The beauty of the CQFO program is you can use people in either seats...as more FO's are needed, that's where the CQFO's will fill...if more CA's then they sit that seat. My guess, the cost of paying an FO $43.xx / hr and having the versatility to use them as a CA if needed it more profitable than giving back the flying.

Trans States has an excellent reputation at negotiating profitable contracts, and the fact that they've lowered CQFO minimums tells me they've got room in their budget to stay in the black with this.

Another piece, the lowering of the CQFO mins now has me qualified for the position again. It'd still be a pay cut, but it's livable. I have other friends that are also considering coming back again, and I'm sure that was part of the goal...this helps attract pilots that are currently out of the industry, but who still meet the minimums. Trans States might be in my future once again...we'll see if I can convince my wife to let me play with jets again.