Originally Posted by EagleFlight

• I am approaching 5 years with the company this summer.
• I was displaced to Chicago due to the LGA/JFK closure but I made a decision to move to my new base and not commute. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
• I’ve been in a long term relationship, do not have kids, and love this amazing city.
• I’ve been able to maintain my CRJ FO status the entire time.
• I’ve been able to hold a steady line for over two years now. Since Part 117, our line values have deteriorated but trip trading allows me to increase my line value to 80-85 hours a month while still maintaining 12-13 days off before picking up open time.
• With open time available and the ability to break up trips (for turns, two days, etc.) I am able to credit 100-110 hours a month.
• In 2015, my gross pay was roughly $62K. With step 4 and 5 hourly pay, per diem, performance bonuses, 150% open time and 200% critical coverage pay I am able to make a livable wage.
• Now in 2016, with the addition of $2.5K retention bonuses every three months, profit sharing, and an increase in my hourly pay to step 6, I’m looking at somewhere near $70K. I might have to work hard to earn that but it’s also a far cry from simply taking my hourly pay and multiplying it by 75hrs guarantee for twelve months.
• I am young, if I simply wait for my flow to come, even using conservative numbers; I would still have over 30 years at American