RJ CA vs Spirit FO Pay
 

I'm soon to upgrade at my RJ job and be a 2nd year CA. Assuming a low 80s hourly pay rate and the ability to pick up on days off as a reservist, how would my income compare to the realistic income of a year 1 and 2 Spirit FO?

Any new FOs / former RJ CAs at Spirit care to chime in? Would really appreciate the insight.

Thanks!

Are you familiar with airline pilot central? All pay rates are published. You’ll take a hit year one and be forever ahead thereafter I bet. Go look.


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Yup, I've seen the rates on APC. I know they are much higher at Spirit, but I'm looking for more of a multi-factored real world average. Something that factors in monthly credit values, premium pay averages, open time etc.

I know it widely varies so probably not an easy question to answer.

Thanks

On reserve you can’t pick anything up on days off.

You can list yourself for premium trips and maybe get lucky if the phone rings. It’s a nice “bonus” but nothing to plan with.

Plan on minimum guarantee for year 1 and that’s it. QOL is leaps and bounds better than the regional I came from. Year 1 pay stinks but I see my family way more now.

Unless you’re holding out for a legacy job I think anyone would be crazy not to make the leap to a LCC. Yeah, it’s a pay cut year 1 but it’s not that bad once you’re off training pay. Factor in the direct contribution to 401k, cheaper health insurance, better scheduling flexibility and QOL was a pretty easy choice for me.

Unless you have a guaranteed flow through at your regional, I think you’d be unwise not to go to spirit. Between massive growth, the possibility of mergers and acquisitions, flying your own metal, and 15% contribution to your 401(k) it’s a no brainer to me.

Agreed. The direct contribution is huge. Only thing is I live in Colorado. Wife and I have considered moving to CHS but either way its gonna be a commute.

Do you have a CJO from NK?

If Colorado is important maybe consider F9.

Agreed. It’s not as easy as everyone thinks to get a CJO.

With that said, life is great here vs the regionals. Very enjoyable place to be!

Since when does Spirit offer 15% DC to the 401k?