Lunchbox Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 I have on several occasions had to use my personal credit card for company expenses while on the road (hotels, rental cars, etc.), although I've always been paid back. Having once gone broke/maxing out my card for these expenses, I've decided to refuse any future request to make my personal card available. I get the impression that this is a relatively common occurence for companies to expect personal cards be made available for such expenses (I don't include per diems in this, as I got to eat one way or another). Am I being reasonable in refusing, or am I just another of those whinny young pilots/engineers with a sense of entitlement? I've also heard of some 100hr guys given co-jo ferry time one-way, and being told to pay their own way home, as a 'favour' for the co-jo time. Is this common/reasonable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reddog Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 NO! None of that is reasonable. Man. I can't believe the #### you guys still put up with. It's 2007 not 1937. It's a helicopter "COMPANY" not a flying club. You are out there generating revenue for them, not renting their helicopter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gli77 Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 I think the answer to your credit card question depends on the trouble you have in getting the money back. If you or others have had trouble or excuses come back from the company then be cautious. I personally, love to charge things to my personal card as I collect aeroplan miles, and they rack up fast with hotel and rental car bills. I have never had any trouble getting money back with the group I work with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLD BULL Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 This is a sore point for me as well......recently I had to purchase almost $600 worth of opps gear needed for a job last min kinda thing whilst out in the field.....did so on my credit card.......it took me 4 weeks to get reimbursed from the company I work for.....even though I took pics of the recipts and emailed them in they wont pay exspenses on them.....only on originals recieved....so by the time good old canada post got the paper work into the office i was charged 53.65 on interest for that and other purchases for the company..I dont see why I should have to pay yearly fees and interest when its for the company purpose...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
volition Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 CHL told I can buy the ferry flight from Toronto to California in the R22 for 200$ an hour, and pay my flight back. I said at 200$ an hour I can an r22 in the states. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest heli206212 Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Unfortunately, some companies still don't get it right. Maybe communication problems I guess. I would have to say I hope so. I have had to use my own credit cards and other times I have refused, and even did not know I would be using my cards until you walk up to a hotel counter. lol For sure the operator should pay for all interested accummalted for the period you have not recived your money, and it is not hard to figure out as some operators may lead you to believe. As for the ferry flights. Not shocked that operators are still trying to make low-timers pay for some portion. It is a small industry, and not something people forget easily. Next thing you know you have 1000's of hours and they wonder why you will not ferry a machine. Or when you get some experience you decide to leave you be treated with respect by another operator. The point I am trying to make is. It sometimes is the little things or ways we are treated out in the bush that could easily remind us of the many opportunties (work) that exist out there if we are not happy about something. There is one thing I know of for sure. In the end, no operator can take away what you have accomplished, the experience you have acquired, endorsements, ratings, etc... All an operator can do to you for saying NO, is to take away your job, NOT your career. But, if you are a low-timer , you are wondering if the turns out the wrong way it may effect your chances of flying in the future. I hope that one day when years have gone past, that the low-timers, when in a power position , will not treat their potential pilots in this same manner. It has to change or stop somehere, sometime, some place... Hopefully with you guys. So if you want to say no to paying a portion of a ferry flight, say no. If you want to refuse to use your credit cards, say no. But, of course, easier said than done sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
volition Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Great reply!! Yes, I will someday threat low timers like humans, that's for sure. But if these guys were treated like that too, how come they did not change the system? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest heli206212 Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Old habits are hard to change. Especially as we get older. Not all operators,pilots ,engineers, etc. treat low-timers with disrespect. There are more people in this industry that give and show that respect, than there are that do not. The main thing is to try and do what you think is right for you, without stepping on anyone's toe. Which is hard to do sometimes. later Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
splitpin Posted July 10, 2007 Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Ah-Yes, The old problem of charge cards. How many times have I seen, company charge cards issued to employees (Pilots and Engineers) only to have them totally abused by employees. All sorts of charges show up, drinks, extravagant meals and on and on!! We had one guy who was given $70,000 USD to hand carry to West Africa (Evergreen Helicopters) They never saw him again!! Mind you he far exceeded the $10,000 limit so there is not a lot Evergreen could do about it. I for one do not blame the company's one bit for having employees submit expenses on their own cards. I have never once had a problem with reimbursement for expenses and interest. Another problem is company issued cell phones. "THE PHONES ARE FOR COMPANY BUSINESS ONLY FOLKS!!!" Not for chatting with your Wife or girlfriend five times a day. The last person I relieved was using his company cell phone to call his girlfriend in Thailand. I know this for fact because the phone was ringing constantly at all hours with this Sweet little Oriental voice looking for "XX XX" Thank-God for that Pilot I am not management. He would be down the road in a heartbeat. (shortage of staff or not) Most company's will not short change you with your "company incurred" expenses, so don't try to get the them to pay for your vices. It's all a matter of mutual trust. Having said that, I am off to the field tomorrow for two weeks to further rape and plunder the industry. :punk: :punk: :punk: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
volition Posted July 10, 2007 Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Another good point!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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