First I will preface this and say I’m not a pilot at a regional nor have I even started flight training. However, I like to have discussion and know what I’m getting into. So with that said, is it possible that after the virus stuff goes away that pilots could see payouts in the future? I have for what it’s worth a relatively stable job that usually has an increase in pay every October 1. Has there ever been a situation to where a regional airline has cut pay on its next contract? Say Envoy FO is currently making 50/hr and when this passes over they could possibly be back down to making 30/hr. Is this unheard of in the aviation industry or very much a real possibility?

 

I would strongly suggest another career path then come back to flying once you establish yourself.

 

Make lots of money in your other career.. buy your own plane..

 

There are over 1000 pilots with 121 experience out of jobs in the past 2 weeks. Pay raises aren’t coming anytime soon. Nor are bonuses. Like others have said,bank some money in your current career and fly for fun.


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What happens is that pilots at a new startup regional or a regional that's lost most of its flying accept a very low wage in exchange for the promise of getting lots of new flying which leads to rapid growth, upgrades, and that magic 1000 121 PIC time...and then in theory a move up to the majors. Pilots at other regionals must then decide to either accept concessionary contracts which allow their managements to bid very low for new flying contracts due to not having to pay their crews more than peanuts, or watch their contracts expire and lose their jobs. They call it the whipsaw.

Whether and how much wages at the regionals might go up or down depends on how many pilots are willing to effectively volunteer their time in the hopes of quickly getting a job at mainline for the big bucks. Wages could certainly fluctuate significantly, depending on how quickly the economy and demand recovers, at both the regional and mainline level.

 

Honestly this. There’s too much of an uncertainty in this career. Yes nice views, “flying” a jet but the end of the day it’s still a job, long hours, van rides, random hotels. Just buy your own plane or share it and fly on your own time.

 

Don't start

 

I don't care for the job and tend to get bored on the road, so I don't recommend professional flying to many people. However, the notion that airlines are more cynical and fragile compared to every industry is not true. Last I checked, the majority of airline pilots have jobs until at least Oct. 1 and likely will not be furloughed due to this crisis, despite the doom and gloom predictions on APC. That's not to say some companies aren't feeling the pain; a couple have already shut their doors and won't be back. Pilots on the street, it sucks.

I have friends working in other fields that are most certainly feeling the pain right now. I'm talking benefits cut, suspending 401(k) match, 50% pay cuts, and massive layoffs. If you are so concerned about possible pay cuts, I too would suggest looking at another field with potentially less volatility. Just remember that should go this route, not to get too complacent or comfortable, and keep your options open.

 

Tough time to be coming into this field that is for sure. Paycuts can and have happened although I think it would take a BK to make that occur in this day and age. Most of us are safe until at least October, although I dont agree that there won't be furloughs after that. I mean, places are just flat out shutting down and denying passengers, so this is going to last awhile.

Best of luck to you.

 

This could be a fine time to start training.
2008 was a great time to start a 4 year course.
2001 was also great time to start a 4 year course.

Yes pay cuts could happen, the traditional pay cut is through inflation. The near 💯 % wage raise for first officers in the last decade could be targeted though.