About the only per diem I get is from sitting 8 hours of airport standby. Otherwise, the CRJ700 reserves are not getting utilized for multi -day trips - at least in my case, which is the bottom of the list. I typically get one or two rounds out of five days of reserve (after commuting from DFW to ORD). Usually there's a deadhead on the first leg. So, per diem is nearly zero. I also don't have medical taken out - just tax. I will start getting the $25 back from the uniform contribution however. I just paid that off.

Side note - I did get one four day. I considered it lucky until I realized that nobody wanted to fly with the particular captain and kept calling in sick.

I've tried early RAP, late RAP, Proffering, etc. Can't seem to score any descent flight times. Nothing but short legs: DH to CMH then bring the aircraft back, etc.

Ray, Greg, Jim or everyone's always favorite Russian?

Wow. I didn't know these guys were that well known! One of the first three. I was about to comment, "Hey, I write human factors/CRM articles for Twin and Turbine, AOPA, Professional Pilot, The Air Force Air Mobility Forum, Aerosafety World, and Avweb. I also conduct CRM and standardization training for corporate flight departments (just trained a Fortune 10 company last month) and speak at NBAA events about these sorts of things. Do you mind if I use you in my next article/class? Can I take your picture for a slide? How do you spell your last name...":p

My first clue should have been the briefing..."I probably don't fly like most of the guys you're used to flying with..."

The flying public does not know how much an FO at a regional, a Capt at a Regional, or a new FO at a major makes. I have had people get mad at me when they ask me what a new FO at a major makes and I told them. Once guy got very mad and called me a liar as he went down the jetway. I told him that it takes about 10 years be become an FO at a major and then they make about 35k. He kept saying it had to be over 6 figures. Maybe the 6 figure income is correct, if you add in his wife's salary his pizza delivery job, and the bump when the tooth fairy takes one of his kid's teeth.

Its all a big secret from the public. But, without the airline pilot, all of these parent's basements would be empty.

I personally don't think it's professional to tell pax how much you make. I'd defer the question and walk away.

I think in our situation it needs to be highlighted so it gets the much attention needed. It's criminal what they pay us. If nobody knows, nothing will ever be done to fix the problem.

It is unprofessional to ask a complete stranger how much they make, regardless of profession.

Complaining on pilot boards is much more effective for spreading the word.

The reason he didn't believe you, is because what you said is incorrect. While no major FO makes 6 figures first year, the only one i can think of that might make $35k is Sun Country, and I imagine those guys after all is said and done make more than $35k first year.