[quote=TonyMontana;464583]
Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
I have never flown with you, but I do think you are a professional. I can tell that you care about doing what you do well, as do I, and are passionate about it, as I am. That's why there are such spirited and in-depth exchanges here. But you have grasped the core of why people like Sky and myself are here.
It's true that I am a Physician now, but i'm a pilot too, and I always will be. A few years back, if someone at a party had asked me what i did for a "living", I prob would have had to excuse myself from the room, or tell a lie-because my flying "job" didn't really provide me and my family with a "living". Always had to do something on the side for money to pay bills.
My present "job" provides me and my family with a great living.
But my question to you is-do you think people who fly regional equipment are paid to do it?
I personally don't think they are "paid" to do what they do. They recieve money, but far from being "paid". Far from not having to supplement their income with spouses or 1-2 other jobs.
Anyway, I'd have enjoyed flying a month or 2 with you also.
I am a professional. I'm a professional military officer. That is what I get paid for - being a Marine - not flying. Unfortunately - I've put that one to the test with too many NON-flying tours in my career and dang nabit - they still pay me!
The airplane just happens to be my weapon system. I've said it before that in the future I hope to join the ranks of "professional" pilots and get paid - hopefully at a fair price, but then you and Sky will insist that I will die a horrible death first becaus I can not possibly live on that low of a pay!
I'd love to be able to make the wages of old; doesn't look like that is going to happen anytime soon. But I hope that I am happy in my future hopeful career and I'm sure htat I won't starve, and if at a later time I decide to move onto something else then I'll look back at the "old" days and thank my lucky stars that I had the opportunity to do what I did for a little while. Heck - maybe someday I'll even be able to own a small share of a plane for puttn' aound on a sunny afternoon!
Sorry - overall your response is above my head. You ask me if regional pilots are getting paid. In my two cell brain - if they receive money in their checking account every two weeks (or however often it is) then yes - I consdier them paid - therefore "professional" pilots. It is another story whether they are
fairly compensated.
USMCFLYR