Originally Posted by
dmncnpilot
You can't go by what some ignorant people post on these articles. Not everybody is going to empathize with our cause. I guarantee that if those same ignorant posters lose air service to their communities their posts would read differently. You have to give them credit though, some of those posts are funny but very true. We are glorified bus drivers, let's face it! The problem that I have is that a regular city bus driver or a greyhound bus driver has better pay, benefits and most likely better retirement than a regional airline pilot. Who's fault is that? Yours, mine, and every regional airline pilot that has accepted the low pay. That's just the reality of things. Something has to give! I hope this rule stands it's ground and regionals have a harder time getting pilots. It doesn't really matter what the general public thinks anyway, it's all about money. If it hurts the airlines pocket we'll start seeing change.
In no way do I consider myself or hold my self to the standards of a glorified bus driver. I have dedicated a substantial amount of time to my aviation and college education along with countless hours perfecting my abilities as a professional pilot. Do I agree with the regional pilot pay scale, absolutely not but I also don't know many bus drivers that have the opportunity to make 70+K a year if he progresses his / her career.
I understand things have been stagnant for awhile and I want nothing more then to see myself and fellow pilots advance our long stagnated careers. However, I can't emphasize enough that we must maintain our high level of professionalism, education and safety while the industry starts to shift and opportunities open up. As these opportunities open so will the compensation and benefits packages we deserve as professionals.
If you want to be treated and looked upon as an educated professional then you must demand this perception and treatment through your actions and professionalism.
If you want to be a bus driver then go drive a bus...
