I, like so many here, are regional pilots because we can't get hired at a mainline carrier. It is not about qualifications, as so many of us exceed most of the time requirements imposed by virtually every major carrier, excepting turbine PIC time. The truth of the matter is that we are at regional carriers because of the lack of jobs at mainline. We had nothing to do with that. We didn't create the regional airlines, we didn't give up scope, and most of us would be content to fly our regional airline on a mainline seniority list. Realistically, however, we have to figure out how to continue to eat while we continue to stay current and build the time necessary to be competitive when the next mainline seat opens up. Other than working for a regional, what other real options are there? When I flew a King Air, I was getting about 200 to 250 hours a year. If I wanted to use that job to qualify me to have a shot at Delta (we will assume 7000 hours to be competitive at 225 hours per year after getting to 2500 hours), I would have to fly it for 20 years to get the time necessary to have a shot, and with no jet time, 121 time or heavy aircraft time, I probably would still not be competitive.

The solution is to work from within to make this better for all involved, not fling mud at the existing problems and point fingers. You make a lot of noise that way, but you don't accomplish much. Talk to your MEC, get involved, and make your voice heard where it can make a difference. If you choose not to, don't be surprised if things don't change.

Rant over. I should have been in bed an hour ago!