Originally Posted by JTwift

"Airline pilot unions and safety advocates say the problem is regional airlines don't pay high enough entry-level salaries to attract as many pilots as they need."

I fly for a Regional. I'm in a crash pad with a guy from Delta who used to be at the same Regional.

We do the same job. Base out of the same airport. He has a better schedule. He has far better pay and benefits.
I knew what I was getting into, so I'm not blaming anyone. I can quit when I want (soon, I think).

Now, granted, I'm new to this, but it seems to me the whole system is flawed. You hear stories about the guys at the top who work three days a month and make $300k. Why, again? That's just a bad system. What are people like that contributing to the company? And don't say they, "paid their dues."

This whole thing should be leveled out more, the regional model is garbage (again..same job, and I can bumped off a flight to work by a retiree and their kids on the Wholly Owned parent).

It's just weird from the top down.

Originally Posted by astroglider

Wow, you really need study the industry a little more. #1 No airline pilot is making $300,000 and flying three days per month. Also, you sound like a passenger asking why a child must pay the same ticket price as an adult (after all the child is smaller).

You might think you are doing the same job...but that's not what you are getting paid for...you are getting paid for experience. How much experience do you have versus a 15 years mainline 737 First Officer? An experienced pilot is worth more to the company...and is therefore paid more for doing the same job as a new hire. Now here's a homework assignment...why is an experienced airline pilot more valuable than a less experienced one? If you can't answer that one...maybe a career change (as you've hinted at) should be in order.

Originally Posted by symbian simian

20 years as a pilot, 28 years in aviation, currently 121 PIC. Experience means nothing to the company, and is not more valuable to the company, just more expensive. Everyone follows SOP, you can only do your job one way. If the company would value experience I would have started at 12 year pay when I had to make my last move with 8000hrs tt, 4000tpic, but I started at the same rate as the ex-intern with 2000tt and no pic. IMO the only reason they keep upping your pay every year is because it is a cheap carrot. If they averaged the pay rates it would not sound nearly as nice to come work here. If your BS argument was true why does the scale stop at 12 yr, that is where everyone stops getting more experienced? Also, maybe not 3 days off, but on the DL forum just heard someone broke $100.000/MONTH, so close enough

Originally Posted by FlapsOverspeed

...the barrel bra.

Originally Posted by FlapsOverspeed

Spirit is the bottom of the barrel bra.

Originally Posted by symbian simian

Also, maybe not 3 days off, but on the DL forum just heard someone broke $100.000/MONTH, so close enough

Originally Posted by DWC CAP10 USAF

You are talking about a senior A-350 Captain that got his trips bought off for OE trips (because it is a new and growing category) and then picked up a green slip or two at double pay.

1) not the norm for a Capt to be making $100k/month
2) ability to do that will not last long once they get all the planes delivered and crews trained.
3) he's actually flying the trips....working more than 3 days