A Fair Wage

[Hidden Agenda]

What is a fair wage to offer a 200-hour to 500-hour CPL to fly as a co-pilot on a medium twin that is certified single pilot?

On offer would be a type conversion and a two or three year contract in the left hand seat. The task would be to help the command pilot keep the operation safe whilst operating in a high-risk environment; plus all the ‘usual’ co-pilot duties. The opportunity would be fixed base in a nice part of the world.

The operator can’t afford to be overly generous but they don’t want to be mean either. What do you think would be an appropriate salary?

Your thoughts would be appreciated!

[Aesir]

It really depends on the location!

I was once told that the closer you get to the poles and further away from the equator the better the pay is (That´s why I stay close to the north pole).

What about something like 50% of the captains pay? I don´t know really what co-pilots make, just a suggestion!

[rotorboy]

Not to be negative, but if I was a command pilot flying a twin in a "high risk enviorment" I sure wouldnt want a 200hr wonder... thats nuts.

Makes more sense, for saftey of the crew and the assest , take someone with some time and experience ( even if it isnt in twins). If things go TU in a hurry, it would be nice to have someone who can react , fly and make decisions with out having to think, something you really are not capable of doing at 2-500 hrs.

Dont you think for the extra cost having 2 typed command pilots makes more sense?

RB

[Oogle]

RB

Sorry, don't necessarily agree. If the co-pilot is the right sort of person who can LISTEN AND LEARN, they will turn into a great captain one day. That is to say if the captain he/she is flying with gives them opportunites to learn and not just keep the seat warm.

I have flown two-pilot ops with many a young/inexperienced co-pilot and have found that if you constantly keep them on their toes during a flight, they will appreciate it. I have certainly been taught a thing or two by them.

On the original question - I reckon $300 / 300GBP per day is a good casual rate. Salary - don't know ($35000 per year ????)

[offshoreigor]

Hidden Agenda,

I think it would depend on the environment, ie. Offshore IFR is considered a high risk environment but generally would not employ a FO with less than 1000-1500 hours.

EMS IFR is also considered high risk but will generally employ lower time (500-1000 hours ATPL written) pilots as FO's.
Salary would be comensurate with the country you are in. Canada for instance starts there lowest level FO's at about 18-20K CAD per anum. On the other hand, RSA starts their FO's at a much lower level.

The trick is to find an employer who has long term needs coupled with a clear career path, ie. a set career progression to Captain.

I hope that helps.

Cheers,

:eek: OffshoreIgor :eek