So Wonwee

A company says , "Email resume with salary expectations." What kind of salary range would you expect from a company that wants security clearance and possibly up to 90 days at a time away from home? Equipment is King Air 200. 70K?

FlyerJosh

Depends on the clearance, type of flying, location, etc.

A secret security clearance is practically worthless in the civilian world. They're about as common as peanuts. However if the job requires higher clearance levels, (and you hold said clearance), it can significantly increase your pay in non-aviation sectors.

Personally, you couldn't pay me enough to be gone from home 90 days at a time... but 70 would probably be low for the type of job that requires a security clearance and extended periods away (most likely overseas in less than comfortable conditions, if you get my drift).

Scout

There are a few contract B200/C-12 jobs that will pay 12K - 14K a month, depending on where you are and what you do. Most are flown by former military types but there are exceptions.

FlyJSH

Kinda true. Confidential is pretty much a cake walk (I worked with foriegn nationals who had one). The question is time... all the investigations take time and money. The Special Backround Investigation (SBI) for a Top Secret SCI takes between 9 and 18 months and they are EXTREAMLY detailed: I had people who I had not seen in several years wondering why they were being questioned about me (what the heck I had done). In 1990, the government claimed an SBI cost around $100k!

How much to ask..... hmmm, well, you can be sure if you mention a number and they say "you're hired," you asked too little. But if you ask too much, they will "let you know." Also, in general whoever makes the first offer instantly weakens his position.

There is a site (flycontract.com) for contract pilots. Each of them has a daily pay rate (for the smaller King Airs it runs about $400 per day). Keep in mind contractors get no bennies so daily rates are higher than regular salaries.

LAfrequentflyer

Things to consider:

You can expect to get 10-15K for a TS/SCI w/ counter-intel poly. TS/SCI with full-scope lifestyle poly and can get 30-35K in addition to starting salary. Of course, a lot of how much you can get depends on the number of applicants and how qualified they are...Don't sell your self short - there are plenty of jobs out there. Do some research (like you are) and stick to your guns when it comes to salary / benefits.

Keep in mind working overseas is dangerous. Often times the pay is not worth it. I know guys in Afghanistan that sleep with one eye open because their local national guards can't be trusted. I know other guys in Iraq as contractors working / living in the Green Zone.

Anoter consideration is emergency medical care in austere locations.

Good luck.
LAFF