Hi!
I am thinking about applying for a PIC position at Boutique. I am sick of working as a CFI for terrible pay, 12hours a day 5-6 days a week. I am close to 1200TT. I know I can wait and go to airlines, but first: I don't have COM ME and second: I am not able to save money to get it with this terrible pay. I know boutique has mixed reviews regarding QOL, but I still want to try (I always wanted to fly PC12).
1. What are the chances of getting PHX currently for PIC?
2. They say they offer 12 days of PTO. How does it work exactly? If, for example, I have 3 days off, 4 days on, 3 days off and I take 4 days of vacation (so I have 10 days off in a row), do I lose only 4 days of my PTO?
3. I know some of the bases are short of crews, and pilots have been asked to fly additional days. How often does it happen?
4. How about the crew houses? I know they are not hotels, but are they at least clean? Or you better take you sleeping bag?
5. Does boutique pay for the airport parking?
Thank you!

1)PHX currently is pretty heavy on the PIC side, that said BTQ has CASS and KCM so it is commutable. You bid for based on a quarterly basis and could potentially switch bases later if you cannot get it right away.

2)you get 12 days paid time off per year which must be approved by the chief pilot. This is separate and in addition to the 10-14 days/month you get off anyway. You can request 6 specific days off/month without penalty and they will accommodate them based on seniority.

3) when you are off work, you cannot be forced to fly. Your days off are yours. Now if you want to pick up extra time, you can, but they cannot make you pick up extra shifts( the exception being if the shift falls in the middle of your “work week” they can add or change your shift based on need) this doesn’t happen often. You can trade or drop shifts entirely if you want. The software we use makes this fairly easy.

4)Crew houses are generally clean, some are very basic, some are very nice. You will have clean sheets to put on the bed every night, and are expected to pick up after yourself. They have people that do the laundry. Most don’t have cable, but they do have WIFI.

5)BTQ pays for parking.

We are a scheduled part 135 airline and must adhere to certain rest requirements etc. Starting pay is $71.43/hr w/70 hr guarantee for PIC’s. You’ll build time quickly, 70-80/month or more if you choose.

Thank you for your quick response! Few more questions if you don't mind:
1. Do they assign the base before you sign the contract? Can they quarantee your prefered base? To be honest with you, being based in PHX is really really important for me. I would rather wait few months for the available spot in PHX than go somewhere else and commute.
2. I have around 1100 TT right now (and around 50 night, I meet the rest of the 135 mins. , getting another 100hrs should take me max 2 months.). Do you think I can send my application now? Or should I wait until I meet all of the mins? (On their application form I can only choose between 0-1199 hrs and >1200. I don't want to select >1200 (because I don't have it yet), but also I am afraid that if I select 0-1199 they will never call me. I just want to start the conversation with them.
Thank you!

Your base will be assigned prior to training, that way you know what you’ve signed up for. If there is a spot available you will get it, if not, you’ll probably just be encouraged to check back periodically until one opens up before they will hire you. As I mentioned previously PHX is currently heavy on PIC’s(around 10 or so) which is a lot for a base that only has two routes. Good news is things can change quickly. The only way you’ll know for sure is if you apply.

Only click the appropriate button that applies to you, if you are less than 1200 hrs pick that one. Regulations are not flexible unfortunately. They will see your application, and it’s likely that if you’re close to 1200 they will call you.

Is Boutique still taking on FO’s from time to time? I understand they likely still have a fat stack of low time resumes, but curious if they just pull from that or actually open up FO hiring to fresh applicants? I haven’t seen any FO stuff on their website in awhile.

Also, what kind of time do they like to see for the FO’s these days? Will 500 hours crack open the door, or do they want you to be close to PIC mins?

I hear 800TT is the sweet spot for FO positions. 500 may be worth applying, it could help if you know someone currently working for them. They haven’t had the link for FO’s on the website for some time, but I believe you can still apply through the captain link. Follow them on social media, they have recruiting type events happening periodically now.

Did the pay change? It used to be 62.50 w/80 hr guarantee.

Yes they changed it, although they haven’t updated anywhere where it says so. Technically the same amount annually but there is more incentive and benefit to pick up open time.

Benefits cost
 

Can anyone tell me what the benefits cost?
I have a family and would have to cover them.

I am considering applying as a PIC looking for a Denver base.

Thanks

These rates may or may not be accurate, but for a family(spouse and children) $491 or $671/month depending on deductible. $42-78/month for dental and vision is around $12/month