Geez......After reading this thread I am confused!
I am a newbie on this thread, and also someone pursuing my goal of being an airline pilot. I have left my family and friends to do what I have always wanted, to fly. I work a full-time job, fly pretty much as often as permitted, and attend college part-time.
I realize that once I am eligible and meet the hiring minimums I am going to have to crawl before I walk and do my time with a regional airline. I did not have any help from parents, etc. I have basically financed my training so that I can get where I want to be. I also realize that I WILL be making only 1/3 of what I am making right now when I do start with the regional’s, and that's ok. I have a wonderful wife who is totally committed in helping get where I need to be.
Now, my biggest concern is reading blogs, threads, stories about pilots who diss a company. I truly thought that Pinnacle seemed like a fair good company to work for, until I read this. I was planning on applying with Pinnacle in the not to distant future. I might not have the 1000TT and 200ME time, so I might even do the CRJ200 training program, in which Pinnacle claims they will waive their minimums as long as you have your Comm and ME. How true this is, I am yet to find out. I was really looking forward to applying and now I really have no idea what to make of it anymore. It seems that there is really no good Regional Airline around anymore since everyone is slamming them. My goal is to spend at two or three years with a good regional and maybe move on, maybe upgrade or spread my wings more. I cannot understand why there are so many pilots out there that bring down these companies. I freaking HATE where I work right now. I make way more than ANY 1st year F/O in the regional’s, and I don't see myself working there anymore than another 6 months. I hope to flying for regional by then. The only time I diss my current company is when I come home and spend 5 minutes winding down with my Mrs. and then go on about how much I love flying. Sh*t, I would fly for free if I could, but we all know that this is not the point.
Sometimes you have to roll with the punches. Sometimes it is not going to be a bed of roses. However, I think if you really have a passion for being at a certain flight level, you would not worry about what's going to happen once you land. I love flying with all my heart and soul, so much that I am 6000 miles from my loved ones who I have only seen once in 6 years. They have no idea why I chose this life, but then again why would they? They just don't understand how I feel about flying. I am here to do what I love, to fly. It may be a long, hard, and somewhat frustrating path, but I know deep in my heart I will be doing what makes "me" happy. My wife knows this too. She understands how the life of a pilot works; heck she follows more boards, threads, websites, statistics about airline pilots than I do. It's hard enough realizing that one day I will be away from her for so long, but it breaks my heart when other pilots out there don't appreciate where they are. I speak for myself, but if I were in a situation like you are ProPilot, do what makes you happy. Move on! It may not work for you, but may for others.
I am just hoping that I can find a good regional airline that will allow me to give my best. I plan to pay my dues. IF there is anyone out there that can share some possible insight on a good regional airline to join in the future, please feel free to share.
I bid thee well, and happy landings.
Sheldon
P.S. Can someone tell me what 9E is?