Originally Posted by
NYCPilot
Automation essentially equates to less pay. The more the aircraft can do, the less the pilot needs to do or monitor. This isn't anything profound. Airliners have become more safety-laden and technologically advanced which has led to taking the pilot out of the loop. That translates into lower pay. As many have already said, the current generation of RJ's are practically idiot-proof. That doesn't mean that things can't go wrong, but in general you're not flying the same equipment or technology from years ago. Not even close. Think about the capability of the avionics these days. Even ATC support has come a long way in terms of coverage.
It's not your father's airline any more.
Those high salaries were also to compensate folks who were in essence pioneers in the industry. Things have come a long way since then. Piloting a plane now can be done by a greater pool of candidates.
In my 12 years in the industry, not once has anyones pay at any airline that I've ever heard of been based on how easy an airplane is to fly. It's based on what the union can negotiate with the company and what the pilots are willing to accept. Never have I heard that management thinks that the airplanes are easier to fly, therefore you should be paid less. It's always something else.