This is where the real problem lies: one would think they have the best intentions with what they do, especially in the union, however reality paints a much different picture. I'm sure the pilots that gave away scope didn't expect it to become what it is today; hindsight is always 20/20. Everyone is screaming for regional reform but no one is willing to take the difficult steps required to do this. This is completely an internal problem that is between pilots and our respective airline managements. Dragging the news media, the public, and especially congress into this is going to have unforeseen consequences that are negative.

Requiring 1500hr and an ATP is not going to raise pay....since when has experience ever been the case for or basis of pilot pay? It has always been years of service with your airline. People thinking this is going to change is absurd. Other pilots are not going to shoulder the burden of future pilots for the benefit of the public's safety. Our pay is what the union has bargained on our behalf. The top w2 at DAL mainline is over $300K, the bottom at one of its regional carriers is just above $16K. $125K is the average pay for all pilots from DCI and DAL mainline together.

If current pilots aren't willing to sacrifice their compensation to raise the entry level salaries then management has two options: 1) Hire people who meet the time requirements and are willing to make those salaries, but do not fit other categories of a desirable candidate(violations, DUI's, etc) or 2) Lower the minimums to fill the positions. You are exchanging option 2 for option 1 with the ATP requirement.

Be careful what we wish for........