Originally Posted by
CODs4ever
Good post. I think this is the answer. Would I go to a regional knowing if I spent my life there, I might top out around $100K/year? No way.
But I would go to a major, fly the exact same equipment and make $50,000 first year, knowing that there is upward mobility within the seniority list and knowing that the promise of someday making $300K is within reach.
All those ERJs and CRJs need to be absorbed by mainline carriers and they can adjust the pay rates accordingly. Let pilots build hours as CFIs and/or working Part 135/91 and when they meet ATP mins, they can apply (and be hired by) the majors.
This ^^^. As someone just now starting flight training and looking to join the industry, I can only see myself going to a regional that offers a guaranteed interview, flow through or $50,000 first year salary. As the pool dries up I don't see how the regionals without at least one of these can possibly hire enough pilots to keep their planes in the sky..