Originally Posted by
skyhigh127
a. Demand a Fair wage for:
- University Graduate = 45,000 for 2013 average
- Additional Schooling = 25,000(when you complete additional schooling
above college such as medical school, dental
school, law school, accounting or flight school)
- Extensive Travel time = 15,000
This adds up to a grand total of 85,000 $ for a First Year First Officer / Or 115,000 $ For a First Year Captain (85,000 FO Pay plus 30,000 for industry upgrade)
I guess I'm about to be "that guy." That payscale for a first year FO is ridiculous. Seriously. I didn't make that as a military pilot until I was well into my 8th year, and only because I lived in a high cost of living area. Our FO equivalent, the 2nd pilot, is really nothing more than deadweight for their 1st year or so, but it's a rapid learning curve and their usefulness increases rapidly. I strongly support probation pay as well as frequent progress reviews for first years, and after that, let the floodgates open. But not too much - there's alot to be said for having the responsibility solely on your shoulders.
Dial back captain pay, increase FO pay, and raise pay across the board for all regional airlines. There needs to be a LIVING wage, and it needs to be managed for all employees in accordance with good business practices. However, you cannot expect ONE pilot group to be able to fix this, it's just bad business.