Originally Posted by BobJenkins

I think you are out of line telling someone what their priorities should be. If Jimf spent his earlier years setting himself so that he does not struggle with the pitiful FO pay during his early years flying on his way to the majors, then good on him. Each person has his/her own priorities.



I think you are missing his point. A person who embarks on this line of work because he WANTS to, not because he will get rich quick, is the kind of person I would want flying my family around. He's the guy who WANTS to go to work, not the guy who hates his job while he is out there flying people around. Call it a career, call it a hobby; purely semantics. And yes, I do know doctors that do what they do because they enjoy helping people, get a sense of satisfaction from it. Money, while necessary to pay bills and live, is not the be-all-to-end-all.



Same thing applies here. A hobby is something one enjoys doing. And because of that enjoyment, most tend to do it well. What's the difference between a "professional" pilot and a regular one? How do you tell that when they are pushing metal around the skies beside you? And FWIW, you SHOULD watch that guy or gal next to you like a hawk. They don't have a vested interest in your life, you do.




I cannot believe (well, I guess I can) that you guys have a problem with a guy asking for advice, being honest about his feelings/needs on pay, and explaining his priorities in order in order to get the best possible help on here.

Would an applicant that said he didn't care about how many hours he flies because he's already over 10,000 TT get as much grief? Is admitting that not needing flight time disrespectful to those who barely have the mins to get hired?

Originally Posted by Stratapilot

I can it's APC, second only in vitriol and irrational anger to PPRUNE. You want Charmin soft, go to JC.

I didn't have a issue with anything that was said until he said doing this as a hobby was ok.

He has 10K hours, fine. He doesn't care about pay, ok, we all come here for different reasons beyond pay.

But doing this for "S.hits, and grins" and saying that "Sh.its and grins" folks are better to fly with then people that have dedicated themselves to this? Sorry, no dice.

Originally Posted by Stratapilot

But doing this for "S.hits, and grins" and saying that "Sh.its and grins" folks are better to fly with then people that have dedicated themselves to this? Sorry, no dice.

Originally Posted by iFlyRC

JC is ran by an Obama loving ego maniac prick, but besides that, why do you even care? Were you offended? Do you not like getting offended? Would you like a participation award saying you are a professional pilot?

Originally Posted by BobJenkins

I can't see how ANYONE who is eligible to fly 121 could be considered to be doing so for S&Gs. Takes WAY too much dedication and perseverance to get to this level. As well as financial commitment.

I gave up a $90K job to come to the airlines. Obviously, money was not my priority, either. (at least not in the short run) Does that make me one of those guys who need to be watched like a hawk?

Originally Posted by BobJenkins

I can't see how ANYONE who is eligible to fly 121 could be considered to be doing so for S&Gs. Takes WAY too much dedication and perseverance to get to this level. As well as financial commitment.

I gave up a $90K job to come to the airlines. Obviously, money was not my priority, either. (at least not in the short run) Does that make me one of those guys who need to be watched like a hawk?

Originally Posted by iFlyRC

Anyone hear the rumor that the CRJ's are leaving IAD and going to Newark? That Ejets are going to IAD? Would this make DFW senior? Hmmm...

Originally Posted by iFlyRC

Anyone hear the rumor that the CRJ's are leaving IAD and going to Newark? That Ejets are going to IAD? Would this make DFW senior? Hmmm...

Originally Posted by BobJenkins

So does TSIC. I have heard stories recently of guys getting picked up at LCCs and Majors with 0 TPIC. True, TPIC is a plus, but there are other things that have as much or more weight, IMHO.

Not saying you shouldn't strive to upgrade; of course we should. But I also think that not everyone who upgrades in 15-18 months is ready to be a CA. I guess to say it a different way, I feel the same way about TPIC as you do about pay.

Either way, best of luck in your search. I am in your shoes, trying to find that "best match" company for me to get started in my goal to become a rich FO.

Originally Posted by Stratapilot

You've said a few things that I object to.

Are you actually saying the term "Hobbyist" should be held in higher esteem than "Professional" because "Hobbyists" are "fun" to be around? I hate to break this to ya, but if you want fun I can refer you to a number of flying clubs in the DFW area that offer a great community atmosphere, and a wide variety of "fun" aircraft to "tinker around on". Otherwise, this "mere professional" is pretty serious about his career, and the industry as a whole.

Look, I build iphone apps on my time off and overnights. I'm not particularly good at it, but its fun and a challenge and I'll eventually get better at it. Who knows one day I may make my very own fart app and make money off people who want to spend a buck for fart noises. A guys gotta dream, right?

I may even get to the point where I consider doing it PROFESSIONALLY. As in doing a task to a higher level than what is expected of someone. As in, not a hobby.

Just because I'm "merely a professional" doesn't mean that I don't truly love and enjoy what I do. I walk in to the crew room looking forward to my day with a smile on my face, every time.

(Except when I'm overnighting in BHM. BHM sucks )


You'll actually find that most "merely professional pilots" don't ***** all that much. Why? Because for the most part its preaching to the converted and a waste of energy. I hate flying with those guys because it just makes the trip a total downer. "Merely professional pilots" get on message boards and ***** because nobody else wants to hear it and they need an outlet, they're at home bored on days off with a 6 pack, or they have an "internet tough guy" alter ego.

That being said:

Let's face it. Mesa for all of its other strong points, or any other regional for that matter, does not compensate its employees in a professional manner. As someone who is "merely a professional", who as spent many years honing my craft, I will continue to spend the rest of my career honing my craft in the pursuit of greater responsibilities that coincide with my abilities. I object to you making the statement that I'm simply "hoping for a bigger paycheck". It's not about me "hoping" for anything, it's about me being compensated in a manner that fits the level of responsibility and skill that's required at the present or next level of my career.

I challenge any "hobbyist" to care about this industry and their job more than a "mere professional".