It's time to finally get the universally crap-@ss first year FO pay up to AT LEAST the $30/hr range. While I doubt that anyone can achieve that YET, I think it would be great if you could at least break the $25/hr barrier for first year FO's. So far, I believe only Horizon is up there, and they've been there for years.

If you guys could get up around $27-$30 for first year FO's, you would not lack for applications and would finally be able to staff up.

This is a new era for regional pilots. Managements are struggling, and it's time to drag the pay up kicking and screaming the whole way.

Just the fact that decent FO rates, including first year pay, seem unrealistic reminds me of how far this whole industry has sunk.

Please also keep in mind that beating that first year FO pay is tremendously important to every other pilot group in our country. With staffing as competitive as it is, other management teams would be forced to respond if one actively recruiting company actually starts paying their first year FO's above poverty wages. (Yes, I am aware that Mesaba's FO pay scale is equally shameful and pathetic.)


Good luck guys. We are all with you on this.