I've been following the industry for most of my life, so I have a few things to contribute. I do it productively, courteously, and professionally. I also ask lots of questions, keep an open mind, and appreciate others' explanations and input. And on occasion, yes, I feel compelled to say a few words.

I do care about this profession. That's why I got my ratings, went to college, and then worked my butt off as an instructor 12 hours a day 6-7 days a week for 2 years. I promise you it wasn't for fun. Then I came to Mesa because I already lived in Phoenix, have a significant other here, and roots planted.

If you would be interested in telling me about older contracts and how things used to be with some carriers, I'd be happy to listen. In fact, I once did a report about AWAC's Bae-146's. I remember flying on one when I was younger and thinking it felt incredibly spacious, only to find out later it actually was because of scope clauses. Besides for Air Wisconsin, you almost never saw them stateside.

Unfortunately, those contracts aren't the standard today. Yet, respectfully, I'd put forth an argument that Mesa is competitive for wages when sooner Captain pay is considered. Not to mention the benefits of turbine PIC.

This debate epitomizes the eternal dichotomy of the Regional forum. A few individuals might change their mind here and there, but ultimately we go round and round in circles arguing this. I think it's silly because we're all on a B-scale relative to the majors, and it's like arguing about who's less poor. Contracts may have been different long ago, but the industry as it is now is the hand I was dealt. If I had the power to singlehandedly fix the regional industry or the Israel-Palestine conflict or starvation in Africa I would be more than happy to. But I don't, so I'm playing the cruddy hand that a century of politics, economics, pilots, and management have dealt me the best I can. I wish no misfortune on any other pilot, but it's important to have a sense of pragmatism in this world.