If you do end up getting the boot, make sure you call up the insurance company that holds the policy to the airplane. Chances are the policy was obtained because of your experience at a certain cost. Let them know you are no longer flying that airplane. The policy may be cancelled and if someone is willing to fly for cheaper its probably someone with less experience..The cost of insuring this new pilot will be higher. Nice little parting gift for a cheap boss!

 

Mostly stupid ideas here....get used to working for a few scumbags while working up the ladder...

Just find a better job, say thanks, give your notice, and move out an up.

There's always a chance that your next employer will call your last as a reference. The new employer understands the industry and knows whats out there, but wont be impressed if theres some lame parting shot etc... The pilot rarely wins in the pi$$ing contest.

Remember, its just a job...

 

What he said.

It sucks, but that's the game we play.

-mini

 

Look at it this way... your boss most likely can't afford the airplane. It's as simple as that. Start looking elsewhere, and leave with dignity on your terms if you can.

If he approaches you with a pay cut, then it's your decision on whether to accept it or not. However, you know you'll leave as soon as something better comes up.... and you should if he's treating you this way.

Another option would be to preempt him and ask for a sit-down. Then ask him openly... you understand that he is looking for a cheaper pilot and ask him if that's the case. The most important thing is that you don't want to do it in a hostile manner, but rather with a salesman's pitch. You are in effect selling your services as a pilot. What makes you worth more than some other hack he's considering hiring? Who knows... he may let you go right then and there, or you may make a good enough sales pitch to keep your job and have your boss realize what he's paying for.

However, to protect yourself, I'd start looking right away for another job, and when you get it... give plenty of notice. This industry is WAY too small... trust me on it.

 

Don't sweat it.. It's part of the industry. How many pilots are out there looking to move up to a bigger plane or a higher paying job?? Pretty much everyone.... So why wouldn't an owner be looking for a better situation?

Everyone's advice here is solid. Especially the one about not burning your bridges. I have more than a friend or two that got let go for a cheaper option, only to be called back 3-6 months later, with the owner wasn't happy with the new pilots. Be the kind of pilot you are in an emergency.. Grace under pressure, cool and calm At least you have some time to look into other options before you get blind sided.

 

Yeah, don't burn any bridges just for spite...word on that can get around. Find a another gig and leave on your terms.

What the guy is doing is not great but it's fundamentally unethical, unless he's your best buddy and has an obligation to you out of friendship, or if he promised you a certain length on contract.

 

Obviously you haven't sold yourself to the aircraft owner. When the owners think that all pilots are alike, you are simply a commodity to be bought and sold at the cheapest price.

When you have sold yourself to the owner by being able to get him to his destinations safely, efficiently, and with minimal fuss, reminding him of the time where you dropped everything for that last minute trip, where you pulled the rabbit out of the hat and made something happen that one not as committed to the owner as yourself would not have tried, the owner needs to know this.

There are plenty of pilots that will fly broken, illegal, unairworthy junk for free as they do not value the owner nor themselves. Remind the owner of this. Remind him that you know of several pilots who'll do it for free and can refer them to him. Remind him that if he posts an ad anyone that ever dreamed of being a pilot will be contacting him. Remind him how hard it is to concentrate on flying when one is wondering where the next meal is coming from, or how one is going to shuffle funds to pay the creditor that is screaming the loudest, while others go unpaid. Also remind him that the types who'll do it for free are gone the second something else comes along, and he'll have to continually retrain pilots to do things the way he wants them done.

And, if the owner decides on someone else, walk away knowing you didn't market yourself enough after the sale (being hired) and resolve to do better next time.

 

I manage owner/operator Part 91 airplanes for people and operate a flight school. when people ask me for discounts, I say as soon as my discount pilot gets out of the hospital I'll hook you up! That shuts them up fast! There is always a pilot who will say they can do the job cheaper and some owner's will go for that. I always sell safety and only fly for high net worth individuals who primarily want to arrive alive. Usually the cheaper contract pilots will be looking to fly for the highest daily rate and if somethin better is available on a given day, they will leave the guy stranded. that is where you can get back in to the game.

 

you could also sell him on yourself with how you have saved him some money. Have you set up fuel programs, re-negotiated training contracts with the training provider, helped with the insurance. These are all areas where money can be saved and the owner might not see it. Let him know and if you do get let go you can always cancel whatever agreements you set up or just not tell anyone. I am sure FSI/CAE will be glad to charge the new guy full price. Be professional, but most importantly get another job ASAP.

 

In this market take the check and keep the pie hole shut. If it's going to end you will no control over it anyway. Making a fuss will not help!