Comair's -900's are leased from Bombardier. We actually got a really good discounted price by doing a one for one with our 50 seaters. We actually got screwed because we exchanged 14 -100/200s and only got 13 -900's.

 

I know that Pinnacle owns 11 of the 18. In January we are giving them back their "temps" and we will own all of our 900's. Now the 200's in the NWA side - that's another story...

 

Well then in that case they would just hire us on the mainline, like in the good ol' days. I wouldn't argue with that!!

 

So then every punk kid with his Ipod glued to his ear, dragging his backpack with an entire 3 years of 121 experience would be an overnight mainline pilot...don't see it happening or deserved. Every mainline pilot should just maintain or tighten scope...problem solved. 50 seat or less, regional. 50+ mainline. Problem is alpo is involved on BOTH sides of the story...good luck with that one. Keep paying your hard earned dues.

 

Basically, you are saying 'I had it bad so should you!' If there is a way to raise the bar for the entire industry why not pursue it. I have passed the point in the career where raising pay and qol at those levels would not really impact me. However, I do not wish poverty level wages on entry-level pilots just because I had to do it.

There have been times in our industry history when mainline carriers pulled pilots directly from the streets. And there have been times when no matter how hard a person tried they couldn't break into the majors. If we don't reverse trend, it will remain difficult for regional pilots to make the jump to the majors. This is not the choice of the regional pilots (do you think they would choose lower pay and qol?).

The idea of having the smaller airplane pay-scales at the major level tied to scope is a good one. It would give the major airlines incentive to stop outsourcing their work and it would give regional pilots a chance at a reasonable living even if they aren't able to make the jump to the majors. This would be extremely difficult to push through though and would probably take strike votes from the majority of pilots at a carrier trying for this.

To blame just the regional pilots for the current state is crap. Most did not want to work in the industry with the way it is currently going. They are, however, trying to make a go of the career with the hand that has been dealt. We are all culpable for the current state; and a fix can only be made if we all work together. I doubt this will happen, though I still hope.

 

Doubtful is correct. I have several friend at several legacies, specifically AA, and they are sick of seeing their flying opportunities flush down the toilet because of scope. Blame it on whomever but in the end, scope takes away flying from the majors. The RJ era has done nothing pit regional A vs regional B for over a decade now in a "race to the bottom". If we haven't seen the bottom yet, well that's scary the RJ pay is pathetic. Maintain scope, maintain mainline is the only way to move us back to where we used to be. And it may take some mainline strikes to get it. The original post was about RJs flying mainline routes for RJ wages. Sooner or later thats got to stop. Regional flying should be just that, regional....see Cape Air (nicely run, nicely paid little outfit).

 

....nevermind somebody beat me to it with more accurate info.

 

I know what you are saying about the punk with the snotty upper lip, I see him too from time to time. I think it is a product of the lack of respect for the position, the lack of professionalism that is given from the companies and the poor relationship between the cost of becoming a professional pilot and the reward for doing so. If you could make a living the hiring standards would be better because people would compete for the jobs. When things are booming at a regional all you need is a wet ticket.

Unfortunately he is the one that stands out too us. There are a lot of good professionals at the regional level and there is no need to bulk us all into that category. Most of the people I fly with have been in the flying business for years myself included. Lets face it there are certainly more challenging flying jobs then flying 121 where everything is done for you and then bundled into a nice little release package.

I wouldn't get too worried about that scenario playing out anyway. I think the guy that brought us was being a little sarcastic too, ie:

 

Pretty big words from someone flying the EMB190 at JB. What's that pay again? $55 and hour for 3 yr pay.

 

I've been flying a lot lately on the 'regionals' around California lately and since being on this forum I've been paying much closer attention to the **looks** of the crews. I've mainly been flying American eagle and Skywest and I've been impressed with the crews. I haven't seen put one of the people you mention above and I've actually been surprised at the overall older age of both the CAs and FOs that I have seen. Just thought I'd throw that out there. So far I've been happy with the trips so keep up the good work!

USMCFLYR