I finished/was finishing college right before the regionals started to up their game and pay. I would have invested in flight training knowing in just a few years, I’d be paying back my loans in no time.

Instead, my degree got me nowhere, my peers are all advancing to the majors, and I’m paying out of pocket for my training 6 years later, still trying to earn the CFI certificate.

because the company also operates at American Eagle and Delta Connection.

The expert then said: “Why did United’s Munoz apologize?”

I replied because he’d rather apologize then explain to the flying public that they’ve been put on “puddle-jumper” subcontractors they’ve never heard about like Mesa, Air Wisconsin, and Commutair unless they’ve actually read the back of the Safety Cards!

“Well, I’ll have to look into that, that doesn’t sound right to me”

The odd thing about this is that the typical passenger can’t tell you what airline he’s flying on half the time. (In my day and certainly Patrick’s they could.)
Remember when that fella was dragged off the United flight in ORD? I was listening to the radio when they had this aviation expect on saying this was inexcusable for United to do this considering the profits they’re making blah blah. I called in and said the expert didn’t know what he was talking about because this took place on Republic Airlines which has no contract with the passenger and it was silly to boycott United

I’ve always loved airplanes, flying and traveling in general. I grew up always viewing piloting as an attractive and aspirational career choice. However coming out of college in the late 2000s, I was looking at a starting salary as a regional pilot at or possibly below $20k, while other fields were offering close to $50k right out of the gate. Combine that with the fact that having gone the college route versus military where I might’ve gained some flying knowledge and experience, I was staring down the possibility of an entire career at a regional carrier. I didn’t relish the idea of spending my whole life flying to places like Fargo, Topeka and Harrisburg. I wanted to fly to Hong Kong, Auckland, Istanbul, etc.

Unfortunately now in my mid-30s, in an established career with an ample salary and growth potential, it’s probably too late to make the change at this point. Looks like I was born 15 years too early.

I saw the deterioration of pay and benefits after I left, and I’m glad it’s finally beginning to get better.

It’s about time regionals start paying pilot (as well as their other staff) what they’re really worth. There is no shortage of labor, just a shortage of employers willing to pay what skilled labor is actually worth.

But this is America where profit is king and 50 lives lost are a cost of doing business.