Originally Posted by
Ellen
GO TO MESA! IT'S A GREAT DEAL! BECOME A PILOT!
I'd work at Starbucks before I work for MESA @ its $22.18/hr. rate.
Fly 850 hours a year
Be away from base around 3,500 hours a year
NET hourly rate probably ends up being around $6.50/hr.
Dream of being a pilot now because once you become one, you'll dream of "Wishing you had taken the job at Starbucks."
We all review and analyze jobs/careers differently, come from different work experiences and have varying job goals.
The starting pay is low for US regionals, including the $22/hr at Skywest.....much better first yr FO pay at some of the Canadian regionals like Jazz, but many factors involved in that for another discussion.
Unfortunate the 1500 hr rule didn't include a min FO pay "rider" of $30-$40/hr, but the Feds stayed away from that issue....communication with your elected representatives may yield positive results.
For pilots transitioning from 135 (24/7/365) to 121, the "only" 3500 hours a year from base is likely an improvement in QOL.....so is bidding a schedule, 10-12 days off per month, vacation/sick time, salary increases, Captain pay and more.
For someone seeking short term (2-5 yrs) employment, Starbucks or Costco may be the way to go.....for those seeking a career of flying, regional flying is an option, but not a requirement for a pilot career.