3 pilot schedule
 

Contemplating taking a job on a super midszie(who makes up these names?) 91/135 aircraft. They have been operating it with 2 guys but are extremely busy and want a third guy.

Im a regional airline guy and have no experience with corporate/charter QOL issues. What kind of schedule have you seen used on a 3 crew airplane before?

When we were a three part crew we did 3days, 3nights, 3 off. But we are a 24hour on duty EMS aircraft. So we had someone on from 6pm-6am.

Being as most people are in violation of the FARS by not starting their duty time when they go on call, I am sure there is just one guy scheduled per day, so that schedule wouldnt work.

My only concern would be how you are paid. There are advantages and disadvantages to bith hourly and salary. If you are paid by the day or duty hour, then the othe two guys may work all they want and leave you with scraps, being the new guy and all. But if you go salary, you could end up like a bunch of my friends. They work for a guy who operates a small fractional and has a few planes on a 135 ticket. These guys are worked like borrowed mules. They are NEVER home and have no chance at making any more money.

One of the 3 is usually the Boss in some capacity. What that means, is that the 2 junior pilots will do most of the flying. The Boss will take the day trips, and the flights with the aircraft Owner. If the airplane will fly 300+ hours a year, 3 crew is tough, but 3 is a necessity on just about any airplane, someone may get sick. Owners don't want to talk about Pilots with the sniffles.

You will miss hard days off, you will miss being able to call in sick, and you will miss being able to bid around birthdays, cinco de mayo, graduations, what have you.

How do you like your new job compared to xjt?