F7X FREELANCE RATE UPDATE

[skylog]

Can someone in the know give a realistic update on the current daily rate & per diems for a F7X or similar type aircraft PIC freelance contract?

[skylog]

Does no one freelance anymore?!?

[bizjetway]

USD$1500 x day for Falcon 7X Captains, same on Global 6000.

[Lucky8888]

We have a F900LX which should be the same as a 7X, or at least close. We pay USD$1200 - USD$1500 per day. Usually our requirements are for 1 or 2 weeks duration and we negotiate the price accordingly.

[skylog]

Thanks Gents, 1.5K + PD seems to be the standard.

[JL_9110]

I tot 1.5K USD per day + PD as industrial standard?
Correct me if I am wrong.

[pantarei]

Hi,
a bit out of topic, but may I ask you which is the industry "standard" for freelance contracts as far as insurance coverage is concerned? I have no experience as a contract pilot and I'm going to work as freelance for a charter company: I would really appreciate some hint...

[FlyMD]

Depends which insurance you are talking about...

For the owner of the aircraft, his third-party and aircraft insurance may require some minimum total hours and hours on type for all pilots operating... but that is his problem to address, not yours..

As far as your coverage goes, as a freelancer, you are totally on your own: I maintain a worldwide accident and health insurance, including additional repatriation coverage.

Additionally, I have a travel insurance covering loss of luggage and such. I have found that the insurances via your gold or platinum credit card will not be sufficient, as I rarely accept to book and pay my own tickets.

Same goes for hotels: as I rarely book and pay for my own hotels, I have an additional private liability insurance which covers me for certain third party damages.

Then there are some no-nos: I never drive a rental car unless I have booked it myself and covered all instances. Also, when ask to transport valuables, or operate expensive vehicles for customers, I have to customer rep releasing me from liability in writing.

When booking expensive services for a passengers, I try to get a release from the rep, and if not possible charge to the airplane without my name appearing anywhere.

[pantarei]

Thank you FlyMD for the precious hints.
Anyway what I'm concerned about is the liability of a freelance pilot, working for a company (aoc holder) doing both private and commercial ops, in case of accident caused by (assumed) pilot negligence. I want to be sure to be covered against any claim for damage:
- to people and property on board and on the ground
- to the aircraft
I know that many insurance contracts allow the insurance company to recover the money they had to pay to the insured from a negligent third party (in this case the pilot). I would like to understand better this issue: I think that employed pilots don't face this problem, freelance do.

[FlyMD]

I see your point, but my reasoning tells me if you are found to be "negligent enough" (whatever that means...), then the insurance company would come after you no matter your status...

If there is a private liability insurance that will cover my grossly negligent behavior, I have not heard of it...

As you obviously do not intend to be derelict in your duties, I submit that the whole question is just a bit....theoretical?

[pantarei]

Not so theoretical I think...have a look to this: Professional "Contract" Pilots -- Are You Protected? - AVweb Features Article (http://www.avweb.com/news/insure/190338-1.html)
https://bizjetjobs.com/blog/pilot-insurance-are-you-covered-for-that-contract-pilot-gig/

Here they say what is the solution, but I would like to know what happens in real life.
Thanks anyway for your help

[givdrvr]

This article seems pretty spot on in my opinion, as its mostly about being "an insured pilot" and the subrogation waiver. The assets of a typical pilot aren't substantial enough to warrant devoting the resources trying to pierce the subrogation waiver in the event of a hull loss. Unfortunately, there are lots of other ways to become a lawsuit target while acting as a contract crew member.