For those asking about the pay here...

Your first year sucks, that’s a given. But you need to look at year 2 and compare it. I have two more checks coming in December (15th/31st) to finish out 2017. I’m on second year pay. I’ve grossed $80k this year and taken home $57.9k so far and I’ve been on second year pay almost the entire year. January was still first year pay but I actually earned more that month than I would have at second year pay at 62 hours for the month.

The paycheck on the 15th of the month (half of guarantee) is roughly $1700 (and change) takehome each month. The check on the 30/31st is at least that, plus per diem and minus taxable travel (ANC based you WILL be imputed income on travel and hotels).

Keep in mind this is second year pay. I earned more flying CRJ’s than I do on year two flying a 747 to 6 continents.

Vacation is ridiculous, company match to retirement is ridiculous (my regional matched better), and you’re going to get zero support from the company in some far off places.

For all you regional pilots in the right seat thinking, “hmmm, I’ll get a pay raise, fly the 747, and see the world,” keep in mind that some places we go are very expensive when you go out for food. TGIFridays in Japan (I’m using this as an example to explain in restaurant terms that translate) a burger will cost you between $19-26/US. Throw in an adult beverage and that’s another $10/US. It’s not difficult to spend $50 easily for dinner in some of the major cities we go to. Cheaper can be found, but sometimes you really have to work for it to find it.

I love the plane and the flying, but when I see the paycheck every 15th of the month and realize what I’m earning on second year compared to my friends at FX/UPS I’m sickened. I hit 3rd year pay early next year and it won’t make much of a difference. I should be earning close to $100k gross more per year for what I do, the time away from home, and the sacrifices that my wife and family make for being gone so much....

You choose what you do with this info. I’m putting it out there for you to make your own determinations on what you should do.