Originally Posted by
fosters
For starters, trade deficit =/ budget deficit.
My point was that increasing wages in the US won't directly come back to help the US economy. It will in some areas, but not like it did when we were a net exporter making everything from mining the iron ore to machining the nuts and bolts "in house".
Also you have no idea how badly pilots are paid outside of the US. Yes, some areas are hiring highly experienced pilots for seemingly high wages, but most are paid relatively low amounts in comparison to us when looking at the major carriers. Example, Copa hiring 737 CA's base pay is under $50k/yr.
Looking at
COPA AIRLINES pilot jobs, payscales and entry requirements.
you'll notice that a captain at Copa starts out much higher than $50K USD per year, and then when comparing cost of living adjustments in Panama, it's anywhere from 30-40% lower cost of living in Panama vs the USA, which makes their overall compensation worth in excess of $135,000. Yes pilots may be payed less there, but you have to look at the whole picture. Similar comparison to any pilot who lives in the the Northeast vs another pilot who lives in the southeast or Texas. You're purchasing power is drastically different. It's all about where you live....
here's another chart:
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living...2=Dallas%2C+TX