Indeed it is.

On the new scale a new hire on the 8/6 schedule makes $40k base and add $4k per-diem for a total of $44k.

Winter is coming. And it's going to be a long one. (years)

Per diem should not be considered as pay, in my opinion. You might get to pocket some, but it ain't compensation.

I agree but when our per-diem was $2/hr, or $8k/yr, you would end up pocketing at least 25% if you're spending normally on the road.

Per-diem aside, the first year FO pay was not affected by the pay changes.

What's your new per diem?

We get $2/hr as well, and on average I normally end up taking some home, particularly if I get a decent tip here and there.

At my old company, we had someone who would 'steal' half a loaf of bread from the hotel at breakfast, along with PB and J and eat like a 5 year old for the rest of the day. If he really wanted to splash out, he'd get a $5 footling, eat half for lunch and save the rest for dinner. I think I'd rather kill myself.

As long as the trip doesn't 'cost' me money, I'm generally happy.

Hahah that's awesome, I love PB & J.

Take a look at the Avantair airline profile her on APC, it has accurate info on our new per-diem.

What fractional are you with?

I worked for Avantair. I personally saw a lot of falsification on maintenance (to the point that the FAA threatened to yank their certificate). I saw people fired over allegations of trying to bring a union on the property. Abuse of duty and rest times, personal abuse and threats, and far too much politicking for a little turboprop operator.

I never did a demo flight that didn't sell a share, but despite promises from Steve Santo himself about commissions on the sales, I never saw a dime. I picked up airplanes from maintenance that had up to 16 major squawks on them, and a lot of pencil whipping done. I saw it regularly.

Avantair was one of the most screwed-up, mismanaged places for whom I've ever worked, and given some of the places I've flown, that's really saying something. The Piaggio was a fun airplane to fly, and I worked with a lot of great crew, but the schedulers and management left a lot to be desired.

As of today, the pilots have a whole lot of free time!

disregard......

If any previously employed AvantAir pilots are looking for a job, shoot me a PM.

Charter company based out of KISP is looking for a PIC for our Piaggio.