International PC12

[Throttlebender]

What do you think of this one guys: Friend told me about a guy looking for a pilot to fly a PC12 for him out of the southern US. Flying just one guy around and primarily to Costa Rica, Chile, California, and Scotland. I'm sure there are more destinations but those are the main hits. Don't know anything else at this point. He's gonna get back to me. Fair salary?

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

Costa Rica, Chile, California.......Go for whatever a B-200 Captain gets in your area.

Scotland......Lots of water with only one motor! Much Moola!!!!!!!


Yea I know, It's a turbine. I have 300 hours PIC in 12's, it is a great plane and does a lot, but its still only got one motor......and so far in my career I have had to shut down 2 Jet engines.

The north atlantic is not a place to cross regularly with only one fan, Ferry flight on a new bird with all the safety gear is one thing, doing it a couple times a month? No thanks.

Of course this is only my opinion!!! Your milage may vary.

 

[Throttlebender]

Good point on the one engine. I agree with you, but it does sound like it could be a fun gig. I'll let you know more as I find out.

As to salary, I hear a B200 capt in midwest would pull around $65K but I don't know about aveerages down south. Also, that's for "normal" operations. This thing will be flying loooong hours it seems. So, I wondered if that should up the pay or not.

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

I would say all the international stuff would call for a higher pay scale. There is a lot of B.S. that goes with international. Handlers, security, customs, fueling difficulties in the underdeveloped countries, differences in operating practices, substandard IFR approaches (Lots of screwy NDB approaches down south), insurance issues for the plane etc... He can't just get a guy that has never done it before and expect a smooth operation.


I would for sure try to talk him out of that Scotland idea with it though. I'm still getting the willies thinking about doing it on a regular basis!!!!

 

[FracCapt]

What do you think of this one guys: Friend told me about a guy looking for a pilot to fly a PC12 for him out of the southern US. Flying just one guy around and primarily to Costa Rica, Chile, California, and Scotland.

I think that no matter what the guy is paying, it's not enough. Flying a single engine on a regular basis on long overwater trips is not the smartest thing, IMHO. Turbine engines are great, and very reliable...but there's a reason that all airplanes designed for long overwater trips have AT LEAST two turbine engines.

Aside from the obvious safety issues...a fair wage would depend on specifically WHERE in the south you are referring to. Cost of living and typical wages vary quite a bit. Are you talking a major metropolitan area, or a small town? Have you researched the cost of living in the area? All this plays into the equation. Whatever figure you come up with as an average for the area and aircraft type/size....I, personally, would say add 30-50% based on the fact that there is a fair amount of international and long overwater(dangerous in a single) trips.

 

[Throttlebender]

By south I mean a rather affluent city in FL. I think that sounds like a good call on the % increase. The Costa Rica thing doesn't bother me with a single but the Scotland does. I'll have to find out more.

As for international ops in South America, I know the most logical way to gain experience would be to fly with someone that's done it. However, that's not always an option. So, what would you do to make those first trips as smooth as possible?

 

[FracCapt]

As for international ops in South America, I know the most logical way to gain experience would be to fly with someone that's done it. However, that's not always an option. So, what would you do to make those first trips as smooth as possible?

Take an international procedures course and have flight planning, handlers, fuel, etc. set up by a company like Air Routing Group, Pegasus, etc.. If there's something you absolutely have to have to fly the airplane, and it's easily removable(such as a pin that attaches a steering collar or scissor link on the nosegear), take it to the hotel with you - otherwise, it may end up missing....but, no worries, one of the locals will certainly have one for sale that is the EXACT model that was stolen from your airplane! Lock the airplane in as many ways as you can - especially paying attention to pinning from the inside any emergency exits before you leave the airport.