I've been in the supplemental world for over 20 years...I recently had a chat with a regional FO in a hotel lobby and was surprised at what level of hate this person had for his airline. The list was no different from when I worked at the commuters, but the attitude was...The children of the magenta are a different breed in my opinion...The fact is the airline world is not what it once was, so if flying airplanes and working with your union reps are not to your cup of tea, move on to what you think are better things....

Every other night is reduced rest, flying 20 days a month...after a couple of years not sleeping, magenta or steam, you are beat down and angry. Hopefully, the new rest rules will help alleviate some of that. But I remember how bad it was.

Insult after departing aviation
 

I believe that the "insult" that comes after leaving aviation lies in the realization of what it is like to be fairly treated by ones profession. Only then does one fully realize how bad of a discount is was as a pilot.

So much sacrifice and effort for so little. Some see aviation as a profession and must be held accountable for everything invested while others the vision quest of a martyr. Aviation use to be a worthwhile profession. Business has learned to strain out the true believers from those who are trying to build a life.

Flight schools and universities need to do a better job of explaining exactly what their customers are getting themselves into. I believe that most expect to be hired on with SWA or FedEx within a few years of graduation. No one believes that they will be living worse ten years after college while working as a regional airline pilot.

USMCFLYR you owe it to yourself to watch the ABC news story below.

ABC news story on how bad it is to live and work as an airline pilot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfEKAl5A—0


Cordially;

Skyhigh

Interesting clip. I think I saw my old flight bag in one of those crashpad shots.:D

I believe that "Sully" himself commuted from the west coast to Charlotte? There's hypocrisy for you. :rolleyes:

Regards,
Clutch

My husband left before I did. I would watch him get praise, promoted, popsicles (sorry, needed alliteration). He would call in sick with no... no big deal! No one called him to the table, demanded doctors notes, demanded he clear medical. I have called in sick once... ONCE in six years. Had to do all of the above in the chief's office. All because I was sick on a holiday. When isn't it a holiday? It was July 4th...

My husband can take time off. Just a "Hey, next week I'm going to see my father. Can I get some time off?" His paychecks grow. He gets bonuses. He's home every night. He sees friends and family when he wants.

I got some edumaction so I could get a real non aviation job and I'm just starting my search now. I keep forgetting that I can take a job that looks pretty good but not perfect because once I am in, I can move laterally to something which is a better fit. I'm excited to feel respected again, as I was when I was a software project manager. I can't wait to no longer feel the pervasive "Us v. Them" I get daily here at the regional.

I am very glad for the original poster. I came to this thread to read stories like mine. Knowing there are pilots out there that don't regret leaving gives me strength. Logically, there is no doubt it is the right move for me. But, emotionally I am struggling. I love the jet.

Strangely, I find a lot of my friends find my leaving threatening, as did the first few posters in this thread. I believe it's cognitive dissonance. "The excessive mental stress and discomfort experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs." Because this jobs requires such sacrifice and does not provide many transferable skills, one may have to force themselves to believe that this is the best ever. Otherwise, it's a very depressing scene indeed. When one of us leaves, it forces them to face something they may not want to.

There are plenty that love the job and it works perfectly for their personality and lifestyle. But for many of us, we need to be able to be honest about how happy we truly are, and if we stay on, we should do it with eyes wide open.

NBC News
 

Last Friday night Brian Williams of NBC nightly news did a story on how badly regional airline pilots were paid. One regional was reported as paying $16,200 per year.

Using the mailman scale $16,200/year is equivalent to around 1/6th of a mailman's wage. I was told recently that a mailman in my community earns an average of $72,000/year plus great benefits including a full ride retirement.

I have a UPS delivery driver friend who made over 70K in 9 months. He also has a nice retirement to look forward to.

Skyhigh

And the ups driver has great medical benefits to boot! A dentist in Cali was just sanctioned by the Dental Board for targeting UPS employees- offering kickbacks and incentives for recruiting fellow ups employees as well as over billing the insurance plans.

I just happened to pop in and see this after receiving too much, awe never mind. More true words were never spoken but why bother Sky? There are those who think aviation is the greatest thing since sliced bread and there are those who know in their heart what is best but apparently need encouragement or to vent. People either learn on their own or never do learn and just settle. Not to mention they will say "you are disgruntled" even though you have it much better now than being in an aviation career. Either that or they think NOTHING is better than flying an airplane and they will put up with all sort of b.s. until they finally reach something decent if ever. If you happen to be on the fast track it MAY be worth it but..... Every bar band thinks they'll be a rock star.

Pilots are worth more than that. They are not stupid but the field makes them feel like they are stoopid so they have a tendency to relent. Don't sell yourself short. It reminds me of someone in an abusive relationship who thinks they can't do better and keels over and takes it.

When I entered my current career they wanted "technical" training. I knew nothing about the field but in the interview they asked what I'd been doing. When I told them "flying freight in small twin engine planes" their response was "that's technical enough" so it bourgeoned from there. Aviation can be helpful to show people you have a brain but I wouldn't make it a degree choice if going to college. Get a degree and the licenses then ratings separately, give it a shot then get a real job making a real living if it doesn't pan out in ten years max.

It's putting a "Bridge Out" sign on the road.

The responses will be:
A. Well, I can jump it.
B. There was a bridge there 10 years ago, don't be a whimp!
C. I'll slow down and take things cautiously.

So supplemental cargo? :D