I am a little torn in relation to this statement. Part of me is heck yeah you are part of the reason this industry is going to the dogs. Accepting extremely sub-par wages in the rush to fly a jet and finally "make it" combined with the sense of entitlement that plagues our generation certainly does not help matters and seems to play into managements hands in offering McDonalds wages for the same positions other parts of the world offer 3 times the starting salary to fly the same piece of equipment.

Then again, as a twenty something aspiring career pilot, i agree many of the ills of our current situation are from the older generation selling us a fecal sandwhich. I believe the situation may improve as the current cop of regional captains moves onto bigger and better things and the stagnation of age 65 and economic downturn correct themselves.

I'd also like to point out that its never too early to mentor a fellow pilot. Even if your a first year regional f/o you have the opportunity to tell the CFI at the flight school the reality of the situation and not to put all their career expectations in a fast track to a regional. There are many good jobs in 135 and 91 that pay a livable wage and give you a balanced level of experience.

Happy 4th of July!