NetJets behavioral interview. The company needs pilots who can interact with billionaires, celebrities, and corporate leaders with warmth, professionalism, and discretion. Be ready for questions like:
- Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer or client
- Tell me about a time you had to deliver bad news to a customer (such as a delay or cancellation)
- Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult or demanding customer and how you handled it
- Tell me about a time you had to balance customer expectations with safety or operational constraints
Strong approach
Frame your customer service stories around empathy, proactive communication, and creative problem-solving. For example, if you had to delay a flight due to weather, explain how you communicated the situation to the passenger or customer early, offered alternatives, and kept them informed throughout. NetJets owners do not tolerate being surprised — they want to be kept in the loop, and the company expects its pilots to handle that communication directly and professionally.
CRM and Crew Communication
Because NetJets pilots often fly with different crew members on each trip, the ability to establish effective CRM quickly with an unfamiliar partner is critical. Expect questions like:
- Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a crew member on a flight
- Tell me about a time you had to adapt your communication style to work effectively with someone new
- Tell me about a time you had to speak up about a safety concern to a captain or senior crew member
Adaptability and Flexibility
Fractional operations are defined by constant change. Trips get added, destinations change, weather requires diversions, owners change their minds mid-flight. NetJets needs pilots who roll with it. Expect questions like:
- Tell me about a time your plans changed significantly at the last minute and how you adapted
- Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple unexpected changes in rapid succession
- Tell me about a time you had to be creative to solve a logistical problem on a trip
Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy
In the private aviation world, conflicts can arise between crew members, between pilots and dispatch, or between the operation and an owner's expectations. NetJets wants pilots who resolve conflicts with maturity and professionalism. Common questions include:
- Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict between team members
- Tell me about a time you disagreed with a company policy or decision and how you handled it
- Tell me about a time you received criticism and what you did with it
Leadership
Even as a first officer, you are expected to be a leader in the NetJets environment. You may be the only NetJets representative at a remote FBO, responsible for coordinating with ground handlers, customs officials, and fueling crews. Be prepared to discuss:
- Tell me about a time you took initiative to solve a problem without being asked
- Tell me about a time you led a team through a challenging situation
- Tell me about a time you mentored or helped develop a colleague
Why NetJets?
This question carries enormous weight. NetJets wants to hear that you specifically chose private aviation and that you specifically chose NetJets — not that you are applying because the airlines are not calling or because you want a stepping stone. Talk about the owner service model, the fleet diversity, the international flying, the schedule flexibility, and the Berkshire Hathaway stability. Research NetJets' competitors (Flexjet, Wheels Up, Vista/VistaJet) so you can articulate what makes NetJets different and why it is your first choice.
Technical Interview
The technical portion of the NetJets interview differs significantly from a Part 121 airline interview. While core aviation knowledge is still assessed, the emphasis shifts to Part 135 regulations, high-altitude operations, international procedures, and the unique operational considerations of business aviation.
Part 135 Regulations
This is a critical differentiator. Many candidates walk in with strong Part 121 knowledge but are unfamiliar with the Part 135 regulatory framework that governs NetJets operations. Key areas to study include:
- Part 135 duty and rest requirements — how they differ from Part 121 (14-hour duty day, 10-hour rest, flight time limitations)
- Part 135 weather minimums — takeoff and landing minimums, alternate requirements
- Part 135 vs. Part 91 operations — understand when a NetJets flight operates under each part (positioning flights may be Part 91, revenue flights are Part 135)
- MEL procedures under Part 135 — who can defer items, what documentation is required
- Part 135 crew requirements — PIC qualifications, SIC qualifications, recency of experience
Study tip
If you are coming from Part 121, do not assume Part 135 is just a relaxed version of the same rules. There are important differences in duty time calculations, weather minimums, alternate requirements, and crew qualifications. Spend dedicated time reviewing 14 CFR Part 135, particularly Subparts F (Crewmember Flight Time and Duty Period Limitations) and I (Airplane Performance Operating Limitations). Knowing these distinctions will immediately signal to interviewers that you have done your homework.
High-Altitude Operations and RVSM
NetJets aircraft routinely operate at high altitudes, and many flights transit RVSM airspace (FL290 to FL410). Expect questions about:
- RVSM requirements — aircraft equipment, crew training, altitude-keeping tolerances (within 200 feet)
- High-altitude aerodynamics — coffin corner, Mach tuck, speed limitations at altitude
- Pressurization systems — normal operation, failure modes, emergency descent procedures
- High-altitude weather phenomena — clear air turbulence, jet stream effects, volcanic ash considerations
- Oxygen requirements — crew and passenger supplemental oxygen rules under Part 135
International Operations
A significant portion of NetJets flights involve international operations, including transatlantic crossings, Caribbean trips, and flights throughout Central and South America. Study these areas thoroughly:
- Oceanic procedures — position reporting, HF radio requirements, CPDLC, SELCAL, oceanic clearances
- NAT HLA (North Atlantic High Level Airspace) procedures — organized track system, random routing
- International flight planning — ETOPS considerations, fuel planning for oceanic crossings, adequate airports
- Customs and immigration procedures — eAPIS filing, CBP requirements, general declaration
- ICAO differences — flight plan format, altimetry procedures (transition altitude vs. transition level), metric vs. standard units
Weather Decision-Making
Private aviation weather decisions carry unique pressures. Owners expect to depart on schedule, and the temptation to push weather minimums can be real. NetJets wants pilots who make conservative, well-reasoned weather decisions. Key topics include:
- Thunderstorm avoidance strategies — deviation procedures, ATC coordination, onboard radar interpretation
- Winter operations — deicing procedures, contaminated runway assessment, cold weather starting procedures
- Low-visibility operations — CAT II/III approach capabilities (varies by fleet), RVR requirements
- Windshear recognition and recovery — microburst escape maneuver, predictive windshear systems
- Turbulence avoidance — PIREPs, eddy dissipation rate, mountain wave recognition
Aircraft Systems (Conceptual Level)
You will not be tested on the specific systems of the Citation Latitude or Global Express, but you should demonstrate a strong conceptual understanding of business jet systems:
- Glass cockpit avionics — Garmin G5000, Collins Pro Line Fusion, Honeywell Primus Epic (general awareness)
- Autoflight systems — autopilot modes, flight director concepts, autothrottle operation
- Ice protection systems — bleed air anti-ice, electrothermal deice, TKS weeping wing systems
- Emergency systems — emergency oxygen, RAT (Ram Air Turbine), emergency power, fire suppression
- Landing gear and braking systems — anti-skid, autobrakes, emergency extension procedures
Simulator Evaluation
The NetJets sim evaluation is designed to assess your fundamental instrument flying skills and your ability to work as part of a crew under pressure. You are not expected to know type-specific procedures for any NetJets aircraft. Here is what to expect and how to prepare. For a deeper dive into sim preparation, see the Sim Evaluation Guide.
Typical Sim Profile
The sim session generally lasts 30 to 60 minutes and typically includes:
- Normal takeoff and departure following ATC-style instructions from the evaluator
- Vectors to an ILS approach with a stabilized approach emphasis
- Missed approach procedure and hold entry
- An engine failure or system malfunction introduced during the profile
- A second approach, often single-engine, to a landing
- Possible additional maneuvers such as steep turns or unusual attitude recovery at the evaluator's discretion
What They Grade On
Instrument Scan
Can you maintain altitude, heading, and airspeed within reasonable standards? A smooth, consistent scan is more important than hitting exact numbers. NetJets wants to see that you can fly the airplane while managing the broader workload. Small deviations promptly corrected are perfectly acceptable.
CRM in the Sim
Are you communicating with the sim operator or evaluator? Are you briefing the approach, calling out deviations, verbalizing your intentions and decision points? CRM counts as heavily in the sim as it does in the behavioral interview. Talk through what you are doing and why.
Workload Management
When they introduce an engine failure or system malfunction, do you prioritize correctly? Aviate, navigate, communicate — in that order. They want to see methodical, calm troubleshooting rather than panic or tunnel vision. Fly the airplane first, then deal with the problem.
Coachability
The sim evaluator may offer guidance, corrections, or suggestions during the session. How you respond matters enormously. Pilots who listen, acknowledge, and incorporate feedback score well. Pilots who argue, make excuses, or ignore input do not get hired. NetJets invests heavily in training — they need pilots who are teachable.
Sim Preparation Tips
- Get current in a sim. If you can access any jet simulator for a practice session, do it. Even a desktop sim with a quality ILS approach profile will help refresh your scan and instrument crosscheck. The goal is to arrive with warm hands and a sharp scan.
- Brief every approach out loud. Even if it feels over-the-top, verbalizing your approach brief — including minimums, missed approach procedure, and key altitudes — demonstrates professionalism and CRM that NetJets values.
- Practice engine-out approaches. The single-engine approach is where the pressure ramps up. Practice maintaining centerline and glideslope with asymmetric thrust. Focus on trim, rudder input, and smooth corrections rather than chasing needles.
- Master the missed approach. Know the published missed approach procedure cold and be ready to execute it cleanly. Many candidates fall apart on the miss because they did not pre-brief it. Stay ahead of the airplane.
- Stay calm under pressure. When a malfunction is introduced, take a breath. Acknowledge the failure, maintain aircraft control, and then systematically address the problem. The evaluators are watching your composure as much as your technique.
NetJets Details: Fleet, Bases, Schedule, and Compensation
Knowing the specifics of NetJets' operation is essential for answering the "Why NetJets?" question with depth and credibility. It also shows interviewers you have done genuine research beyond reading the careers page.
Fleet
Light and Midsize Jets
- Embraer Phenom 300
- Cessna Citation Excel/XLS
- Cessna Citation Latitude
These aircraft handle shorter domestic trips, typically 2-4 hour missions. The Phenom 300 is a light jet popular for quick trips with smaller owner groups, while the Latitude offers a wider cabin and longer range for midsize missions.
Super-Mid and Large Cabin Jets
- Cessna Citation Longitude
- Cessna Citation Sovereign
- Bombardier Challenger 350
- Bombardier Challenger 650
- Bombardier Global Express
These aircraft handle longer domestic and international missions. The Challenger 650 and Global Express are the flagship heavy jets, capable of transatlantic crossings and missions exceeding 6,000 nautical miles. International flying on these platforms is a major draw for experienced pilots.
Fleet assignments are based on a combination of seniority, base location, and operational needs. Pilots typically specialize on one aircraft type and build experience on that platform. Transition opportunities to different fleet types become available as seniority accrues, and many pilots view the progression from light jets to large cabin aircraft as a natural career arc within NetJets.
Bases and Domiciles
NetJets' domicile structure differs from the airline model. The company headquarters and primary operations center are in Columbus, Ohio. Beyond Columbus, NetJets designates various gateway cities where pilots can be based. Common gateway cities include:
- Columbus, OH (CMH) — Company headquarters, largest pilot base, home to the operations control center
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW/DAL) — Major gateway, strong owner activity in Texas
- Atlanta (ATL) — Southeast gateway
- Chicago (MDW/ORD area) — Midwest gateway
- White Plains, NY (HPN) — Northeast gateway, heavy owner activity in the New York metro area
- Teterboro, NJ (TEB) — Major business aviation hub, active NetJets presence
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) — Florida gateway, busy seasonal operations
- Los Angeles (VNY) — West Coast gateway, Van Nuys Airport
- San Francisco Bay Area (SJC/OAK) — West Coast gateway
Base availability fluctuates with operational needs and hiring volumes. New hires may not receive their preferred base immediately, but base transfers become available as seniority grows. One significant advantage of the NetJets domicile model is that many pilots live in cities with active FBO operations, reducing or eliminating the commute that plagues airline pilots.
Schedule and Quality of Life
NetJets pilots typically work rotation schedules rather than the bid-line or reserve-based schedules common at airlines. Common rotation patterns include:
- 7 on / 7 off — The most common rotation, offering equal time at home
- 8 on / 6 off — Another common pattern depending on fleet and seniority
During on-duty periods, pilots may be assigned scheduled trips (where you know your itinerary in advance) or placed on reserve/short-call availability. The nature of fractional flying means that even scheduled trips can change — diversions, added legs, and owner schedule changes are part of the job. During off-duty periods, however, you are genuinely off. There are no reserve calls, no junior manning, and no unexpected disruptions to your personal time. This is one of the most attractive quality-of-life advantages NetJets offers compared to airline flying.
Compensation
NetJets compensation has improved significantly in recent years, driven by industry-wide demand for pilots and competitive pressure from both the airlines and other business aviation operators. While specific pay scales change with contract negotiations, the general compensation structure is competitive:
- First officer starting pay is competitive with regional airline captain pay, with meaningful raises at each year of service
- Captain pay increases substantially with seniority and fleet type, with large cabin captains earning compensation that rivals narrow-body airline captain pay
- Benefits include 401(k) with company match, health and dental insurance, life insurance, and travel privileges
- Per diem and expense reimbursement during duty periods
- Training at FlightSafety International or CAE at company expense
When evaluating total compensation, factor in the schedule advantage. A 7-on/7-off rotation gives you 182 days off per year — significantly more than most airline schedules. For many pilots, the combination of strong pay, equal time off, and no commuting hassle makes NetJets financially and personally competitive with major airline positions.
Tips for Getting Hired at NetJets
Beyond knowing the questions and the sim profile, here are the strategies that separate successful NetJets candidates from the rest.
Lead with Customer Service
This cannot be overstated. NetJets is a service company that happens to operate airplanes. Every answer you give should reflect an understanding that the owner experience is paramount. If you have any customer-facing experience — hospitality, sales, corporate flight department, charter — lean into it heavily. If you are coming from the airlines, prepare stories that demonstrate your ability to interact with passengers (now owners) at a personal, premium level.
Know the Fleet Inside and Out
Research every aircraft type in the NetJets fleet. You do not need to know systems by heart, but you should be able to speak intelligently about the mission profile of each aircraft: the Phenom 300 for quick light jet trips, the Latitude for midsize domestic, the Longitude for super-mid range, the Challenger 350 for large cabin transcontinental, and the Global Express for ultra-long-range international. Demonstrating fleet knowledge signals genuine interest.
Understand the Fractional Ownership Model
Know how fractional ownership works: owners purchase a share of a specific aircraft type (typically 1/16 to full ownership), which entitles them to a guaranteed number of flight hours per year. The owner does not fly "their" specific airplane — NetJets manages the fleet dynamically, providing an available aircraft of the same type wherever the owner needs it. Understanding this model shows you grasp the business, not just the flying.
Research the Competitive Landscape
Know how NetJets compares to its competitors. Flexjet operates a similar fractional model with a different fleet mix (Praetor, Challenger, Global). Wheels Up focuses on membership and on-demand charter. Vista/VistaJet operates a global fleet of Bombardier aircraft. Be prepared to articulate why NetJets specifically appeals to you — whether it is fleet diversity, the Berkshire Hathaway stability, the international flying opportunities, or the owner service culture.
Prepare 8-10 TMAAT Stories
Build a library of stories covering customer service, CRM, adaptability, conflict resolution, leadership, safety decisions, and professionalism. Structure every story using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Weight your preparation heavily toward customer service and adaptability stories — these come up far more frequently in NetJets interviews than in airline interviews.
Study Part 135 Regulations Thoroughly
If you are coming from Part 121, do not walk in assuming the regulations are similar enough to wing it. Part 135 duty and rest rules, weather minimums, alternate requirements, and crew qualification standards differ meaningfully from Part 121. Dedicate study time specifically to Part 135 Subparts F, H, and I. This is where many airline pilots get caught flat-footed in the NetJets technical interview.
Dress Impeccably and Be Professional from the Start
Business professional attire — dark suit, conservative tie, polished shoes. Remember that NetJets is evaluating whether they would trust you to stand on an FBO ramp in front of a Fortune 500 CEO. Your appearance, demeanor, and communication style from the moment you arrive in Columbus are part of the assessment. Be early, be polished, and be courteous to every person you interact with.
Use Operator-Specific Practice Tools
Generic interview prep will only take you so far. The NetJets interview has unique elements — customer service emphasis, Part 135 focus, fractional operations scenarios — that require targeted preparation. Use tools that offer NetJets-specific question banks and practice scenarios, like the Vectors to Hired interview prep app, to practice with the exact types of questions NetJets asks.