Originally Posted by Fixnem2Flyinem

Now I don’t want to play devils advocate and completely understand wanting to keep the trend moving in the right direction. But I will say life as a lowly ACMI pilot is better than most of my friends outside of the industry. Big blocks on, followed by big blocks off. Neighbors start asking you if you have a job when you’re at home and by day 10-11 home you start forgetting you’re gainfully employed.

If you’re smart with your money and don’t buy two houses, three cars, a boat and a motorcycle you’re doing okay. So to say this is a dead end job is a little diva(ish). But I do agree that there is and should be room for improvements to keep up with industry standards. At the regionals, I was struggling to survive even after the so called pay raises. After crash pad fees while commuting, bare bones per diem and maybe 2-4 days off at a time, which while commuting at least one was lost due to trying to get to work/home. I seriously contemplating quitting and finding another job, even had apps out in the law enforcement sector. Since I’ve been at an ACMI, none of that has been a pressure. If the majors are your ultimate goal, then sure slug it out for a few years or more at the regionals. However, I have personally raised my QOL and income substantially by choosing this route. The trips are long, the flip flop schedules can suck, but this is a job and a job that finally pays a decent penny for the sacrifices made in the process. My friends in law enforcement make less than me, work more than me and have pressures involved in the day to day grind that makes this job seem stress free most of the time. They will also top out earnings wise way less than that of a career FO at my company, but they are home every night or day with their family.

Glass half full, glass half empty, it’s each pilots personal perspective on what makes this good or bad. Stability in the industry is my main concern, the fact I like it so much makes me not want to lose what I have found, which again I know can happen at the drop of a hat.

Again, not trying to be Mr. ultra grateful no changes needed, but it isn’t as bad as portrayed on these forums. Some CA’s **** and moan, but that seems to be on par with even folks at the majors. Times will suck, you’ll be tired and not know when to sleep or stay up some days, but nothing feels better than getting that positive space ticket home knowing you have 12-14 days home to get back in the loop of home life.