Cubdriver

What would be the best-guess on an average contract rate per year, for captain of single engine piston used for Part 91 operations? I know that many Part 135 air taxi operators pay in the low 30's to start, but that would be for salaried employees in 135. This is a contract Part 91 job flying single pilot IFR in a turbocharged Saratoga. NBAA and other sources do not list piston airplanes very much, although they list the typical S-E turboprops. Are we talking in the 30's, 40's, 50's?

JDP1

I would guess anywhere from 150 to 300 bucks a day. That seems to be the going rate in the Southeast. Sorry I know thats kinda vague, but I personally know guys who get 150-300 a day in barons and also guys who get 300 a day from 182s to Bonanzas.

Cubdriver

This job I am looking at is for a year contract. Salaried jobs are a lot less than contract jobs because the latter must add benefits, relocation, etc. and also replace the job when the contract is up. Pro Pilot surveys show single engine turboprop pilots averaging about $48k, so I venture a guess it is somewhat less than that. But you also have to figure out how much to add for it being a contract gig. I am thinking $55k-$65k. Some would probably say higher though, and the common practice is to double the salary figure.

elcidflyer04

I flew a part 91 c-182tc g1000. I started at 26000 a year. I was based in the southeast. I think around 30000 is a good starting point. I still fly some 182s and saratogas contract for 250 a day and also fly contract in a be 58p for 300 per day. Hope this helps.

Cubdriver

$250 a day times 200 working days in an average year would be $50k. Sounds kind of low to me. If you assumed that half that figure would give the equivalent salaried employee figure, that's only $25k before taxes. Entry-level Part 135 Cirrus pilots are making more than that.

Ewfflyer

It might be a "contract" but that's a long-term contract, if you honestly made more than $30k doing this, you are doing extremely well.

$250-300/day avg would be about right for the airframe IMO for just a regular daily contract guy with no commitment, but your case I just can't see the "double what a salary person would make" scenario. I just don't see someone wanting to pay that much considering the airframe involved.

Cubdriver

Right, I came to that conclusion as well given the current market and the type of market pilots create in this country. The lowest bid I could possibly see in light of the normal costs of doing business for the long haul as an employee was $60k, with even that being on the low end of any kind of sustainable contract price structure. A little bird in my head said no, some kid is going to bid $25k to do this and think nothing of it because he has already out-earned his pals at the airlines. That same kid will have no benefits, no retirement, no unemployment and will wonder how pilots pay the bills when contract gigs expire. I wrote the guy back and said I am sorry but I can't make a competitive bid. Double-the-salary-for-contract doesn't work in an oversupplied labor market such as that for pilots. They enjoy a depressed pricing structure in a buyers market. My research tells me this gig would pay about $30k to a salaried employee, with full benefits and longevity and no contract.

Ewfflyer

It could work in the right scenario, but it would be tough to show the numbers if there was anything else competitive out there. Then you will find yourself trying to justify your costs....etc....

I reluctently reduced a daily rate for a guy, but I haven't even flown for them yet as they only fly once in awhile, and I'm #2 in their list anyways. I know there's guys out there that won't bend for anything, but negotiation will get everyone to an agreeable means.

I only fly as a part-time thing now anyways, so it's not hurting me, and I'm not putting anyone else out of a job either. Just the way it is I guess.

NowCorporate

Why would someone pay you 60K when someone else will do the job for 20K?

Nice idea in another (non-existant) world, glad you came to your conclusion and please, step aside and dont waste your/everyones time analyzing, we are not talking a career type job here.

Good Luck!

RU4692

I flew a Lance (PA-32R) and a Mooney (M20 Bravo GX) while I was in college for Part 91 operation. The Lance paid 300 per day (24Hour) and the Mooney was 35K on call 24/7 with benefites. I seemed to think this was a fair salary while I was doing it.