Originally Posted by
Poprocket
For some of you older guys out there - don't fret. I'm a 31 year old regional captain, and I hear what you are saying and couldn't agree more. Sure, I make an OK living. But I'm a professional not due to my compensation, but because I have a desire to to a good job. I have self respect. I want to be a good example for my son. I take pride in doing a good job. These are reasons enough.
I feel it is necessary to press my pants and iron my own shirt. I feel the need to wear my hat. I do these things because I take pride in my work. I want others to see that I take pride in it as well. I keep my flight case void of stickers because I don't feel it is an advertising space. I stand up straight and walk with a purpose.
Was I in the military? No. A boy scout? Never.
If I choose to point a finger, than I point it at myself. If there is a problem, that's where the problem usually begins.
When I am told by a first officer that he/she has enjoyed flying with me, I know my job is done. I leave work with a smile on my face and the hope that I have convinced one more pilot to be a professional.
So don't worry old timers, there are a small group of us out there quietly trying to do our best to save this once great profession.
Matt S.
Pinnacle Airlines
Thank you.
(The only stickers on my bag are aircraft related, union related, or in honor of those who I have worked with who died on the job)
I am a 44 year old FO who, when I was a CFI, argued with my coworkers that taking a job flying 30-50 passengers for less than flying a 152 and giving instruction was crazy. Back then, in 1997, the response I got was "I will earn more in the long run".
So be it.
I foolishly thought instructing, hauling freight in a Caravan, and flying an air ambulance in a 421 would make me attractive to a major. I was wrong.
So be it.
So now, a decade later, I took an FO job flying 340s (an old fashioned puddle jumper job) making 40% of what I made flying a 421.
So be it.
I had to bite the bullet and go back to starvation wages (not the rate I established), learn 121 regs, and learn to fly a transport category aircraft.
So be it.
I did so with eyes wide open. I cannot change the system by myself. But even though I was unhappy with my wage (the going rate), I still wore a freshly pressed uniform (at least the the beginning of the day) and worked to provide my passengers a safe, legal, prudent, and on time flight. When I accepted crappy pay, I did so with the intent of being a professional.
So call me a sell out. Call me a fool. Call me a pawn in the game that gave commuter/regional pilots low wages.
But NEVER call me unprofessional.
AND IF YOU WANT TO BE A PROFESSIONAL, ACT LIKE ONE! YOU TOOK THE JOB KNOWING THE WAGE. REALIZING AFTER THE FACT YOU CANT PAY YOUR BILLS DOES NOT RELIEVE YOU OF YOUR RESPONSIBLY TO YOUR PASSENGERS.