Originally Posted by
denvrpilot
I can't help but wonder why on APC a question is asked and answered after the first two replies, then at least one hundred more replies of, either the same answers, or nothing to do with the original question.
I think the moderators would do good to close the thread instead of letting everybody pile on regional airlines that are so called lowering the bar for the rest of us.
Every regional airline pilot, including myself, that has taken a regional job in the last eight years is responsible for lowering the bar.
If you refused to work for less than twenty five thousand a year, than the regionals would have had no pilots to fly their aircraft.
You could've continued to flight instruct or taken a job flying a navajo and would have helped all of us.
Myself included.
Eight (or even five or six) years ago our cultural perception was based on the "Good 'Ol Days"...it was OK to pay dues to earn a shot at the big iron and big money.
The reality has changed, but attitudes are taking a while to catch up. But they ARE catching up...I think there is a definite trend for young people, especially talented young people, to steer away from aviation.
Keep putting the word out...if someone enters this industry with their eyes wide open then it was probably meant to be. But hopefully we can help dissuade those who come for the wrong reasons or don't understand the cost vs. benefit equation.
I had a conversation with a teenage relative recently...he expressed an interest in airline flying. As we discussed the career progression, at one point he stated: "But I don't think I want to do it for a career, maybe just a few years and then move on to something else". You can imagine where the discussion went at that point...
This would be the ultimate wet dream for management...the piloting profession reduced a transitional phase, ie something fun for youth to do for a few years while they "find" themselves...at minimum wage of course. Kind of like working at starbucks or bussing tables.