We didn't have any problem getting the big boss to sign off on needing a third guy, but what I am having problems with is showing him averages. He was under the impression that corporate pilots (part 91) flew more hours than we do. He thought the numbers where closer to 50 hrs month
This is a huge problem in the field in which we work. Unfortunately most companies view our job as "easy" or "not demanding of much time". I think it is important that you set a tone early on in a department of helping them understand that they pay you for what you know, not how many hours you fly. When the Big Boss has open heart Surgery he does not question the cost based on the amount of time the surgeon spent cutting on him - all he values is the outcome - and he is more than willing to pay for success!
Your toughest job is to show him the value that you bring to him and to his company.
It is a funny thing - if you go ask any flight department that has experienced a crash and loss of life in its history - almost every time the company officials will say "we don't care what it costs, we don't ever want that to happen again!" They will tell the Chief Pilot or Director of Aviation "no matter what it takes, make sure we never experience this kind of loss again!" And thus many of the greatest flight departments in the country were born. If they want the best lawyer they don't search the yellow pages for the "cheapest" lawyer. If they want the best Doctor they don't ask for the one who has had the least amount of experience or most deaths. But when it comes to building an aviation department the boss goes out and buys a multi-million dollar piece of equipment and instantly starts searching for the cheapest way to crew it. Unfortunately we have become our own worst enemies and he has no problem finding pilots for substandard pay. Because after all "you're only flying 45 hours a month".
One thing we did that might help you is to create a form that documents everything you do for the department. (i.e. what time you show up for the flight, flight planning time, weight & balance prep, Jepp updates, maintenance, paper work of every kind, etc...) Document it and keep it up for every guy in the department so you can show that you do more than just fly 25 hours a month. But ultimately, he is not paying you for the amount of hours you fly, but for what you know and the skills you've acquired that he does not have.
Do it in an honest and kind way, but do it professionally just like a lawyer or doctor or architect would do. People pay them to do things that they can't do for themselves. Call NBAA and call some of the bigger Corporate flight departments and talk to their top guys. You will find they have years of insight and can help you greatly. Always keep safety and professionalism at the forefront and you will make headway!
Good luck
