Aviation Recruiter | HR Director | Onboarding Specialist | Training Director | DoD Skillbridge Program Manager
Considering a Part 91 Position? A Few Initial Questions to Ask in the Interview Process… Obtaining a Part 91 position with a private plane owner can be a “unicorn” career move or it can be a terrible decision. I chat with pilots regularly who didn’t ask enough questions and made a bad career move. Oftentimes pilots give up stable positions thinking a “Part 91” is the holy grail. To ensure you are evaluating the entire scope of the role, there are many questions to ask to be sure it is a good fit for you. Here are a few important questions to get you started on your evaluation: Location? If in a specific location, is relocation assistance provided? Year of Manufacture? Year of Refurbish? Avionics upgrades? How long has this owner owned this plane? If it has been a short time, did the owner have a different plane before this one? (This will give you possible clues to the longevity of the position and if this is an experienced plane owner.) Crew and Support: - Will I be flying with a regular co-pilot or crew? - Are contract pilots utilized? - What kind of support staff is available (e.g., mechanics, operations coordinators)? Flight Schedule and Hours: - What is the schedule or is the role “on demand”? - How many flight hours can I expect per year? Compensation and Benefits: - What is the salary and are there opportunities for raises or bonuses? - Are there benefits such as medical insurance, 401k? - What are the policies on time off / vacation days / hard days off each month? There are more areas to clarify if you decide to go further in the process, but these questions should be able to help you evaluate if you want to move forward. #Aviation #PilotLife #PilotJobs #PrivateAviation #Part91
Ralyn Wheeler This advice comes at extremely key timing, thanks a lot for always taking the time to post such informative and helpful information from the recruiter/HR perspective! You’re awesome!
Ralyn always providing excellent and thoughtful insight. Thank you. If I may add, as part of the employment negotiation, always make sure that you get a copy of the insurance policy where: 1. You are named as covered and 2. The employer provides you with a subrogation waiver/rider that mentions you specifically.
Great tips for evaluating a Part 91 position.
Pilot (ATP) PIC-typed in CE500 (560 Ultra experience), CE56XL (XL & XLS+ experience), CE680 (Latitude experience), CE750.
4moAnd always negotiate an exit strategy in case owner sells the aircraft, leaving you high and dry. At least once a month I read of pilots being let go because the owner sold the aircraft without warning and now they have no income. If they aren’t willing to give you, or have in place, a fair severance package, then look elsewhere. The total deal needs to be fair to both sides.