PILOT/MECH Wages

[SoundBarViolatr]

PILOT/MECH Wages
Hey fellas another off the wall question:

A Director of MX with a few years of DOM background (not IA) has the bug bad and wants to crossover the flightline and fly as a pilot. He is CMELI and has a little over 500 hours with close to 100 in the right seat of Citations and King Airs. If said individual were to pick up a job as a Citation 500 series SIC / mechanic in a charter outfit that needs both positions (one week rotations), how much should the starting salary be? Based out of VNY. Thanks fellas!

SBV

 

[hawker]

I was in the same position early in my career (2000) and part 91 paid 55k a year. Not great but better than wrenching 40 a week.

 

[SoundBarViolatr]

Looking for higher?

I was in the same position early in my career (2000) and part 91 paid 55k a year. Not great but better than wrenching 40 a week.

Thanks for the input. Should the aim be higher than 55k higher since he makes +70k as DOM right now? Or do you think it would be best to ask for higher once his foot is in the door or after he attains his IA?

 

[SabreFlyR]

Thanks for the input. Should the aim be higher than 55k higher since he makes +70k as DOM right now? Or do you think it would be best to ask for higher once his foot is in the door or after he attains his IA?

I would negotiate a future raise upfront based on performance.

 

[SoundBarViolatr]

I would negotiate a future raise upfront based on performance.

Any guidelines to go by since its bastardized duty? KVNY Citation V F/O and I believe they will type and he has Mx background on all the airframes they operate.

 

[SabreFlyR]

Any guidelines to go by since its bastardized duty? KVNY Citation V F/O and I believe they will type and he has Mx background on all the airframes they operate.

That's about right.
I've had two jobs as pilot/mech in the corporate world. In both I was typed and never touched a tool, They wanted my maintenance background to manage and oversee the maint. on the plane.
Given the location and equipment I'd say that $70K/yr is good for both jobs. Back in the South where I am at it'd probably be in the $55K range. I have my current job because of my maintenance management background coupled with my flight experience.

 

[Headwind]

The I/A wont help much in corporate. Aircraft on a factory approved progressive maintenance schedule (as most are) don't require an I/A. An A&P can sign off any maintenance performed.

 

[hawker]

I agree with Headwind IA=$0. Unless he negotiates more $ for IA. 70k in LA area is fair I guess? When I was doing both I found my self flying more than wrenching. On a CV he will probaly on have to perform monthly Inpections (lights,lav,tire pressure) and if they keep the maintenance in house (wich I doubt) he will find himself overseeing the big inspection which take about two weeks with 3 techs. Take it to a service center he just updates camp cards and changes tires and oil. Good way lead into a better job. Me personally If I do 2 jobs I want to paid for 2 jobs. Nothing like going on a 5 day trip get home at midnight and be in there a 7:00 am to fix sqwauks so the next crew and make the flight at noon.

 

[SoundBarViolatr]

I agree with Headwind IA=$0. Unless he negotiates more $ for IA. 70k in LA area is fair I guess? When I was doing both I found my self flying more than wrenching. On a CV he will probaly on have to perform monthly Inpections (lights,lav,tire pressure) and if they keep the maintenance in house (wich I doubt) he will find himself overseeing the big inspection which take about two weeks with 3 techs. Take it to a service center he just updates camp cards and changes tires and oil. Good way lead into a better job. Me personally If I do 2 jobs I want to paid for 2 jobs. Nothing like going on a 5 day trip get home at midnight and be in there a 7:00 am to fix sqwauks so the next crew and make the flight at noon.

Good point Hawker, I have encountered that myself when I worked as the Deputy Chief Pilot and flew the line at the same time. I'll tell him to make sure his days off are in between flying and wrenching...Unless someone out there has a better idea on how to work this Pilot/Mech scheduling...