Originally Posted by pete2800

Thanks for the serious question, instead of getting all over-inflamed like this forum can, especially when bringing up topics like this. Haha.

Serious answer: I don't know. I realize that we have no real power when it comes to the CPA's that our companies negotiate. Perhaps there are ways that we as pilots could make it less convenient. Something like no one bidding the flying, or not picking up any open time to cover the flying.

In reality though, it would simply be nice if there was a bit of an attitude difference. It seems as though in regional world we are all far too overjoyed about "More flying for me! Hooray!" Instead of actually stopping to think about what that means for ourselves, other pilots, and the well-being of the industry in general. If my company bought a bunch of RJ-900's and a started doing a bunch of SEA-LAX and PDX-LAX runs that used to be done by 737's with Alaska pilots, I would feel that as a massive loss, and even more so when I actually had to do the flying. The problem is that we are all too overjoyed to snatch someone else's livelihood if it means another 100 numbers below me on the list.

I don't think SkyWest people actually realize what a massive threat that SKW is to both Horizon and Alaska. AS is trying to phase out any 737 smaller than an 800. So what will become of all of the current 400/700 flying? That's a heck of a lot of mainline jobs, and AS's current TA doesn't address scope.

I know the regional mantra is "get in, get time, get out." But if mainline doesn't hire for a decade like we just saw, no one is getting out. The only path to quick TPIC time is a short upgrade, and that only happens when a company grows extremely quickly, by either finding new flying, or someone else's flying. As regional pilots, we are always looking to the future when it comes to job opportunities and pay. Seeing as how we can't control if there are jobs available in the future, perhaps it's time we started focusing on our opportunity for pay in the present.