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Contract Work

Old 29th Mar 2008, 04:04
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Contract Work

Hi All,

New to the forum, so please bear with me. I'm in the market for some contract work and wondering if anyone had any ideas on how this part of the industry works, especially internationally (US based).

FAA ATP with 10k hours, 2000 hrs on G-IV's, 2500 hrs on HS125, 2200 on BE400 and 800 on CE500 with another 1500 on King Air's.

I have spoken with ACASS a bit, but was wondering who else is out there. Thanks, I really appreciate any help.

Z-
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Old 10th Apr 2008, 04:12
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You can almost double the money by going direct with the owner/operator but if you do not have the contacts or know someone looking then a company like ACASS might be a good way to get your feet wet in the contract world. Once out in the field you can make contacts.

Things to be careful about ACASS are that they will try to low ball you on money, almost always. They play games like offering you one rate then you find out later that your copilot is making $2-3,000 more a month than you are and they expect you to be happy with this while you are taking the responsibility and doing all the paperwork. The market is very short of experienced pilots and if they need you at the last minute will pay whatever is needed. If the copilot signs up late and is hard nosed about money its not unusual for them to be paid more than the Captain. Fair? Not for most of us.

One thing about ACASS is that if its in the contract that you sign with them, they will do what is there. They pay their bills (but have been late with some pilots lately I have heard) and expenses. They do try to get you to put all expenses on your personal credit card, and if this is a hassle then simply refuse. Tell them you are maxed out and if they want you to fly then they get to pre-pay the hotels. They do it with some crews but only after making a lot of noise. They want you to put your expenses in every 2 weeks. Do it every week otherwise you get to pay the interest on the credit card and they make money on it.

There is another contract company in Western Canada and stay away from it. Its in Calgary and they have hundreds of pilots going after them for not paying their salary after they were on duty overseas for 4-6 weeks.

If you finish your contract and turn the expenses in with ACASS you will get your money, something that cannot be said about the company in Western Canada at this time.

CD
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Old 10th Apr 2008, 10:46
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chandlers dad
Don't be shy... it's perfectly ok to talk about companies' reputations, good or bad...... I'm currently talking to a Calgary based operation and would appreciate a heads up on what I'm getting myself into...
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Old 10th Apr 2008, 10:52
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He could be talking about a posting just down the page???

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=321869
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Old 13th Apr 2008, 01:55
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If it is Avionco, I recommend you run as fast the other way as you can. They have a terrible reputation, and I can vouch for it first-hand. They don't do what they say they will do, they jerk you around unmercifully and do not pay. There are plenty of contracts and reputable companies in the industry. You don't need these jokers.
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Old 24th Apr 2008, 04:57
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I am a Falcon 50/900, GIII contract pilot living in FL. Im trying to get 3 days pay from Direct Personnel. They asked me to stay and help out 3 days past contract. I never got it in writing.... NEVER again. Always get it in writing.

ACASS really low balled me. 333 per day usd!! As a Capt. in Russia. Insulting.
How much does ACASS and other agents make on top of day rate??

Also I am available in May but not for that. Prefer mid east, asia or europe work.

Fly safe
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Old 26th Apr 2008, 08:30
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We can all expect to be low-balled, as it's just the way things work. However, from experience I can tell you that my initial offer from ACASS was more than I could have ever made from any of the Avionco contracts.
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Old 26th Apr 2008, 20:30
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And with ACASS you'll likely get paid. With Avionco, I wouldn't count on it. Plus, they will continually tell you that they are going to send you out and then not do it, tie up your time, so you can't do anything else, then not pay you for your time, etc., etc.

Any contract pilot--any pilot at all--is advised to stay away from Avionco.
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Old 26th Apr 2008, 20:38
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Russia

How is Russia flying? I am starting next week....first time over there?? US based
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Old 27th Apr 2008, 08:58
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Originally Posted by mungo
Don't be shy... it's perfectly ok to talk about companies' reputations, good or bad...... I'm currently talking to a Calgary based operation and would appreciate a heads up on what I'm getting myself into...
Mungo, sorry to take so long, am overseas flying now.

As Acey said above, if this is Avionico in Calgary, do not go out with them for any amount of money. Better to take your $100 bills and lite cigars with them as you will get more pleasure from it. They will not pay you.

As Citationultra says, at least ACASS pays you. If its in the contract, they will do it, period. If its not in writing and done verbally with you, then YOU will get screwed. Do not believe one thing they tell you over the phone (especially from a male VP), get it in writing. When they say business class travel, its only to and from America then they try to get you to accept economy home. Get it in writing first then there is no discussion.

CitationUltra is correct in that ACASS will call you at times and say "standby, you go out in 2 days" and a week later nothing has happened. This has happened to me several times and now I just tell them "if you want me my pay starts on this day" otherwise find someone else. This is not a game that ACASS is playing but the customer, and in the end its the contract pilot who ends up getting hurt financially over it. ACASS wants you to go out immediately as everyone gets paid the minute you leave home.

Ted,

PM me. We need to chat. Lots of differences there and far too many to post here. What are you flying and where?

CD
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Old 28th Apr 2008, 00:50
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Thanks for the info guys, appreciate it. Been on vacation, so sorry it's taken me awhile to respond.

Would anyone be willing to send a lead or two my way? Beer would be on me.
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Old 28th Apr 2008, 08:14
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Capt_zman,

Try Privatair, you look like you have all the right tickets for them. They were bought out by Gama (UK) who fly everything you do except for the CE500.

Good luck

UTF
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Old 21st Sep 2008, 23:40
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low time guy

Hey, I have a 604 Type Rating, 800 TT and 300 on type. Do i have a chance with acass?
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Old 10th Oct 2008, 04:51
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"Hey, I have a 604 Type Rating, 800 TT and 300 on type. Do i have a chance with acass?"

I would have to say its hard for you right now but give it a shot... Whats the worst that can happen.

As far as the rest of the posts... I

I can second the comment by CitationUltra, Stay away from Avionco, They are thieves and terrible company. Everyone in the office is great but that company is ran by two guys that take advantage of their employees.

I got all my pay, after fighting for over several months, they finally paid me but they stuck me with all my expenses which added to about 4 to 6 thousand dollars that they were responsible for.

Mike Dodd and Josh Dodd look out for themselves and sing songs all they long to get you to work for them, but as soon as you take the job they wont support you, specially when your in the middle of some third world country and wont pay you which is the reason you went to work for them to begin with.

And if you quit while on assignment because they didn't pay you, they wont fly you home and your stuck there on your own. They try to keep all the money they owe you and unless you make them think your gonna work for them when they really need you they wont even begin thinking about paying.

Worst experience of my career... Mesa is heaven compared to Avionco.

Save your money and your Licenses and dont fly for them.
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Old 10th Oct 2008, 04:59
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advertising

re 604, I can not answer this as I do not wish to be accused of advertising.

however a PM is considered PC.


glf
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Old 4th Feb 2010, 18:19
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Avionco is hiding their name.

I just found this on another site and took a look for myself to be sure.

"They are now attempting to disguise themselves by affiliating with a new name. They are now calling themselves part of the Aerospace Services Group, (ASG) whose sever is owned by Flight Path International. They call themselves senior aviation professionals and Consultants."

Look at the contact us link. You will find a Dodd.

Does anyone know anything about Flight Path International?

Last edited by Bandagg; 4th Feb 2010 at 18:29.
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Old 4th Feb 2010, 18:46
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Funny thing is that the addresses and phone numbers are all the same for both companies.

Good info, thanks!
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Old 12th Jun 2010, 19:23
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Still behind

Up until a couple of weeks ago, Avionco was two months behind in payments to the few remaining pilots they have left working for them. Since then, they have been paid and are only one month late now. Hurray!

....What a joke these crooks are!
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Old 12th Jun 2010, 23:55
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Only time I was contracted by other then the biz jet owner himself...was an aircraft sales outfit...payment up front, Eticket waiting at the airport...both ways...

Dealing with principals themselves has never been a problem, I just ask that they have payment at the end of day, they get my invoice....never a problem.

Once the client is trusted, no problem mailing an invoice, usually got a company check with in 2 weeks outside....

Only time I ever sprung for airline tickets/hotels/food...was for a job interview, and only because they wanted me there now...like today...and it was explicitly understood that a check for X amount would be waiting when I got there..

If your talking to the owner of the jet, you'll get a feel if he's the real deal or not...

There is no reason why the company secretary can't pay for cars and hotels with a company credit card over the phone...leaving you to cover meals for reimbursement later....

And if the boss is in the back of the plane...why would the pilot put the fuel on his card?

Obviously some of you are getting burned because your nooby's to this game, and probably working for peeps that keep asking you for stuff, and you keep giving it...be smart about it..

So once you have made sure your not out of money and flying for free, the real issue of liability comes to play..

Get NAMED on the jet insurance policy.....takes 5 minutes, then get a copy sent to you...if you fit in the open pilot criteria that's ok...but the best is a 'waiver of subrogation'....basicaly...whatever happens they won't sue you..impossible to get really...but some have...

If you are the type, that can walk up to any jet your typed in and fly it away...contract flying is fun...it brings up your game...trying to program a different FMS for your SID on the fly...or just hand fly it out, figuring the avioniccs on the trip to whereever....

The best deal is to be either a relief pilot for a big company, or just be the part timer for a jet that flies when your free, flexible peeps...requires you have a real full time job, who covers the big bills, school..

All in all, most of these guys just need someone that will fly them around and not bend up their plane...if they like you, they will call you back, pay is not an issue, and there are perks...go to nice places, nice people...ect.

When I hear these stories about contracting organizations, if I got a call from one of them, I would just want pay and some expense money up front...if it doesn't happen, work out...then I refund them...I won't chase peeps down for money..

Sorry to say this but if a contractor organization in the biz off supplying pilots is burning it's people, it goes out of biz fast...probably more likely the pilots screw up a job, but still want the money....
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Old 11th Oct 2011, 12:47
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Avionco late payment

When was the last time you actually dealt with or had a problem with Avionco? I have worked for them on several contracts over the last year and have never been shorted one cent nor have they been late.

I have been offered some more work and looking at some of the threads you and a few others wrote, I'm a bit confused/worried/wondering...
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