I made slightly less at my first year at XJT then that($34k) I work the system, I used to pick up flying right before and after RA days so they couldn't use me for legality reasons, but each RA day is 3.75hrs of pay, I would 30/7 a lot, used to get FBO's did work on my vacation and living in BASE is an absolute necessity.

This year I pick up ADV stuff only, and that is slim to say the least, however I am getting married this year and between that and my recent engagement party, well $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

It really does pay to have a great contract, the month of March for me is 2-day trips, 63hrs of flying, 75hrs of pay and 18 days off <----- how I did this was backload my FEB schedule then bid a line that has a lot of flying the first few days of the month


Like many people say, "great job, poor career" If United tanks, or any airline for that matter these EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS would get paid the same as a 500HR ATP guy at an airline if they are hired the same date, hell the ATP guy might even have more seniority depending on his DOB, that is just ridiculous, the industry is too much of gamble and to be honest I almost feel irresponsible that I am not looking towards other professions. The ONE factor that KILLS this industry is that if we lose our job today, we start at the very beginning tomorrow........

What we need is pilots to not strike, cause thats pretty much impossible, but we need them to just walk off the job. If MESA enters BK and their rules and pay get hacked anymore I bet this is exactly what well see.......