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-   -   How do you deal with people who think you make the big bucks? (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/regional/33146-how-do-you-deal-people-who-think-you-make-big-bucks.html)

FlyingPirate 11-07-2008 04:49 AM

I usually just let them think what they want. I have a lot of people say that I must make $150,000. Then under my breath I say "In a life time".

I guess its the price to pay for having a fun job!

KITT 11-07-2008 05:20 AM

Just let them think what they want. You could play the part up too with Armana suits and Flowex watches! :D

evh347 11-07-2008 05:24 AM


Originally Posted by freezingflyboy (Post 493613)
You grow a pretty thick skin to the comments of the uneducated and ignorant flying public. It never ceases to amaze me some of the things that come out of the mouths of "experienced flyers" who think that since they fly once a week they know all there is to know about the airline business. When someone strikes up a conversation with me and it's obvious that they are not well informed as to the realities of the profession, I do my best to honestly and politely explain how it REALLY works. Same works for weather and maintenance delays. And if all else fails and you're still a lying sack of dog doo in their eyes, a simple smile and "enjoy your day sir/ma'am" always works.

The one that you'll hear more than the "money bags" comments is the "what's your route" questions:D. Even had an agent ask me that one!


I heard that....so true.

nwa757 11-07-2008 08:01 AM


Originally Posted by usmc-sgt (Post 493616)
Its easy...I dont explain. It is none of their business. My friends and family know if they ask but as for others it really never comes up in conversation.

When it does come up in conversation to someone who simply doesnt have a "need to know" I simply state the truth "I do alright."

That is the truth, I make pathetic awful money but I am good with money and so is my wife who has a great job and I do alright. But my friends who do know get a kick out of it when I name professions who make more than me to include taxi drivers, 7 eleven clerks, full time mcdonalds employees, school bus drivers and the list goes on.

Speaking of all this, how is the ALPA vote coming along at Colgan?

bustinmins 11-07-2008 08:07 AM


Originally Posted by 130flyer (Post 493614)
Maybe they are thrown off by the big watches!


Even if it IS a Timex.....and not a ROLEX. ;)

rickkane 11-07-2008 08:07 AM

i have sent information to news agencies as well as congress. i will keep doing so until this is all made public. obviously careers are at stake if companies find out you talk to the media...but i am growing tired of waiting. if we can all start voicing to the media these problems...i.e. that we are exhausted and highly underpaid which is creating even higher stress and fatigue levels maybe the public will start to listen and demand more for us. i mean c'mon. i read an article that an everyday r.n. makes more than most 10 year regional pilots. thats pathetic!!!! cnn.com abc.com etc. send em an email!!!

The Juice 11-07-2008 08:23 AM

If someone were to ask me how much I make I would throw it back on them and ask how much they make.

CharlieBravo 11-07-2008 08:32 AM

I just tell people what my hourly rate is and let them speculate from there.

ExperimentalAB 11-07-2008 08:42 AM


Originally Posted by CharlieBravo (Post 493768)
I just tell people what my hourly rate is and let them speculate from there.

Folks would then think we make precisely twice what we actually do -- 40 hour work weeks, right?!

PNTYNSPLT 11-07-2008 08:49 AM

The real crime in all this are executive / managment compensation packages. Pilots are labor..and that's alright. Someone said it earlier, its the price you pay for having a fun job. There should be a way to link mananagment compensation packages with co. performance (EPS etc). Execs making 2 or 3 times what a senior capt makes is unfair and irresponsible.


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