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Matt13C · March 24th, 2008, 23:15

Go here http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/airlines.html and search the regional,freight and LCC for an idea of what you will make as a new FO and then as a CA. Be sure to check the hiring mins so you can get an ideo of how long it will take you to be able to apply.

I believe Colgan is still hiring so as an example: a first year FO makes 21 per hour, 75hrs guaranteed, 12 bid periods (not sure if there is really 13 since I do not work for an airline) come out to roughly 19k. Second year you are up to 26 an hour so you are up to 23,500. If you upgrade in two years, possible, but as I understand all depends on the current industry strength, you can make either 34 or 42 an hour, upgrading to the highest paying jet takes longer, so you are up to 30k or 38k. I did not add the per diem in since I am not exactly sure how it works.

I am not looking to burst your bubble I am just giving you a realistic view of what you can expect to make on average when starting out at a regional. I had the same misconceptions that pay was on the higher side right off the bat. It is possible to land great paying jobs, but it is my understanding from talking to many in the industry and reading as much as possible on this site, that the majority go through the regionals which means very low wages for 3-5 years.

I personally say go for it. You only live once, enjoy the ride, money is not everything. Hanging pictures on your cubical walls is comforting but to me nothing beats looking out the window of an aircraft, there is no better office.

I don't have anywhere near the experience many of the members on this forum have so I can not give you any advice on the best path to take since I am still on the journey myself. All I can say is, if it brings a smile to your face, do it.

March 24th, 2008, 23:15	#8
Matt13C Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Philly Posts: 740	Re: IT 2 AV8R at 41? Go here http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/airlines.html and search the regional,freight and LCC for an idea of what you will make as a new FO and then as a CA. Be sure to check the hiring mins so you can get an ideo of how long it will take you to be able to apply. I believe Colgan is still hiring so as an example: a first year FO makes 21 per hour, 75hrs guaranteed, 12 bid periods (not sure if there is really 13 since I do not work for an airline) come out to roughly 19k. Second year you are up to 26 an hour so you are up to 23,500. If you upgrade in two years, possible, but as I understand all depends on the current industry strength, you can make either 34 or 42 an hour, upgrading to the highest paying jet takes longer, so you are up to 30k or 38k. I did not add the per diem in since I am not exactly sure how it works. I am not looking to burst your bubble I am just giving you a realistic view of what you can expect to make on average when starting out at a regional. I had the same misconceptions that pay was on the higher side right off the bat. It is possible to land great paying jobs, but it is my understanding from talking to many in the industry and reading as much as possible on this site, that the majority go through the regionals which means very low wages for 3-5 years. I personally say go for it. You only live once, enjoy the ride, money is not everything. Hanging pictures on your cubical walls is comforting but to me nothing beats looking out the window of an aircraft, there is no better office. I don't have anywhere near the experience many of the members on this forum have so I can not give you any advice on the best path to take since I am still on the journey myself. All I can say is, if it brings a smile to your face, do it.