Originally Posted by
sealandair
Given I'm in my mid-40s and just now applying to regionals, I'm wondering if any of you are, or know any "lifers" that actually don't mind it. I always say there are two frames of mind... a positive one and a negative one. No matter the industry, you'll have whiners and complainers, and you'll have those that make what they can out of it. I'm in the latter group. Plus, I don't have kids so I'm a little more mobile when it comes to having to relocate, and my cost of living is minimal.
Sure, I'm still not too old to make it to a major or legacy, but I'll never get beyond F/O, or if I do upgrade, it'll always be a junior domicile and/or narrowbody.
Any regional lifers who still have some self respect left and a decent QOL?
You’re not even close to being too old to fly for a Legacy or LCC. I came from the regionals (known as commuters back then) so I mean no disrespect when I say the regionals are minor league. I can only speak for SWA but they consistently hire pilots in their 50’s. Yes the upgrade is long but the end of contract (2020) 5th year FO pay is $167/hour and 12 year FO pay is $196/hour plus 15% B Fund and typical 10% profit sharing. 12-13 days on is a normal junior-ish schedule. I don’t know of any regional airline captain pay or QOL that even comes close to that. DAL and other legacies have faster upgrades and widebody pay scales which makes a career at a regional look even more bleak by comparison. Not to mention the regionals are dying on the vine as we speak.
Don’t sell yourself short by striving to stay in the minor leagues. Make your time at a regional just a time building experience on your way to a legacy, LCC or fractional like NetJets. Just my humble opinion.