There is no doubt that PDT and others mentioned have a lot to offer as far as the regionals are concerned. However $24/hr for the ERJ to start is financial suicide for many of the "would be" takers. 12 months does go by pretty fast, but I can't imagine someone with a family living on that (or even a single person) in PHL without making a lot of sacrifices. It may work for the 20-30 year old age bracket, but not for the rest. I can see new hire pay being forced up to around $40/hr based on demand and lack of supply. The hourly rate might not be $40, but the add-ons (sign-in bonus etc) will equal that IMHO. And yes, the airlines will still make a profit! They have more to lose by canceling flights due to lack of crews.