Originally Posted by madeinUSA

The regional airline model makes me sick to my stomach. Management has us completely figured out and our unions aren't helping. So you're probably saying to yourself "We've heard this a million times so what?" Here's my solution (other than a national seniority list which will never happen).

Our industry is faced with tremendous pressure from undercutting companies with a business plan set solely on cheap labor. This is how it's always been. But now we are in a unique position to change that. There are many pilots at the regional level that come to get 1000 hours PIC time and then move on. The problem (as far as the business model goes) is that many do not want to move on. Costs increase and flying is awarded to "less senior" airlines. My solution is to let FO's fly left seat and gain PIC time. Before I get into the detail on how this would work let me first tell you the benefits to EVERYONE involved. Let's first look at a 50 year old Captain at Comair. He's making 120,000 a year, lives in base, has a good schedule, and isn't going anywhere unless his company folds. He could care less about having 10,0000 hours PIC or 15,000. In fact he stopped logging years ago. Now you have sitting next to him a 10 year FO, late 20's, commuting in the hopes of getting PIC time and getting out. If the captain wants to let him be PIC for the flight who really cares. The FO has plenty of experience (possibly more than the most senior captain at gojet, silver, or any other new regional). The FO's get their PIC time and move on, the company can save money by not paying super senior FO's and the Captain's company can stay in business. Also, undercutting regional airlines will not be able to fill seats with pilots chasing PIC time. With 121 pilots needing their ATP's they will all be typed and qualified to do this. The captain or in this case "most senior" pilot will have the ultimate say on who is PIC for the flight, and will also receive his/her same compensation. It's a win win for everyone as far as I see it. I'm interested in what everyone has to say. Pros and Cons to this idea. I'm sure some of you hate it and some love it.......