GA chief pilot salary
 

Gday,
Just wondering what the going rate of a chief pilot of a mainly S/E VFR operation (say 4-5 A/C) would be these days? Is it generally the award (plus 8%) or can you usually negotiate a bit more.
I fully understand if you dont want to make things too public so PM is also fine. Thanks in advance.
FD.

Nothing less than six figures. You will earn it, believe me.

Lucky for some, mine in NZ is 42k pa, 3 aircraft, 1 is an IFR light twin on scheduled ATO. Plus out of that I have to pay for medicals etc.........

Dreamin'

(Content)

It probably depends how much you can bring to the business and how many other people the owner needs to hire to run it.

Can you also fill the roles of HOTAC, HAAMC, marketing manager, HR manager, peace negotiator, detective, IT manager, and do it all on call 24/7? If yes, you will be in a strong negotiating position to get a bit more.

Just remember that times in GA aren't great for anyone and unless your 4-5 SE aircraft are all flying every day, you and your underlings are lucky to be employed - going hard at your boss and demanding heaps of cash will not necessarily help the stress levels in the camp.

On the other hand if it's a rip-roaring show and you have 8 pilots flying your 5 aircraft 7 days/week, yes a good Chief Pilot can probably ask for $90-100k.

Good luck and remember that if you are given the job as CP your boss may be putting his entire livelihood in your hands. :ok:

Unfortunately it's a bit of a "stepping stone" job and will pay accordingly. I'm guessing it would be your first CP appointment and that size of operation isn't likely to be bringing in stellar profits.

CP of a major operation such as RFDS or Government air wings will be much better but still only around airline F/O level.

$
 

$90 to $130k

Normal SE op , $80 will easily pull it up, $90 to $110 for turbine fleet and I know of some who get less than that, much less. Maybe they are worth more but times are tough, really tough in GA

Three CP jobs advertised today on AFAP website. Westwing, AAA Charter & Kakadu Air.

Many CP's in the operations (or similar) to the above mentioned are on salaries that trump airline F/O wages.

But as it was pointed out earlier in this thread.