I’m new to 135 (hired on in October, and IFR Capt, single pilot op).

To my surprise the pay is about 1/3 less than quoted (have it in writing), and the flight schedule really has me looking at 135.267 pretty hard.

I would like a second opinion on if this is a legal flight:

Scenario:
Take off to reposition at 1800 (91 leg)
Fly route, last 135 leg/cargo drop at 0400, reposition for fuel, and do return leg home, engine shut down “time off duty” approximately 1030 next day.

It’s sheduled to be “done” at 0800, but that is nowhere near realistic. Looking back at the flight on flightaware, the earliest that anyone has returned was 0930.

I’ve heard both ways regarding the 14hr duty Day being regulatory. Can they say it’s a realistic schedule if the “end time” has never been achieved?

It’s also 9.5 hrs of flight time; single pilot. They say that’s ok because the last 4.5 hrs of it are conducted part 91, so they say it’s ok. I did discuss the 10hr crew rest issue, and they just took me off the schedule completely the next day.

I’ve tried a couple times to reach the FSDO, but I kind of want to ask this question anonymously and keep getting voicemail.

Fortunately I’ve got options; I’m only about 200 short of ATP mins.

 

The duty hours are ANY commercial flying, not just under 135. You are busting 135.265/267. And remember, it is your ticket on the line.

 

They’ve been insistent that the return leg is part 91, it doesn’t count towards totals.

I thought it sounded fishy.

Hopefully I can get on with a regional quick.

 

Even if it’s legal, it’s not safe. If you bend an airplane due to fatigue the company will not take the fall for it, they’ll throw you under the bus. However, I️ don’t think it’s legal since it’s still commercial flying. If you talk to the FSDO and they allow it, don’t hesitate to bang out fatigues when you need to.

 

It's crystal clear in the reg.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, during any 24 consecutive hours the total flight time of the assigned flight when added to any other commercial flying by that flight crewmember may not exceed -

(1) 8 hours for a flight crew consisting of one pilot;

Seriously - do not fly it. That's the kind of stuff that might make you ineligible for hire at a major, because they can see clearly from your logs that you've exceeded your flight duty hours, which is a violation you just haven't been caught yet.

 

Thanks for the input. I knew it smelled fishy. I’ll be putting my foot down as soon as I get back.

Hey, if they fire me at least I can tell them where to shove their “training contract.”

 

Just stop and go 121 asap.

 

Working on it. Resume spamming. Trying a couple with good reputation and have “helped out” candidates that are short on time.

 

Just because it's a 91 flight doesn't mean you're not getting paid to do it.

It would be different if it were a 91 flight in your own plane and on your own dime, but since it's a company plane the limit is pretty firm.

 

If you are on company time repositioning part 91 it is included in your duty time. End of story. Many companies abuse the new and unsuspecting in the 135 world. Toughen up and push back or go 121 where the feds are actually watching. In your case your certificate is on the line, and your company will only get a slap on the wrist after they through you under the bus. Oh and by the way your POI is probably on the take. Think about it.
All the best