It’s about reputation. Networks. Knowing which operators are growing, and which ones promise the world but can’t deliver it.

In a market where so much happens behind closed doors; through referrals, quiet headhunting, and informal hiring, First Officers are increasingly turning to Menska to navigate their next move.

Why? Because we know the business aviation space from the inside. And we’re not here to spam your CV — we’re here to represent you properly.

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The Reality of Flying in Private Aviation

Private and business aviation offers a flying experience that’s more dynamic and rewarding than traditional airline life, but it comes with its own unique challenges.

You might be dealing with:

• Last-minute schedule changes with minimal support

• Unclear upgrade paths or no indication of progression

• Owners and UHNWI clients with specific, often demanding expectations

• Long periods on standby with no real transparency

• Operators who overpromise and underdeliver when it comes to pay, base, or fleet stability

So when it’s time to move, whether it’s for lifestyle, aircraft type, better management, or a cleaner contract you want to know you’re not making a sideways step.

That’s exactly what we help First Officers avoid.

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Why First Officers in Business Aviation Choose Menska

We work differently. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. We Know the Operators — The Good, The Bad, and the Overambitious

We speak to crews, chief pilots, and ops managers weekly. We know which operators are expanding, which ones are struggling with retention, and which are quietly replacing entire fleets. If an operator has a high turnover rate or a history of missed payments, we know. And we’ll tell you.

2. We Don’t Just Match Type Ratings — We Match Ambitions

You might be typed on a Challenger but looking to move to Gulfstream. Or happy on a Phenom but want more stability, less chasing tails. Whatever your goals, we go deeper than fleet compatibility, we help you find a role that matches your lifestyle, career path, and personal values.

3. We Handle Everything Discreetly

The private aviation world is small and it moves fast. Every conversation we have with you is confidential. We only share your profile with your explicit permission, and we’ll never approach operators on your behalf unless you’re fully in the loop.

4. We Offer Real Insight, Not Just Openings

We’ll brief you before every interview; who’s on the call, what they look for, why the role is open. We also advise on market-standard rates, typical rosters, leave policy, and red flags. This isn’t guesswork. It’s what we do every day.

5. We Place Pilots Where They Stay

We’re not about cycling through candidates. Many of the First Officers we place go on to become long-term fixtures in their new flight departments and come back to us again when it’s time for the next move. That’s how we like it.

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The Types of Roles We Handle for First Officers

We’re currently working with operators across:

• Europe – Charter, fractional, and UHNWI-managed fleets

• Middle East – VVIP long-haul with rotations and full-time base options

• Africa – Corporate shuttles and mining contracts with premium aircraft

• Isle of Man / Malta / Switzerland – Boutique jet management companies looking for discretion, polish, and loyalty

Typical aircraft types:

• Challenger 300/350/604

• Global 5000/6000/XRS

• Falcon 2000/900/7X

• Gulfstream G450/550/650

• Phenom 300 / Legacy 600

• Hawker, Citation XLS+, King Air 350i

If you’ve got time on type, great. If not, we’ll advise which operators are open to low-hours-on-type or will train the right candidate.

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What Other First Officers Say About Working With Us

— G550 First Officer, UAE-based

— Challenger 350 First Officer, Europe

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Thinking About Your Next Move? Let’s Talk — No Pressure.

We’re not in the business of pushing people into interviews they don’t want.

If you’re a First Officer already flying in private or business aviation and want to:

• Secure better rotation or lifestyle

• Work with a stronger operator

• Get onto a different aircraft type

• Or just see what’s out there — quietly

Let’s have a conversation.

You don’t have to commit to anything. But if the right role appears, wouldn’t you rather hear about it first?

Contact hannah@menska.co.uk and discuss your next move.