Originally Posted by
afterburn81
De-regulation didn't have to be such a bad thing. But we as humans have no sense of self control. As a fairly junior regional pilot I always say that my job really shouldn't exist. I'm flying at the expense of someone's potentially well secured, great QOL, high paying flight crew position. I would be ok if I lost my job...........only if I knew that the position would NEVER be filled again.
Thirty years ago, mid-80s era senior pilots (most now retired) sold out the new hires in A/B scale agreements to protect their own pay increases. This is where the demise of the profession began. Yes deregulation had a lot to do with it, but greedy pilots who were willing to sell out the junior and new-hire FOs and SOs have as much to blame. Yes, at one time you could make a good living and raise a family as a pilot flying CV-580s or YS-11s, but with the A/B scale greements FOs were starting at $30,000 flying 727s. Which meant guys flying D-7s and Metorliners were starting at $18,000/yr. Today guys flying 90 seaters are starting at $13,000/yr. Those junior pilots that were screwed back then are now today's mainline Captains. They too are struggling to make up for their losses over the years. It's not about seats, its about pay!
Once you get on this highway it's darn hard to find an off-ramp.