Make up your fuvking mind!

[ditchpilot]

Take the chalange to HELP them streightn out their flight department.

 

[G100driver]

If you are not getting paid ... then you should just stop answering the phone ....good luck with these guys.

 

[CA1900]

Just double-book the time. If something else comes up, take it and cancel on the indecisive people. If nothing else comes up, you have a potential to make money with zero risk. Clearly they've demonstrated they don't value your time, so I'd feel no guilt at all about canceling on them if a more reliable job popped up.

 

[FO4life]

Do the same thing to them. Accept the call, the next day an cancel. then call later that day and say you can. then on the day of the trip ( if they show up) show up 5 min pefore the trip dressed and say you got another trip for some one else SORRY!
Then put them in your rear view mirror.
Or make the cancel fee half your daily rate. no if ands or buts.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Rich people are fickle. Get used to it.

You're just hired help.

 

[340drvr]

The squirrel-mode for trip scheduling is pretty standard for many operations, but not getting compensated for time being jerked around is not (or should not be, anyway.) That kind of on-call availability demands compensation, whether a full-time salary, or some kind of trip cancellation policy for contract work. If these folks aren't willing to pay adequately for your time spent with no-go or cancelled trips, then it's time to walk. But as said above, do the walking in a professional manner.

 

[gutshotdraw]

No matter what, be professional in how you deal with them. Don't go on a rant, don't try and tell them how to run their operation, and don't badmouth them to other pilots or operations. Aviation is a REMARKABLY small world.

Instead, I recommend approaching them in a professional way with a carefully written letter that explains that from now on:

A) Your rates have gone up $100 per day.

B) Request for availability is 1/2 rate per day of standby.

C) Scheduled trip cancellation policy is 1/2 rate for cancellation within 48 hours and full rate within 24 hours.

Be pleasant, be matter-of-fact, perhaps even a touch "apologetic" in explaining that this is the way you need to conduct your BUSINESS. If they stop calling, you have lost nothing but you have taken the high road. And if they stop calling, use the time to cultivate other clients that operate under a concept of mutual respect.

My free advice and probably worth every penny

 

[GravityHater]

You guys are good....and calming, too. I am looking at options.

 

[gutshotdraw]

14 years of contract flying teaches a lesson or two. Good luck and keep at it.

 

[TMMT]

14 years of contract flying teaches a lesson or two..

Yup, be polite, be professional but above all have a plan to kill everyone you meet!