I know you can hardly make a living as a regional pilot, especially that first year, but with the new law going into effect next year, would it be worth it to get on now with a regional in hopes of them raising the pay? If they want ATP pilots only, then they will have to raise the pay right? Or would this new law potentially put them out of business?

 

It'll take MANY years.

 

No need to. People that can afford to be pilots still will try. Theres a large surplus right now, and the trend seems to be going towards larger rj's, which means less planes and pilots. How long have we been saying there's a pilot shortage.

 

As in most, if not all business environments, supply and demand will be the strongest influence on pilot compensation. "Supply" may be influenced by new regulations. It is fair to say, that over time, pay will increase if the "supply" weakens and the demand remains the same or increases.

 

Pinnacle won't (again) until about 2023....


edit....unless you are in the top 3 of management

 

My golden rules of aviation employment:

1.) I believe it when I see it on the ramp and the type on my certificate (as in "we're going to be getting....insert larger aircraft here")

2.) I believe it when the direct deposit hits my account

 

I would not, repeat-NOT take on a whole bunch of debt chasing a pilot shortage that has been predicted since at least 1991. I have a feeling we are moving from a period of extremely oversupplied with pilots to a period of being oversupplied or simply supplied with pilots. No shortage.

Also, we are right on the very cusp of age 65 retirements and the ATP law coming into effect. And Pinnacle is gutting employee pay/benefits, Eagle has furloughed, may furlough more, American mainline may furlough. The economy still sucks and the airlines are merging and reducing flights. The airlines are very likely to replace smaller planes with *fewer* bigger planes....net change equals fewer pilots. Sorry bro, I wish things were better, too.

EDIT: Good call Mooney, and STD Deviation...nice avatar. You're alright in my book

 

Its amazing to read about a pilot shortage on one thread, then read about pncl, eagle, and maybe amr getting ready to forlough. I guess when people want something to be true bad enough, facts just dont matter. PS: Im calling it now, retirement age is going up within a few years.

 

Understand that most regionals are unionized as well adds another hurdle to the equation. I'm not pro or con to unions but at PDT, they tried offering a $5000 sign on bonus around 2007. What ended up happening is most first year FOs made more than a 2nd year FO. Union called foul play and the company stopped paying it. Sucked too when you were told in the interview and accepted the position you were gonna get it then during your first day of training, sorry, your union that doesn't even protect you till after being here a year took care of it.

 

All the trends point to regional pay going lower and lower and lower and lower. It is not going up.