cmill
Cold Ass Honky
First, I don't even know where to start.
With all the oil spill action going on, everyone is looking to make a quick buck, and lower down the ladder you have fresh pilots thinking they can build some quick time. This experience comes from the spill, but could apply to just about anything.
This guy, lets call him Bob calls us asking is he can base a few 172s at our base. We get to asking a few questions, and it turns out Bob is trying to get an operation going flying for disaster recovery. Bob will be charging 150 an hour for the 172's billing the parish/BP, and using "donated" time from fresh private pilots (talking 50 hours) to do the flying, who will be flying oil spotters. Bob will be leasing these planes from other people and has no insurance on them.
Obviously, we told him GTFO. Its illegal, and its also business that should be going to my company, who gives me a pay check for doing flights like that. AFAIK Bob is still pushing forward with his plans, and is trying to utilize a 1900ft grass strip, with the same free pvt pilots.
A message to you new guys, being ignorant of the rules is no excuse. Bob knows what hes trying to do is illegal, but is counting on the ignorance of fresh pilots eager for time to carry his operation. If anyone comes to you with a "free time building opportunity" start asking questions. Not only are you most likely taking money out of someone's paycheck, but you're liable to get your ass busted.
You'd be flying for at best a 134.5 operator, more likely a blatant illegal operation. Also, you would be held liable for taking compensation in the form of flight time. On top of that, you're paying less than the pro-rated share for the aircraft.
So, next time you see a great opportunity to get some free time, ask yourself "How? How exactly does this work?" The saddest part of this story is that Bob has no shortage of pilots lined up, just cant find any planes.
Those of you who know me, know im the last person thats going to rat anyone out, but when you start taking money out of my paycheck, and doing my job for free, well, a 90 day suspension will seem like a cakewalk compared to never getting a job in this state.
Sorry if it sounds harsh, but this just really pissed me off today. Just take a step back and think about what you're signing up for.
With all the oil spill action going on, everyone is looking to make a quick buck, and lower down the ladder you have fresh pilots thinking they can build some quick time. This experience comes from the spill, but could apply to just about anything.
This guy, lets call him Bob calls us asking is he can base a few 172s at our base. We get to asking a few questions, and it turns out Bob is trying to get an operation going flying for disaster recovery. Bob will be charging 150 an hour for the 172's billing the parish/BP, and using "donated" time from fresh private pilots (talking 50 hours) to do the flying, who will be flying oil spotters. Bob will be leasing these planes from other people and has no insurance on them.
Obviously, we told him GTFO. Its illegal, and its also business that should be going to my company, who gives me a pay check for doing flights like that. AFAIK Bob is still pushing forward with his plans, and is trying to utilize a 1900ft grass strip, with the same free pvt pilots.
A message to you new guys, being ignorant of the rules is no excuse. Bob knows what hes trying to do is illegal, but is counting on the ignorance of fresh pilots eager for time to carry his operation. If anyone comes to you with a "free time building opportunity" start asking questions. Not only are you most likely taking money out of someone's paycheck, but you're liable to get your ass busted.
You'd be flying for at best a 134.5 operator, more likely a blatant illegal operation. Also, you would be held liable for taking compensation in the form of flight time. On top of that, you're paying less than the pro-rated share for the aircraft.
So, next time you see a great opportunity to get some free time, ask yourself "How? How exactly does this work?" The saddest part of this story is that Bob has no shortage of pilots lined up, just cant find any planes.
Those of you who know me, know im the last person thats going to rat anyone out, but when you start taking money out of my paycheck, and doing my job for free, well, a 90 day suspension will seem like a cakewalk compared to never getting a job in this state.
Sorry if it sounds harsh, but this just really pissed me off today. Just take a step back and think about what you're signing up for.
