LifeNtheFstLne

I'm looking for a current MEI in the VA/DC/MD area that needs to build multi time. I'll split cost on a twin rental with you so I can get my MEI. In a momentary lapse of sanity, I've started spending my off days helping out a local FBO, and I've decided I should take an MEI checkride soon to help them grow their business. Send me a message if you fit the bill.

esa17

So you would expect me to split the cost of teaching you to be a MEI? If the company in question wants to "grow their business" why not convince them to invest in you and pay for your MEI?

How would you like it if a primary student came to you and said: "I'll split the cost of the plane if you teach me to fly!"

Tell you what. I'll buy the beer if you let me make out with your girlfriend.

LifeNtheFstLne

I don't need multi time - I have thousands of hours. There are plenty of MEI's who do need it and most likely don't want to pay $200+ per hour to obtain it. So yes, I'm giving one of them an opportunity to get the time they need, half-off and satisfiying my lust for ratings that I'll most likely never use.

You can have at the girlfriend, but I don't drink cheap beer - so bring your wallet.

av8tr_2007

"You can have at the girlfriend, but I don't drink cheap beer - so bring your wallet." -funny-

AriBen has a time building program with Dutches. Rent and fuel spilt between two people at $100hr, last I checked.

esa17

What you're proposing is insulting and many would say that is exactly what is wrong with the industry.

I earned my MEI, I'm not giving instruction away and I wouldn't think too highly of anyone who does. The fact of the matter is that person sitting next to you earned their rating, you haven't. Thousands of multi-hours are irrelevant, with that experience you should just be able to skate the ride anyway. You're not "giving" them anything except the chance to offset your costs. What Eagle Jet or Gulfstream do is no different than what you are "offering".

LifeNtheFstLne

Supply and demand my friend. I'm just taking advantage of it, as I've been on the other end of it plenty of times. Simple as that. I really don't care if it's right or wrong. It's just business. Same goes for when I was hired at Continental on the 757/767 for $30/hr. That was giving away my services as a pilot too. There are people stepping all over each other for jobs they are way overqualified for in this environment. I will exploit it to the best of my ability. Or I guess some MEI can sit at the FBO in hopes that someone will walk in the door and spend the big bucks on training and continue to share that money with their employer while they dream of their next job at a crappy commuter.

esa17

I see. It's ok because it was done to you, got it. How does that sit with your union brethren? You probably should bring this up at the next meeting and or vote. Management doesn't take advantage of pilots, "it's just business".

Thanks for the clarification.

Thanks but no thanks. I'll continue to get paid for my multi time. Hopefully everyone else who reads this has enough self-esteem act accordingly.

LifeNtheFstLne

You look at it as being taken advantage of. Others look at it as an opportunity that they might not have otherwise had, or would have had to wait much longer for. If you're a career CFI, good for you. I think it's too bad that CFI's are not typically paid enough to create that type of experience base, and that it has been turned into a stepping stone most of the time. You and I both know there are tons of people straight out of the pilot mills that will pay to fly anything - as evidenced by the airlines you referenced. Did I do that? Nope. But that doesn't make it wrong for me to save myself $1,000 on someone who is chasing that dream. When the mythological pilot shortage rears its head, this will no longer be a factor. Try belonging to a union before you attempt to educate me on the topic. B-scales exist for a reason. In case you hadn't heard, we eat our young.

esa17

Thanks for the justification Nero.

LifeNtheFstLne

You're welcome. I would've chosen someone else though. If memory serves me, Nero was known for his extravagance - whereas I've made it clear I'm interested in SAVING my money (and someone else's). Or maybe I'm tyrannical? That I could agree with.