Interesting point, but let me toss in another concern that may yet rear it's ugly head with respect to pilot pay. That is to say that, perceptions count for A LOT. When American and United (or anyone else for that matter) see what the predomininant wage for regional pilots is, what conclusion do you suppose is the one that they reach with regard to Mesa? We are at a fraction of what every other regional is paying. Our upper management sees this as, not only a win for them, but for the company as a whole in it's ability to undercost competitors. While this concept may hold some truth, I think that it only works for a while. But, when your pilot base is being paid only half as much as the rest of the industry, any rational mind would be questioning the reason for that. And, none of those questions would be positive ones. No, they would be wondering (assuming may be more appropriate), that your pilots are less marketable or less proficient than your competitors. While those of us at Mesa know better than to buy into that, nevertheless, we have to ask what kind of image that projects to our major partners? Our management thinks they're cute in screwing us over wages while hiding behind the reason of offering the lowest F-F-D cost. But, the pilot pay disparity has become so bad that our mainline partners surely must be questioning the capability of our pilot base. My fear is that we may begin losing flying not because we aren't the cheapest anymore, but because they equate 50% of the prevailing wage to 50% proficiency and safety.

 

Good points. Also, since the game has changed, and pilot recruiting is the main concern for EVERY airline, majors are no longer looking for the "cheapest" feed. They are looking for reliability. They are looking to see who will be able to staff consistently going forward. The more competitive airlines from the pilot's perspective are the airlines that will be able to staff. Major airline contract negotiators know that. They are also very well aware of who the high paying regionals are and who the low paying regionals are. They know the lower paying regionals will have a harder time staffing as things become more crucial. And they will act accordingly.

 

All very true also! I just wonder how badly the company will be hurt before management begins to realize that the substandard wages are actually hurting EVERYONE here in the long run. There is no doubt that there's a storm a-comin' for the aviation industry and especially the regionals and, that some pretty significant shakeups are sure to result. I'm afraid that with so much discouragement and distrust stemming from inexcusably low wages, Mesa will be put in a far more tenuous position than the rest when those shake ups begin.

 

You kidding me? It's a business, we are all numbers on a spreadsheet. They are not wondering about proficiency, only other pilots at other companies looking for any excuse to have a superiority complex. If we crash an airplane, only then will that come into play.

 

"All hands on Deck" email today.

I didn't know I joined the Navy

Man your battle stations Troops, BOHICA

 

Any suggestions of a hotel with a good crew rate in IAH?

 

Hmm, I'd like an Apple Watch

 

I wouldn't. How about just the value of one? Or a new TA.

 

So if the company pays you more money you'll be safer...entitled much?

 

Spoke to soon on that one considering yesterday's events