Flying "on the side"

[Ultraman]

For those of you who are able, how do you handle flying for other operators in addition to your regular job?

I ask this question because I was told about a year ago by my Chief Pilot that it would be okay to fly with other companies as long as he knew about it and we didn't already have a trip scheduled. I might interject here that this is a one plane flight department with only two pilots.

I have had several calls throughout the year to make trips with other companies but have always had a conflict. Today, I get a call (from another company) asking if I could make a trip for them tomorrow. I first called the lady who schedules flights for us and we don't have anything scheduled until the 28th. I then call my C.P. and tell him and he says that he doesn't think it's a good idea, etc., etc. He did tell me that it was my choice. Interestingly, he flies quite regularly for other companies in the area, so I asked him what he would do if he were in my situation and he said this wasn't about him, it was about me.

I know the old line about "do as I say, not as I do", but it still perturbs me that he handled it this way. This is not our first "different point of view" discussion and I'm sure it won't be our last.

I have posted here before about some other things that I have experienced in this job.

Just looking to blow off a little steam and possibly get some opinions from some of you.

Thanks,

Ultraman

 

[Dep676]

Well if he told you before that it would be alright then by all means do it. Why not make some extra money instead of sitting at home doing nothing. You never know where the extra work could lead. Like a new or better job with these other companies. You know that this business works on who you know sometimes or most if the time. This could be a way for the other companies to feel you out for future employment.

As far as him telling you know that he doesn't think it's a good idea. Well my thought on that is that he might think that you might find a new job and leave or take some of his extra work away from him.

In this business you have to look out for "number one" sometimes. You just never what it could lead to. The extra work that is.

Good Luck. Just my $.02.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

sure, I can see where you want to do it. Just be careful, it may just give him ammo to get rid of you if he wants. (he would say you were not availiable for a trip) All depends, Is he a nice guy? very small department CP's can sometimes be trouble - they can be very protective of thier turf...but maybe thats not the case. These power wars and jerkoff types are the unfortunate downside to some corporate operations. I also think 2 pilot operations are impossible. just an opinion.

I personally think that your free time is YOURS, and its not anybodys business what you do with it.!!!....BUT....if I was the CP and I needed you for a trip and you were across country on someone elses airplane - and you were on salary with me- I would NOT be happy! Thats understandable.

Ideally...keep on searching for a better job where you dont have to do this, and you can relax on your free time...but that is, of course, IDEAL!!!

 

[501261]

I say if your CP is doing it by all means go out there and “moonlight” some! Of course your CP will tell you it’s “not a good idea” because he is responsible if you can’t make the trip. Know your flight department, if you have a Tuesday flight to XYZ just every Tuesday, and nothing’s scheduled for this Tuesday I’d still be hesitant in accepting a flight on Tuesday. On the other hand if you guys never fly on the weekends, and someone calls and wants to give you $$$ to take a weekend flight, by all means do it. Just make sure you are making the going rate, you wouldn’t want to be short changing any ICP’s.

Now, playing Devil’s Advocate there is a very good reason that flight departments do not permit “moonlighting”. Again this does not apply in the aforementioned case, since the CP is actively moonlighting. The reason is liability to the Flight Department. If your flight department provided you with aircraft training (i.e. recurrent FlightSafety) and you have an accident/incident there is a very real possibility that your employer will be sued (lawyers sue where the money is). If your company has a Risk Management/Insurance department, expect to see some clause in your contract not allowing you to “moonlight”.

G200 said it perfectly "Ideally...keep on searching for a better job where you dont have to do this, and you can relax on your free time...but that is, of course, IDEAL!!!"

 

[Ultraman]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I decided not to take the flight. I figured it wasn't that big of a deal at this point. Certainly not worth getting fired over. And he has tried to do that before.

Gulfstream 200, you are correct about C.P.'s of small flight departments. I have worked for 3 different 2-man flight dept's and it can be very difficult at times.

This guy is a control freak. Like I said, he takes on extra flying jobs and when he does so, our airplane is essentially grounded for that day, because even though I am typed and qualified, I would not be allowed to make a flight unless he was on the aircraft, too.

He told me yesterday that if I went on this trip and a trip came up with our company, then he wouldn't have anyone to go in my place. Of course, his son, who is currently finishing flight school and who has made trips with him very recently, would not be available.

I could go on and on, but I know you guys are bored and I'm still ticked about the whole situation, so I'll just shut up and continue to do my job the best way I know how.

Ultraman