Contract Pilot Info?

[Chick Pilot]

I need some info. I am considering leaving my full-time captain position to work as a contract pilot. Flying full-time for a 135 company does not allow much time for a private life. I am 135 current in 2 types and have 3-4 companies I have already talked to that would use my services.

So how does it work. Do you charge for only the days you are on the road for them, or can you include the day it takes to commute, assuming you would have to go out the day before. And if you do have to commute (more than an hour drive), do the companies normally reimburse that expense?

I would really appreciate any information anyone has on their expierence as a contract pilot, positive or negative. Thanks!!!!!

 

[Flying Illini]

I know very little about contract work (obviously, look at my profile) but I was in school with a guy who had done quite a lot of contract work in citations. He charged from the day he left his house to the day he arrived back at his house. My sim instructor was a contract Falcon pilot who did the same thing. Commuting expenses were all paid by the company on top of paying him his daily rate.

Hope that helps a little.

 

[Rythm3]

As someone who has a full time Part 91 corporate job and who does contract flying on my days off, I hope I can help.

The thing that I love about my situation is the fact that if the people that I fly for, whether it be contract or full time flying, just happen to not be busy and don't do any flying for two weeks or a month, I still get paid my salary, obviously. The bad thing is, I make no extra money on top of that.

Now you say that you've talked to 3 or 4 companies that would use your services. But how can you be sure you won't sit home for a month while no one calls you, or if the plane is in maintenance, etc. You make no $ obviously. Are you willing to take that chance? I know that based on my records of contract flying that this would happen to me, at least some of the time.

Don't get me wrong, I love my contract work, but for me it's just the icing on the cake.

As far as what to charge them, if you asked 5 different people you will get 5 different answers. I have never had to "commute" to get to an aircraft, at least I've never had to leave a day early to get there. All the aircraft I fly are at the same airport.

But, I have heard of people who charge mileage driven on their car to cover the expense of gas. Some just charge a higher day rate. Some don't, and just eat the gas mileage. The point is, there is no set way to do it, just find something that works well for you and do it.

Hope I was some help.

Rythm3

 

[Chick Pilot]

Thanks for the reply's. Sounds like you have a great deal Rythm3, I think I might have found an operator that will allow me to do the same. It definately helps to have a steady paycheck.

 

[2000flyer]

Chick,

Check out Pilots4Rent, they should have some good info for you, or I'm sure someone listed there will have some great, valuable advice regarding contract work. They also hav a message board.

Regards,
2000Flyer

 

[FlierDude]

I do contract work (Citations), and it can be challenging if the phone doesn't ring for a while. Some things to watch out for also are self-employment tax (15%), health and medical insurance, and recurrent training. These expenses are substantial, so make sure you have more clients than you can handle.

 

[FL510GV]

Contract Pilot Info...

http://www.ibacp.org/ Contract Pilots
http://www.gulfstreamcontractpilot.com/ Jeff Beck's website... the holy grail of contract pilot websites, be sure and read his article "so you want to be a contract pilot".

 

[Jeff Helgeson]

Not an easy gig.

I do contract work (Citations), and it can be challenging if the phone doesn't ring for a while. Some things to watch out for also are self-employment tax (15%), health and medical insurance, and recurrent training. These expenses are substantial, so make sure you have more clients than you can handle.

I flew an HS125 as a contractor, it's not easy. Don't forget to factor in the cost of recurrent training if you are an independant. If you have to maintain 3-4 types every 6 months, you will go broke. Although, I believe you can alternate schools every other time an renew all your Captain types with one ride, but it is still one school every six months. You'll go brokes. $8k to $12k every six months to earn $400 to $1000 a day if and when you work. Don't quit your day job. I would only do it as "cake work", on the side.

 

[Bandit60]

In addition to what the post was before this, you have to remember that you are going to have to make about 20% more to compensate for the benefits you had as a full time employee. Look at medical insurance before you leave your full time job to see how much this is going to set you back per year.


Good luck. A private life is good to have, but if you dont have any money it could be difficult.