The economy as it relates to pilots right now is about to open up and become a huge boom--at BizJetJobs, we're seeing sunny skies on the horizon! Aviation is open again, and it is booming with no end in sight.
Make sure you are ready. The airlines are planning on having all of their airplanes back in service by the end of May as demand is surging. Charter companies are seeing the highest demand ever, and continue to suffer from pilot shortages. Great jobs are opening up now and will continue to be plentiful as the airlines and freight operators continue to hire. We've noticed that pilots who bring up these cost-saving tips and tricks in an interview session can certainly put themselves ahead of the crowd when they have a shot at that perfect Part 91 gig. These are also talking points when your job or flight department’s future is in question due to cutbacks, or acquisition of your company or flight department. Use them to demonstrate your ability to look out for the company’s best interest, as well as your own.
- Show your prospective employer awareness that as a pilot, you do have some control over your aircraft’s biggest line item: fuel. You always find the cheapest locations to purchase fuel, you know how to negotiate ramp fees, and you understand fuel-saving programs (CAA & Contract fuel programs). Tell your employer that you know how to save fuel with flight plan decisions such as altitudes, routes, and power settings. A continual eye toward minimizing the weighted average cost per gallon, present performance, and opportunities for improvement are all key.
- The decision to base your company’s aircraft at one FBO / hangar facility versus another can save hundreds of dollars per month, between hangar rent and insurance. Mention any situations where you were able to do this in the past, or how your prospective employer could benefit from your industry knowledge and connections in the future. FBOs are always willing to match and beat competitors' fuel / base prices to win you as a customer. Let your employer know you can negotiate.
- You can use your influence as a pilot to help your company decide when it makes business sense to combine trips or manage airplane maintenance and fuel stops to coincide with business objectives. Ask questions about how these decisions are made. This demonstrates knowledge of the big picture and alludes to the expertise you can lend.
- Always be thinking of the bottom line as it relates to your own travel expenses. For example, depending on your flight schedule, in some cases it might make sense to find a cheap commercial flight home rather than stay in a hotel waiting for a broken aircraft to be repaired. In some cases, it might not be best to pay for a rental car when you can take a shuttle to the hotel. Mention situations in which you were able to save money in this fashion.
- Know your top passengers. Knowing what special needs your CEO or owner has can go a long way. Instead of using the same Airport Caterer, let your employer know you are willing to go the extra mile to special order or go pick up food from the area’s favorite food hot spots. Go the extra mile to find out exactly what your passengers like to make them 100% satisfied on the flight (including food, drinks, movies, games, newspapers, etc.)
- Pilot training is a huge cost for many corporate flight departments. Is your employer getting the expected value from their chosen training vendor?
If you have questions or need assistance please don’t hesitate to give us a call 9-5 ET M-F at (402)253-7809 or drop us an email at [email protected].
