My friend is a retired NWA Captain. He told a story from his B727 FO days; Two flights used to leave MSP in the afternoon bound for SEA. Each made several stops along parallel tracks in places like Fargo, Pierre, Missoula, Butte. Each made the same number of stops. The crews would race to SEA because the losing crew had to buy in the hotel bar. They would make 15 minute turns at uncontrolled airports, help throw bags, anything to speed their way along.

Hearing this story led me to think about something; In those days a CA made over $400,000, FO - $200,000, FE - $130,000 in 2010 dollars, and this is a conservative estimate. Today this flying is done in RJ's by Mesaba or someone and the CA and FO together probably don't clear $100,000. They work more days each month for much less real pay.

Our profession is harmed by pilots who get too comfy at their "good regional." A pilot who chooses to go to Mesa, Colgan, (insert "bottom-feeding", "profession-killing" regional here) because he or she wants to get to the majors and has no intention of putting down roots at any regional is trying to be part of the rising tide lifting all boats. Pilots who choose Skywest, ExpressJet, (insert "kind", "wholesome", "pilot-loving" regional here) and then stay there because the droppings from the lord's table are just good enough, are those who drag us down. The concept of a career regional must be squashed.