Very well written. Unfortunately, I believe it will take people leaving the profession en masse for anybody to make real changes.

For example, I was eating dinner with several non-aviation family members, and all were shocked at the pay. They were shocked that if I changed airlines, I would start at bottom pay. However, whe asked if they would pay $600 round trip to fly from LGA-MCO, they said "oh, god no!". My answer to them was that they really do not care that much, then.

I thought about that afterwards and realized that I was wrong in thinking that way. With the profits that the airlines are making, starting pay for a regional FO could be 80-100k per year and the airlines would still be turning a profit.

The airlines are banking record amounts because the old model of "always be expanding market share" has been abandoned. In other words, I feel that the base problem is that the airlines changed their business models and kept the same old pay scheme.

Personally, I am getting weary of the game. I am seriously considering going back and earning my PhD in a non-aviation field, even though I will be broke and 52 years old when I earn said degree.

How can anyone say things are going well in this country? Anyway... Time to heave a huge sigh and put the monkey suit back on, wondering if this week will be the last straw.

 

As a member of the 83% who said NO, I thank you for your input and giving details to what we all (mostly) know. We regional pilots do not operate in a vacuum.

 

I am not trying to fight either, I guess I just didn't understand the point of talking about who wrote it, instead of focusing on the content. I want what is best for our airline, but moreso I want what is best for our profession.

 

Tsuda thank you for the post. Information like this does not flow down to us line pilots very often so much thanks to the author as well for taking time out to write it.

It is not a stretch to say the outcome of this vote, combined with others, will shape the entire industry in a big way going forward. More people than you realize are watching this very carefully. Putting out a 10 year contract alone warrants a pimp slap. Putting out a 10 year contract with concessions in the current environment is simply laughable. The regional model is in checkmate and this is a desperate attempt to keep the game going. Either way they are toast but a resounding no will demonstrate resolve and self respect for the entire industry.

As a side note I have been in a similar position in my career and I put my money where my mouth is. I was a senior captain (top 10 on the mighty Jetstream) at Hulas Kanodia's Flying Circus in the 90's and quit to start over at another regional with better pay and treatment. I was simply disgusted by the low pay and abuse at Trans States. It was a philosophical move and worth the loss of pay and seniority.

Respect yourself and the industry. Vote no.

 

This contract is eagle being turned into tsa