"If you fly for ANY REGIONAL, YOU ARE AT THE BOTTOM.... (Disclaimer: I too, fly for a regional)"

It seems you devalue yourself. Whether one flies 100 miles, 1000 miles, or 10,000 miles per leg, we still have the lives of many people in our hands.

Hauling 30 people around, I have no expectation of earning the same as someone hauling 300. But I do have a skill set that is worth more than what a typical regional FO is paid.

"Your edit regarding the check haulers potential income is no argument, since having done that, I did not earn more than a regional FO. How is my statement "whining"? "

Then I guess you worked for the wrong check hauler or didn't demand a reasonable salary.



(sorry for the drift, back to the subject at hand)

While the OP's calculations are quite rough, he does provide a plausible future. Should we go into another recession or have some nuts blow up a couple buildings, hiring everywhere could stop.

Also, one should choose a company that, should stagnation occur, one can at least tolerate his situation.