How big are tips in the frac industry?

[glasspilot]

I don't really have a dog in this fight other than the fact that I like money, and tips are money in (good thing)

I provide the same service either way. I would never expect a tip.

That said I do remember one flight where the owner had a ton of bags. When we landed it was raining so I started bringing the bags to the SUV. There was a ramper who, I kid you not, was standing holding an umbrella open for no one (not even himself). He didn't help me with the bags and he didn't hold the umbrella over any of the pax who were waiting in the rain collecting their things. I made trip after trip in the rain for the bags and each time I'd look over and watch this guy just stand on the ramp holding an umbrella out to the side keeping a spot of asphalt dry. It was pretty funny to watch.

Well, after 6 or 7 trips to get all the bags into the car guess who gets a tip from the owners? Guess the pax really appreciated him keeping that portion of the ramp dry.

 

[NJAowner]

GlassPilot -- I will not even begin to defend or protect idiotic owners.

P.S. -- In that case I usually load the bags into the SUV while the pilot is in the cargo hold or on the steps and the co-pilot moves the bags from the pilot to the SUV.

Fly safe.

 

[netjetwife]

"Owner, I use the terminology that the pilots do and UG is correct that I'm actually referring to a sedan. I do not think that tips should be expected (that would be rude) and have also stated that in the past. I understand if the pax feel that the price paid is sufficient but some of the pax do choose to show extra appreciation. I am defending their right to do so without pilots getting offended and treating a well-meaning gesture like an insult to their professionalism. Clarification--I've never even seen one episode of the Apprentice and am unfamiliar with the show. I don't think frac pilots should be tipped just like waiters are, but it seems poor form to tip the taxi/sedan driver when the pilot carries the bags. I sympathize with those who feel the gratitude was misplaced and am happy for the pilots who are shown their service was appreciated--with sincere thanks alone or a tip. It's the recognition that counts most.

I have tried to explain that tipping frac pilots is entirely acceptable according to etiquette experts with the objective of dispelling the stigma/shame some have tried to attach to the practice. The tips are (for most pilots) an infrequent but pleasant surprise. I see no reason to mar a private exchange of good will by turning it into something less--as a few here are trying to do. Yes, red carpet treatment is part of the NJ experience, but if the pax wishes to tip then good manners and professionalism require the gesture be met with smiling acceptance--not second-guessing a voluntary decision. My "tip" to the pilots--just use the manners your mothers taught you...

GV, I didn't write the tipping rules I just looked them up and reported them. Those (few) of you offended by tipping are incorrectly assigning attitudes not expressed by me. I also seriously doubt that appreciative pax have anything but the best of intentions and I think their choice should be respected.

 

[gunfyter]

I am thinking about posting something Political or Politically Incorrect ... as a means of getting this thread tossed out of the Fractional section....

Hey -- it works in the crewroom on the IBT board.

 

[netjetwife]

Sorry we're boring you, GF. I've said all there is to say. Those who don't get it by now just don't want to so we can all agree to disagree and move on to something else. Feel free to change the subject.

I'm going off to do family activities now. Have a good weekend everyone....
NJW

 

[NJAowner]

Over and out.

 

[netjetwife]

"Owner, by "everyone" I mean the board members--readers and posters--not just the NJ pilots.
Regards,
NJW

 

[RTRHD]

Take the tip. Don't take the tip. WGAF

 

[Diesel]

I think njw is a dem

she wants a handout for doing the job shes paid to do.

political enough GF?

Hey -- it works in the crewroom on the IBT board.

yeah but njw can't post there. ahhh silence

 

[hawkerjet]

Part 91 operators have to be very careful regarding tips because owners can expense their tips and when they are reimbursed the papertrail leads back to the pilots. We had this instance happen to us a few years back. One passenger on our company aircraft tipped us then expensed it and when the company reimbursed him the brass found out, and we were told to never again accept tips because of potential tax problems. Kind of like a friend tipping you then getting reimbursed. It didn't go over well.