There is a lot of self respect in working for Lakes given the fact that the flying (routes) we do are not "farmed out" by the majors. We have our own niche that really doesn't affect the major airlines... don't you think the major airline pilots would respect someone who isn't taking their routes and using an RJ to do it? We go to the small subsidized cities that jets can't afford to go.

The industry really hasn't changed much, actually, it has always been cyclical even when they got hired. The respect that pilots receive from the general public has changed drastically. We aren't treated like "kings" anymore... but not many service oriented jobs are like that anymore. All part of the "entitlement" generation.

And yes, many regionals do dangle a carrot that says "Come fly for free with us so you can get to the majors"... so what? It's called pay your dues. I can handle a couple of years at poverty wages, get what I came for, and get on with life. However, if we have an opportunity as a pilot group at Lakes to demonstrate our discontent with the pay scale, then I guarantee you that it will be shown.

Do you think many of those guys in the left seat of a 777 or A380 flew an RJ? No. They flew old turboprops and paid their dues. They do respect us at Lakes, even if our company isn't "reputable", simply because a majority of them went through the same thing.