Hi everyone...I am just wondering if it is possible to actually live off the pay at GLA? I am contemplating if I should apply in the spring. I really think flying around the rockies would be great and if I could stick it out for a couple of years, upgrade, and then move on...why not? But once again, can you live off the pay if you degrade to livin on bare minimums in Denver? What's the chance of getting an FO position in PHX? Any help or advice would be great. Thanks in advance.

In all actuality... no its not possible to live on great lakes wages. If you have no problem living with 6 other dudes and eating ramen and rice all the time then your $1100 per month before tax reserve checks are doable.
Ive known people at lakes who couldnt afford gas for their car. Although one dude I met recently was in his early 20's graduated from riddle, drove a hummer and owned a house in denver and was an fo at GLA....his parents thought he was neato.

I got a friend there right now. Not sure how's he's doin. Heard its fun but I'm not even gonna try simply because of that payscale, plus I heard they don't pay for training either. I'm making way more in a 172 flying lines all day. If you're single and have no kids, it may be ok. I'd also consider living with my parents and see if commuting were possible. But that's me. Good luck.

Think about it. The first year you’ll be lucky to break 17K with per diem. As CA you’ll make less than 30K. Why settle for Great Lakes? Are you in that big of a hurry that you can't wait a few more months and get on with TSA, Colgan, Piedmont, Mesa, PSA, CommuteAir or any other of the low quality regionals out their. At least with these low quality regionals your making over 20K the first year with CA pay WELL ABOVE 40K. I don't care how bad I wanted a job I still wouldn’t work for that amount for that airline. Plus you’re not even flying a Regional Class aircraft. 19 seats, no FA, no LAV, no AP and the 1900 is a glorified King Air.

If you go to Lakes then your showing all pilots that you're one of the "Newbie’s" that's willing to take anything and assist the airlines in bringing down pilot pay and quality of life. Have more repect for yourself and your profession. Don't do it!

My best advice is; wait and get on with a good regional: SkyWest, ExpressJet, Horizon, Air Wisconsin etc. If your in a hurry and can't wait for the good ones then don't go any lower than the bottom feeders: TSA, Mesa, GoJets and PSA.

Good luck and be careful!!!!

I know it will be hard with the pay, but I really have no urge to make a career out of regionals/airlines to begin with. I just want to get my time and get on with charter/frac and then on to corporate. I was just considering GLA to be good jumpstart. Plus I have always wanted to do some flying in the rockies. I also hear the experience you gain from GLA is good too. Thanks again for all the input.

GLA is the President of Bottom Feeders. They loathe pilots who apply and will work for $15. I shouldn't say much, I'm at Colgan.

I've never heard of the "Regional Class" of aircraft, but if you want to play that game, the EMB120 is just a glorified EMB110/121.

This has got to be one of THE most ridiculous posts on here that I have ever seen, even surpassing buffaloflyer's post about steroids.

I honestly can't believe there is a skywest pilot LOOKING DOWN at Great Lakes pilots because of pay. "It's not a regional aircraft"...boo hoo. The great lakes pilots are all well respected and while they don't get paid as good as your -200, -700, and -900 pilots do (all the same pay rate, good going there sparky!), they certainly aren't "bringing down the industry" that pilot groups like Mesa and Skywest are doing by flying LARGE AIRCRAFT that belong at mainline for 20 to 40 cents on the dollar to what the mainline pilots were flying them for.

In no way are 1900 pilots lowering pilot salaries. You want proof? Before RJ's became all the rage, pilot pay at the "commuters" was low (like it is still) but at mainline was extremely high. Post regionals-flying-mainline-RJ's, the pay at the "commuters-cum-regionals" is slightly higher but pay at mainline is 50% or more lower. Plus there were a lot more mainline jobs to be had.

Get over yourself.

SkyWest is one airline I refuse to work for.

The best thing about Great Lakes is you'll upgrade quickly, get your 1500 PIC and be off to your Major in a couple years. If you can suck it up, you can move on fast.