Part 91 flight department
Posted by Accomplished_Box7400@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 14 comments
Anyone out there that runs a small part 91 flight department? I have some questions about what the job entails if you’ve got a minute. Thanks!
x4457@reddit
Ask your questions publicly so that others may learn.
I’m not answering your DM, I’ll gladly answer your public questions. I manage airplanes 91 for a living.
Accomplished_Box7400@reddit (OP)
Ok. Would be 1-2 small aircraft, single engine turbo props at first, likely growing from there. What are the primary responsibilities of said manager? What programs are you using to track hours/cycles/and other mx services? How does training work? What would be a fair starting salary starting out managing a part 91 flight department?
x4457@reddit
Literally everything related to your owner’s relationship with the airplane and getting to and from it. This will vary wildly from owner to owner and you will spend the first 6-12 months learning each other and how they want your help.
Depends on the airplane, but usually CAMP, TRAXALL, or Veryon for anything turbine with the first two as being distant leaders from the latter. I also generally recommend Airplane Manager or some other scheduling system.
Insurance will dictate what training you need and who you may get it from. You’ll be using an insurance broker, not directly engaging an underwriter.
Anywhere from $100,000 to $1,000,000 depending upon the nature of the operation, location, types of aircraft, number of aircraft, number of pilots, etc. In your case, much closer to the lower end of the scale than the upper end. I charge round about $4-5000/month for each turboprop, to put that in perspective. With no flying.
NBAA is a resource as mentioned elsewhere, it’s also extremely expensive. In the SETP realm you’re also still able to lean on owner’s groups and other pilots for connections with a lot of this stuff.
Accomplished_Box7400@reddit (OP)
Are there good resources on the management of a part 91 flight department, in terms of books, mentorship etc?
TxAggieMike@reddit
That explains why you sneak into my backyard on occasion.
x4457@reddit
C’mon Mike, you promised not to tell anyone!
DefundTheHOA_@reddit
The job entails flying an airplane
Gabriel_Owners@reddit
Don't forget about coming in on your days off to not fly the airplane!
ThatOnePilotDude@reddit
Every 91 department I have been to explicitly says that you really don’t need to come in. When I worked at one pilots came in 1 day a month outside of flying usually.
Gabriel_Owners@reddit
Op specifically asked for someone that runs a small flight part 91 flight department.
If you think you won't be doing extraneous work while running a part 91 flight department, you are naive.
Oregon-Pilot@reddit
I learned a bit about it flying for a 91 management company for a few years, then managed a single pilot citation for a year with no real hiccups. Then went to the airlines.
If that’s worth anything to you, feel free to ask questions but I don’t really do DMs on reddit so just ask me here.
Swimming_Way_7372@reddit
Maintenance planning will be very important. Ideally you'll be on a tracking program like CAMP and have a good relationship with a service center. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to have your own mechanic that works along side you and they cam do this.
TraxenT-TR@reddit
NBAA be a good resource for you.
rFlyingTower@reddit
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Anyone out there that runs a small part 91 flight department? I have some questions about what the job entails if you’ve got a minute. Thanks!
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