Boss Looking For A Cheaper Pilot!
 

Just wondering what you would do if you found out that your boss was trying to get a cheaper pilot behind your back. I found out from the source that my boss was in contact with him to see if he would provide them with a pilot as needed. I work for a Part 91 company and I am very ****ed that they would go behind my back and do this. It seems they don't want to pay my salary which isn't very high to begin with. They are trying to find someone to do it as needed. NEVER once did they mention this to me. Would you say something to them about you knowing what they are doing or just go about your business as you were and keep looking for another job. When the time comes leave him somewhere and rent a car and drive home. This is what his last pilot did because he hated the boss. Now I kinda feel the same way. You do everything you are suppose to do and behind your back they are trying to push you out the door without even talking with me about it. Just wondering what everyone else would do.

I suggest you begin your job search now but do not say anything to your boss. You cannot change the bosses mind so if he decides to replace you then you'll be out of a job. At least you have the time to prepare and find something else (hopefully). If not you can collect unemployment until something else comes your way if need be.

When the time comes take the high road. No sense stooping to his level. Be a professional and leave with your dignity.

That's pretty much all you can do as far as your job is concerned. Once you find a new one I might consider posting a gouge with your current salary so that other folks know the situation.

Well, with a cheap pilot he can afford an expensive coffin.

Tell him that after your last paycheck clears.

Beat him to the punch. Offer your pilot services on a day by day contract basis and charge what you want. $700.00 a day plus expenses. On top of that, if you don't want to fly a certain trip, just say sorry, I'm busy. A couple of those and he may rethink his idea. Depending on how much you fly and how much you make, it may be a pay raise.

Oh yea, he wants the airplane cleaned, $200.00. He wants the airplane fueled, $50.00. Make him realize how much you are worth.

I second Misingbite

Thirded. Plane wash on a PA-31 should go for $400.00 if you get her sparkly.

This is good business sense.

A lot of times pilots just don't have a good business sense. Especially guys working contract stuff.

I would also approach him about getting payment in cash. Gotta cover your bases.

get out of there man
 

i agree with most of the posts here...start your job search ASAP...

if he replaces you, send his wife a letter detailing how many time you flew him to meet his girlfriend or the trips to las vegas and the bunny farm....

cheers and good luck

Probably best to just keep your mouth shut about it. It may turn out to be nothing. Unfortunately Part 91 jobs can be like that. Your quality of life all depends on the owner. I think the best jobs around are working for a good 91 operation/owner. The worst flying jobs are working for a bad Part 91 operation/owner.

Many uninformed owners always see $$$ and think pilots are all the same. They don't understand that what you pay for is what you get in pilots (usually true). Pilot's being the most important (and cheapest) factor between safe flights and ending up dead.

Charge what you are worth. If they aren't going to pay it, they aren't worth working for. It also helps establish the standard for pilot compensation.

Please don't undercut what you are worth and if they do find someone else to do it cheaper, let the pilot world know that you were undercut by so and so. Aviation is a small world.

I have shopped for contract pilots in the past for a small jet. Some will come back saying they will do it for free or only $200/day. I won't even consider them when the going rate for a small jet pilot is $500+/day. It is a punch in the face to the profession to do so.