Originally Posted by
aviatormjc
Even $50K a year is a great start as a regional CA. We have CAs making 6 figures on a 145. How much $ do you need? Wouldn't you appreciate job security, great schedule more than an extra $50k? If you are already at your regional or 135 operator, why take the risk of going mainline is all I'm saying.
If RAH wants to advance itself and 190s is their direction, why should the pilots their fight that? They have a descent contract and are working toward a better one.
I can get a job as a Hawker CA at the airport by me and starts at $65k with no guaranteed job security, no flight benefits, no scheduled 12-15 days off/month and no annual pay schedule meaning no guarantee I will make anything over 65K.
It will be a long time before applying to a major will be a wise choice and not a gamble. The only thing that really sticks out negatively about regionals is the first year FO pay. I did and survived but now am making $45k as a 2nd yr FO.
How are you making $45k as a 2nd year FO. Per diem is not income, and if you are making that much, you are working way too much. It is your own decision to make, but making the move to a major was the best decision I could have made. I made more money, even on first year pay, averaged 16 days off a month, and never flew more than 65 hours. I know some people that went to other companies, and it didn't work out, but you can't get reward without risk.