here is a look at a corporate potential
A few days back I placed a post to find out what you guys would expect in the corporate world in the way of salary; no response. I have personal reasons for asking. With increasing business responsibilities and our latest project coming on line the company will have to hire a number of pilots. We were hoping for feedback re expectations. Perhaps few really understand the corporate world and what it has to offer.
Here it is in black and white.
Our corporate pilot will fly a new Bell 429 (so far this is our bird of choice albeit we are also considering the MD Explorer and the EC 135 Hermes) that has all the bells and whistles, including full on board networked surveillance capability. The flying will involve taking executives and clients from our private hangar to and from our development site as well as other sites as required.
While flying the pilot’s primary responsibility is the safety and security for company personnel and our clients. To that end the pilot will ensure the aircraft is always in maintained in “new” condition; no exceptions whatsoever. At all times the pilot will ensure the aircraft is secure.
Time to time the pilot will take company personnel up for surveillance work.
The responsibility of our first helicopter pilot will increase and evolve as we acquire additional helicopters. Accordingly our first pilot would then become our chief pilot.
The secondary function of our first pilot is that of a meeting interpreter for the senior executive. The role involves the management of information, including reporting and summarizing, and monitoring participants’ information and needs at any discussion the pilot is privy to while flying but also including meetings the pilot attends at our offices, construction site or anywhere the pilot is involved. The findings of the pilot/interpreter have important implications to the company. This role is a sophisticated position that involves learning to play corporate poker in a real sense. As such we will train the pilot for this function and provide all the necessary tools to support this function.
This secondary function is why a criminal check, non-disclosure and non-circumvention agreement and security clearance are all required.
The bottom line is that a corporate pilot needs two skill sets. The first is to fly and to ensure that the aircraft is well maintained. The second is to act for the company. This combination of functions puts the pilot into the executive level of the company. This level means good salary, excellent working conditions, and access to company perks. It also means secure long term employment.
Many pilots are not able to fill the role because they can’t pass compliance protocol. Others do not have the people skills or discretion to deal with some of the clients we are forced to deal with to get our job done (politicians, C.A.V.E. people, extremists, and the like).
Finally the reason most pilots do not hear about these positions is because of everything written above. The NCND alone forbids any discussion.
Nonetheless we are interested in feedback.