Another pay question

[rightseatguy]

What would a fair salary be for someone in the midwest running a one-man flight / charter department flying around 500 hours per year? I fly a twin turboprop about 2/3 of the time, and a twin piston the other 1/3, split evenly pt 91 and 135. Since I'm a one-man show, I play the parts of pt 135 Chief Pilot and Director of Ops, and typically work 5, 6 or 7 days a week (can't take any time off for working weekends because there's always officework that piles up). Additionally, I clean the planes and, since there's no receptionist, handle all phone calls and quoting of trips. Any suggestions on a fair salary?

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

Since I'm a one-man show, I play the parts of pt 135 Chief Pilot and Director of Ops, and typically work 5, 6 or 7 days a week (can't take any time off for working weekends because there's always officework that piles up). Additionally, I clean the planes and, since there's no receptionist, handle all phone calls and quoting of trips. Any suggestions on a fair salary?

If they have you doing all that I can guarantee that whatever they come up with will not be enough!

Through years of experience and many screw jobs (well mainly the screw jobs!!) I can sniff out a dirtbag operator from a mile away.....and in this case it is smelling a little funky from 500 miles away! :erm:

When figuring out what you want for this job ask yourself this, "Is the pay equal to the risk/responsibility that you incur?"

Basically it sounds like you are on the hook for 100% of the part 135 pilot side, plus 100% of the customer service side, and 100% of the management pilot side. With all the FAA examiners and POI's sniffing around on a regular basis just waiting for you to screw up.

Risk vs Reward, your choice in the end, but my figure would be pretty high for all of what you described above.

 

[rightseatguy]

I hear what you're saying.

Basically, to make a long story short, I took the job due to the fact that I had no turbine time, and there are very few opportunities where I live (moving was not an option). Although the pay was a little on the low side, I figured I'd give it a year or so to prove that I could handle it, then negotiate a respectable salary, since I'd have more opportunities open to me then. Well, it's been a year, and my patience is wearing thin with regards to my hours, responsibilities, and what I feel is low pay, hence the reason why I am asking for some numbers.

Does anyone have any realistic suggestions? If anyone could back them up with sources, all the better. I've looked at the Pro Pilot and AvCrew salary surveys, but they're broken down by individual job positions, and I don't know how to assess what my job is worth, given that I hold multiple positions.

Thanks

 

[rettofly]

I hear what you're saying.

Basically, to make a long story short, I took the job due to the fact that I had no turbine time, and there are very few opportunities where I live (moving was not an option). Although the pay was a little on the low side, I figured I'd give it a year or so to prove that I could handle it, then negotiate a respectable salary, since I'd have more opportunities open to me then. Well, it's been a year, and my patience is wearing thin with regards to my hours, responsibilities, and what I feel is low pay, hence the reason why I am asking for some numbers.

Does anyone have any realistic suggestions? If anyone could back them up with sources, all the better. I've looked at the Pro Pilot and AvCrew salary surveys, but they're broken down by individual job positions, and I don't know how to assess what my job is worth, given that I hold multiple positions.

Thanks

Seems like a D O salary for a 2-a/c operation should be the very least in reasonable compensation.

 

[pilotyip]

rettofly smart move. This is all great resume fluff, and it is always easier to get a flying job when you have a flying job. You are building turbine time, you are getting an understanding of the regs and office duties, and you will have no problem explaining why you are looking for a job. Best of luck, there are tons of jobs out there, but you to start someplace.

 

[hoover]

Threaten to quit unless they meet your salary demands, but be prepared to walk if it comes to that. I doubt they can afford to have their planes sitting idle for the time it will take to hire and train a replacement.

 

[pilotyip]

Do not follow Hoover's advice until you have another job. Being between jobs and not flying and having explain that to your next employer could be tricky.