Expert opinions needed

[blineak82]

I'm a 121 pilot looking for some insight on a rather gray rule in my company operations manual. It reads as follows...

"Company pilots are not permitted to fly aircraft for hire for other companies or individuals".

It seams relatively straight forward, except for the phrase "for hire". Does that mean 135 or other 121 flying? How does 91 flying such as corporate flying fall under that?

My hope is to pursure some contract flying leads but this sole requirment is holding me back due to lack of clarification and understanding. Any input, interpretations, advice, or personal experiences with similar matters would be appreciated.

 

[2000flyer]

It is my guess that your company's term "for hire" means any other paid flying position (ie. contract flying). Many companies do not allow their crews to contract out their services. At my former employer, such work was strictly forbidden. I couldn't even get a job bagging groceries for extra cash.

However, thats just my guess at what they mean. Why not ask your CP/Manager/DO for clarification?

Regards,
2000Flyer

 

[StormyWX]

It does seem all-encompassing to me. Meaning that the aircraft cannot be for hire OR you can't be for hire. So if you fly a 135 trip without being paid, you lose, because the aircraft is for hire. Or, if you fly a part 91 trip, and get paid for it, again you lose, because YOU are for hire. But I suggest doing what I always do when there is a question like that...ask the chief pilot, assistant chief pilot, or a check airman.

Cheers!

StormyWX

 

[md8pilot]

Our company has the same policy. The reason is that it is incumbent on both the pilot and the company, per regulations, to ensure that you do not exceed flight time limitations (e.g., 1000 hours/12 months). Unless the company has a way to track your other commercial flying most will simply prohibit you from any outside flying for hire.

 

[JetPilot500]

At the 121 Airline that I used to work for, we had the same rule. However, the DO would give waivers under certain circumstances. So, if I were you, I would ask.

Keep in mind that "for hire" also includes giving dual in a Cessna 172 as a CFI.

JetPilot500

 

[GVFlyer]

Additionally, for some companies it is a question of liability. You are still their employee and therefore their representative when you are operating others aircraft. Subsequently, these companies require that you sign out on vacation prior to pursueing contract work.

GV

 

[501261]

It's purposely vague, in order to protect them from liability. GV hit on it, but another reason the airline/company can be liable is because they trained you. You crash an airplane flying-on-the-side, using your airline's/company's procedures; the airline/company is going to get sued!

 

[pilotyip]

Reason for no other flying

121 limits you to 1000 hours of commercial flying per year, if you flew commercially outside your company it would count toward the 1000 hours. If the company did not know this and assigned you a trip that would exceed the 1000 hours, you and the company would be in violation.

 

[twgordy]

Hey guys I hear what your employer says BUT.........I'm a corporate pilot and have witnessed many pilots contracting on the side of their AirTran, United Express, TWA careers. He11 I know a Capt. for Air Wisconsin who flies at least 5 days a month on the side in a Citation. I've even heard of pilots delivering pizza on the side for extra money. Which is more dangerous? Flying in a professional flight department on your days off or dogging thugs in Memphis delivering pizzas?

 

[blineak82]

twgordy...how do these other guys flying on the side justify the work and make sure they are within the bounds of all regs. Do you know if their contracts and ops specs have similar clauses?