Monthly Retainer...

[PilotKitch]

Anyone see how I can be on retainer with two companies?

I am essentially a part-time pilot for several places but there are two who want to put me on a retainer. I am thinking that it would be about 5 days for each company, so I know that it is doable, but I can't seem to think through the details...like what is a reasonable way to handle keeping my power to turn down company A if I am committed on a day to company B, etc.

Just curious if any of you have encountered this and if you have any advice or thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

If both companies understand that you are are doing contract work on the side to supplement their retainer then you are in the clear....

Just call company B as soon as you accept a trip for company A or any other company so they are not surprised by calling you to fly and you are not available. If they need you too many times and you are not available then expect to lose one of the two retainers. Unless they are paying you enough to be available then they "should" understand that you still need work for other people.

 

[gret]

This isn't going to work. It is nice to have, but any business person worth their salt won't tolerate it if you don't show up if they are paying you a retainer. That's the whole purpose of the deal. If you get greedy, you may end with everyone mad at you and no work at all. You have to choose one and make sure you keep them happy and that the amount they pay for the retainer is adequate.

motopilot404 is dead on.

 

[gern_blanston]

In my opinion, you cannot be on retainer for more than one operator. I've been a contract pilot on and off for years and anytime someone offered me a retainer, they wanted me to be available. I'm a chief pilot now and would expect the same if I put someone on retainer...

Ditto. I can't envision a scenario where I would put a pilot on retainer, but if I did, it would seem that it would have to be a fairly hefty sum, and I would expect you to be available pretty much any time I called.
The whole retainer deal seems a little wacky to me.

 

[Headwind]

Ditto. I can't envision a scenario where I would put a pilot on retainer, but if I did, it would seem that it would have to be a fairly hefty sum, and I would expect you to be available pretty much any time I called.
The whole retainer deal seems a little wacky to me.

It's a way for them to hire a fulltime pilot for about half price when you figure in the value of social security, health insurance, etc. that they are not paying. I would think when you take two of these.....Neither will last, but they both got a bargain while it lasted.

Why not make the retainer a management fee with a daily rate on top of this. Fly every trip you can yourself, but guarantee coverage thru contract pilots.