you guys make some great points here! Really you do. And in a fair and perfect world it all makes sense. However, in the world that I live in, I get a call . . . (after a day of nearly dying several times from students while in the Texas Heat in a tomahawk)
Capt'n -"Hey, I have a day trip tomorrow, would you like to right seat with me?"
Me- "Hey sure, sounds good, tomorrow is my day off, what time we leaving and where are we going?"
Capt'n-"Headed to for a quick trip to DFW. Leaving at 9 am, back by around 4pm."
Me- "Sounds good, is there any compensation?"
Capt'n-"No, but I see it that your getting free time in a Twin turbo prop. If you dont think that is fair, then I understand. Would one of the other flight instructors like to fly with me tomorrow?"
So no matter how fair it is or isnt, that is how it goes. (at least for me) I mean I could do an ATP and pay $25 large for the time, or fly on my days off or re-arrange my instructing schedule to fly. HHHHMMMMMMMMMM
So now a few months later (sitting in CO on a trip) I have full health insurance, ncie salary, great capt'n who allows me to fly every other leg and teach me, I'm logging PIC time and living the dream that I have always wanted. WHY, because of attitude . . . I showed that I really wanted the job! That I could be counted on! Could I have done that while being paid. . . SURE!! in "my" situation, was that an option . . .no!
So was 6-8 flights that I flew for "free" worth it? yes, because I have made that up and more!
I love the discussion on this. . . you guys really do make valid points. And I do agree, if we are professional pilots, we should be compensated for our time. And yes, that compensation can be more than money.
When my capt'n and I take our plane up so that I can do touch and Go's or single engine work that cost a LOT an hour! So in that way, I am being paid back for the "free flights".
I think looking back, however, that I would have discussed some of this with my capt''n before hand. Hind sight 20/20. When I'm a capt'n someday, and I have a low time guy looking to get sometime, I will line out the compensation with them.
Just remember, (at least for me) when you get that "call" . . . you really want the job and experience. It is tough to say anything but what time do you want me there and what's the dress code?
by the way, YES it is ok to start a new career in aviaiton. (back to the spirit of the thread)