twebb , 10-11-2015 10:56 AM
Gets Weekends Off
Typically a run has a show time between 1900 and 2000, they finish between 0100 and 0400.
Downsides for some pilots looking in:
Back side of the clock flying.
Single pilot (could be good for some), they are working on an FO program for some of the longer runs.
Flying in all types of weather, however, you are the PIC, you can deviate and take delays as you need them.
You load and unload the plane, other pilots and drivers help. Multiple legs 5-9 a night.
No overtime or incentive to work more.
Multi-piston and single engine turbine time. No timeline to upgrade to phenom.
Pay won't reach major airline levels.
A couple runs are longer, reaching 10 hour duty 6-7 hours flying (pilots get rotated daily through runs in the base)
Vacation/sick time has been decreased from an initial 5 weeks, to 4 weeks, now 3 weeks.
Bags weigh on average 10 lbs. but can vary from ounces to 28lbs. Some runs can have 120 bags, stretching and proper lifting technique is important. Or I'm just getting older.
1 run has a one day layover, pilots in the base get rotated on that run.
There is one Saturday night run, pilots in that base get rotated on that run.
A few runs are operated Part 135. A little extra paperwork vs 91. We have in house check airmen.
Company drivers bring in the cargo, they can be affected by weather or traffic,this will cause delays. Communication is relayed to the pilot on these matters, sometimes another flight will be be stopping in later to pick up delayed bags, and you can stay on schedule.
If a base is low on pilots, a crew member from another base may be asked to fill in. Management does fly the line and float to other bases to help the pilots when staffing becomes an issue.
It is a very large company and with that, raises, answers, hiring, and other buisness related things take awhile. Except safety, they are very quick to get an immediate answer on those subjects.
Some pilots might see these as all downsides or none of them. Just depends on your background. Some of these can be very small and some are bigger, just trying to be honest.