rickair777,

Very well put in response to pay history. I've been reading these boards for months now and have a much better sense of the regional industry as a result of the posts like yours and others on here with a lot of experience. Eight or nine months ago, I had no idea what mgt/labor relations were like at the regional level or why (a question that will be persued for a long time it seems). I also had no idea how big the pay cut facing me is going to be. Now I know how to plan and what to plan for. As a military helo pilot with some mulit-time and a few years left on my first hitch, the regional world was a mystery to me. The experiences pilots share here are very helpful to those at any stage in their flying, but especially to the ones trying to break in to the business. This has allowed me to know how to maneuver in the future regarding which regional, why, and what to consider. I think people get too wrapped around the axle with who's school is better and how much it costs, or which non-flying job is better and how much more money can be made doing it. The focus should be on always learning the trade (past, present, future), getting hired, and GETTING PAID (properly) to FLY aircraft...oh yeah, quality of life is in there too. Keep up the good posts. Education is key.