My background is 135, 91, and 91k. I have an ATP. 1 type rating and 5600 TT, 3500 ME, 1000 Turbine I have considered the regionals at three different points in my career. However, they never made sense for me. I even had an interview scheduled in 2010, but could not convince myself to even go, and I called and cancelled it. I have a hard time even considering the LCCs out there because of the pay cut that would be required. The regionals are not even on my radar. $50-60k to start and a pretty rapid progression to a livable pay scale would be required to even get me to consider the regionals, and I am not sure that would do it.

 

Hi Group, just thought I would pass along some numbers from this thread if you are interested.

First, let me just say if you are just reading this thread for the first time, please do go ahead and continue posting your stats as outlined in the original post, let's keep the count going.

So here is what I have so far.

The age of this posting is only 4 days old and has received ~7800 views.

20 pilots responded with their stats and that they would consider returning to or coming to work for an airline under better circumstances. Of those 20-

13 reported having an ATP.
19 reported they had at least 1500 hours.
13 specified either turbine or turboprop
7 specifically said jet
16 specified 121 experience

 

Where is the like button on this thread... Like the thread!!

 

Great idea... NOT!! So you're saying half of all regional pilots are so overpaid they need pay cuts?
Unless you are management, why would any sane pilot try and argue for lower pay, when the salaries are already far too low?

 

3700 TT, 2700 turbine, 400 jet, 2 type ratings. Former 121 captain.

Currently 135 FO. Pays about $45k.

I'm not going back for less than $40k, which means LCC or better. I would go back for less with no commute, but that's not likely as I live in a popular area.

A national seniority list would help as first year pay at a regional is just too painful to do again. I already lived off peanuts while instructing and then again on first year pay. I just can't do it any more. It's too bad really because I prefer the 121 world. But the regionals can cram it up their cramhole as far as I'm concerned.

 

You can rate it with stars at the top of the thread.

 

It's a constructive idea proposed to solve a specific problem, though clearly unpopular. I don't want to see anyone take a pay cut so I understand your outrage and apologize.

Unfortunately, Regional Airline revenues only come from their mainline partners who dictate the amount of money that will be paid.

 

Then perhaps one could suggest the time is past due for an increase in the rates paid to the regional airlines by their mainline partners? Unless the claimed pilot shortage is a ruse, this would allow regionals to raise pay to attract new hire pilots instead of canceling flights and grounding aircraft for the supposed lack of crews!
I believe this to be much more "constructive" than cutting already poor pay rates even more... but that's just me.

 

This is already the plan for MGT. Eagle is currently offering a $10k sign on bonus. You might not have been in the industry in 2007 but this has played out before. When the lower tier regionals were having trouble attracting and retaining 250 hour pilots, signing bonuses were common as well. I can remember Republic Airways offering $2,500 and $5,000 signing bonuses to lure pilots from other regional carriers. The requirement was, "if you're currently typed and come over to fly the same equipment you get a type rating"...In some instances that worked, but more often than not the company would take a EMB-145 typed pilot and put them on a 170 certificate, and a 170 typed pilot on the 140/145 side....Shady at it's best!

 

1.) ATP, former regional airline. Left in 2009. 7,900TT hours of which 6800 are turboprop. 3400 PIC 3700 SIC


Currently 91 Captain, Pays about $65k. Flying King air for this rich guy. no commute, i get paid to do basically nothing, I take care of the family every day!.

I'm not going back for less than $40k

I do agree with the national seniority list, that would help as first year pay at a regional, is just too painful to do it again. I already lived off peanuts while FO for a Regional. I just can't do it any more.


I do applied for regionals to see what outs there, I go for the interviews but I decline after the offer. I just cant do it with $20K a year. Maybe if i was my 20's again, single, no kids, no house payments to pay.


did I mention that the boss lets me borrow his airplane if I wanted to go somewhere? well, I have to pay for fuel. I guess I have sweet deal.