The guys I flew with that professed their "love" for airline flying were also some of the worst complainers. I think they just kept telling themselves they loved it because they knew they were in for the long haul. They said they loved it, but their general miserable demeanor suggested they didn't. I admitted to myself that it was a bad career decision, and decided that day to never complain about work while on the job with other employees. I would do my job the best i could, without complaining, but i couldn't make myself love the lifestyle. Its a job, and not a great one at that, but it pays the bills.

 

I actually was talking to an FO once who was explaining to me that he was looking for other flying jobs because of his furlough that was coming up. He told me, if nothing formulated, he'd go to an "unfavorable" airline who's name shouldn't be mentioned to keep the thread alive. I was explaining that he could make more money than first year FO working numerous other jobs, from home depot to family video. His response was "I've got to much invested into this already."

I've heard of people clearly 50k as second year FO's. None of them are friends of mine, most worked at GOOD regionals (XJT) and are now furloughed, and they would say they were making good money. I do know this, i spent the first 8 months of 08, making $56/hr, and the last four months at 33/hr, and still didn't break 50k. I did if you include perdiem, but most don't, so i won't either. Also, i didn't touch open time from the moment one of our boys was sitting on the street corner. There are more at the airline who do, normally justifying it cause they have to pay off their Boat, and 2 BMW's.

 

I am the same way. When i am at work i try to make the best of it. Hope for a good crew and take one day at a time. We all got into this career for one reason or another and after doing it day in and day out watching Mesa do the mesa things, and go jets, and furloughes and the TSA making me take off my shoes, makes this career a job. The reality of this job is that you are a driver taking ****y people to small town america over and over. ATL-AVL-ATL-GSO-ATL-FAY-ATL-MEM...It gets old. This web board is a great release. Keep it here and not on the line!

 

In 2008 - I averaged 91.03 hours per month, 11 days off, and cleared $34,300 (including per-diem).

But that's 5th year pay at a less-than perfect regional (Comair).

 

I think when people realize that they spent a small fortune on ratings, then worked a bunch of crappy jobs (flying or otherwise) to get a chance at the airlines, its hard to admit to yourself that you may have made a bad decision in careers. Its just denial fueled by the fact that

a) most of us worked really hard to get where we are, and
b) its really hard to dump any career and go try something else. School is expensive, and money is short.
c)A lot of people get defensive if you admit that you may be rethinking your decision to fly professionally, they think you are crapping on their dream.

When new F/Os (or any other coworkers)ask me if i like the job, I say "yes, I love it, i could never do anything else." But thats not really the truth. The truth is I'm grateful to have had the opportunity. I love to fly airplanes, but the airlines post 2000ish are a terrible place to work.

 

Take a look at CosmoKramer's post on 1-26-2009 about loving "it" being worth it. That should give you a good sense of what is ahead of you. My ultimate challenge was trying to find something to do on a 30 hour layover in Akron, Ohio. You will literally find yourself wishing your life away. Is that how it any job should be? Everyone has there own answer.

 

I made slightly less at my first year at XJT then that($34k) I work the system, I used to pick up flying right before and after RA days so they couldn't use me for legality reasons, but each RA day is 3.75hrs of pay, I would 30/7 a lot, used to get FBO's did work on my vacation and living in BASE is an absolute necessity.

This year I pick up ADV stuff only, and that is slim to say the least, however I am getting married this year and between that and my recent engagement party, well $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

It really does pay to have a great contract, the month of March for me is 2-day trips, 63hrs of flying, 75hrs of pay and 18 days off <----- how I did this was backload my FEB schedule then bid a line that has a lot of flying the first few days of the month


Like many people say, "great job, poor career" If United tanks, or any airline for that matter these EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS would get paid the same as a 500HR ATP guy at an airline if they are hired the same date, hell the ATP guy might even have more seniority depending on his DOB, that is just ridiculous, the industry is too much of gamble and to be honest I almost feel irresponsible that I am not looking towards other professions. The ONE factor that KILLS this industry is that if we lose our job today, we start at the very beginning tomorrow........

What we need is pilots to not strike, cause thats pretty much impossible, but we need them to just walk off the job. If MESA enters BK and their rules and pay get hacked anymore I bet this is exactly what well see.......

 

How could this possibly be? I was at Comair two years (before furlough in January) and I grossed $39,400 (including per diem) in 2008, and I also took unpaid COLA for a month.

 

The pay does suck at the regional level. You can go instruct on the side at a 61 school and make your own schedule. Teaching the younger generation how to fly will put everything in perspective. Bottom line is this... Everyday is Sunny Above FL180.

 

If I was'nt so lazy I would PDF my W2 and post it up here (blocking off the personal stuff) and show you..........