1st year as a Regional FO

[Cl_65_Driver]

I always think its funny when I here people complain about where they work when they continue to stay there....I was just curious what everyone thinks the "right" amount of money is to fly 19 to 70 people (depending on what you're on)?..It seems like allot of people want to get paid like a 74 captains flying Rj's...I also think most are bitter because they will retire on the same equipment they are on now and not the 777 they had hoped and dreamed.....just my two cents.....

 

[BoilerUP]

It seems to me the biggest bunch of whiners on here is not the young RJ FO, its the jaded RJ captain with 6-9 years seniority at their company who expected to be at United or American or Southwest by now, bringing in 100K+ each year with a couple Beamers in the driveway. Sorry, its not 2000 anymore...

I did not come into professional aviation to get rich, I did it because I could make a good living doing something I enjoy. I don't have the pie-in-the-sky dreams of being a 30-year old 777 captain some of my counterparts have.

If fate has it that I can be a widebody captain towards the end of my career, then I'll be happy, but I'm not holding my breath. I have the possibility of being a 25 year old RJ captain making 55K+ with the earnings limit only being what my union can negotiate for the eqiupment my comapny has. If I can be 30 years old with a wife and two kids, a 2200 sq. ft. house, a motorcycle and two decent cars in the driveway and be otherwise financially secure with good seniority, then I will be happy. There is MUCH to be said about living within your means, at whatever level you happen to be at.

Is this what I thought I might have when I started back in August of 2001? No. But that's okay. If I wanted to be rich, I'd day trade on the internet. I say again to those bitching about their compensation - do something about it by working within your union or company, OR FIND ANOTHER JOB. So many of you seem so bitter, and say your income is so easily replaceable, so I say put your money where your mouth is. Otherwise quit using the internet as a means to bitch and whine about something you obviously aren't willing to take the responsibility to change yourself.

 

[SigAV8R]

I have the possibility of being a 25 year old RJ captain making 55K+ with the earnings limit only being what my union can negotiate for the eqiupment my comapny has. If I can be 30 years old with a wife and two kids, a 2200 sq. ft. house, a motorcycle and two decent cars in the driveway and be otherwise financially secure with good seniority, then I will be happy. There is MUCH to be said about living within your means, at whatever level you happen to be at.

I think you'll need a little more than 55K for that kind of aspiration. Drop the wife and you'll be a little bit closer. However I couldn't agree more with your last statement Boiler.

-SigAV8R

 

[HawkI]

After surviving first year fo pay, here is some real numbers for the family man starting with the airlines. It can be done!

Total
26,000
2000 health insurance (family 4)
500 uniforms
2500 fica/medicaid
2000 401K

$19,000 takehome
$800 paycheck twice a month
Tips on surviving!
1. don't live in the hub, but within driving distance. (living expenses lower but no need for a crash pad)(rent and car insurance per month in ord $1100, impossible! rent and car insurance per month in Iowa, $500, possible)
2. contribute to the 401K (I know you can't afford it, but your taxes will save you especially if you have kids)
3. practical car (8 year old cavalier, drives like a dream, very little gas)
4. when you get your second year pay put half of the increase in your 401K(and the same with every raise after)
5. credit card bad!
6. I splurge on 1 meal out with the crew a trip @$15

Don't bash me, I'm just sharing my experience.

 

[Stifler's Mom]

Two words....SUGAR MOMMA

 

[TheBigH]

Amen brother, the only somewhat sane pilots that I know have suga mommas, including myself. Mine is in the military so rent and utility bills are a non-issue, plus she can't quit her job ;o)

 

[norskman2]

rent and car insurance per month in Iowa, $500, possible)
QUOTE]

Dude, are you driving from Iowa to ORD for every shift????

 

[HawkI]

rent and car insurance per month in Iowa, $500, possible)
QUOTE]

Dude, are you driving from Iowa to ORD for every shift????

I don't drive 3 hours to ord every shift. My point is that for me, its less expensive to make the drive a couple of times a month to avoid hotel costs with early shows or late end times. So for the family man, this gives more nights at home without the crash pad or living in the domicile.

 

[Bluto]

I think the key is minimizing debt. Many people in this industry seem to cripple themselves with credit card debt, leases on new cars, and other generally bad financial decisions. If you live within your means (granted, your first year this means ramen and having a roommate, or living with your parents) the first year is doable. At most larger regionals 2nd year pay is much easier. This has worked out fine for me, so far, with only small loans from the folks, and a single income for most of the year. The key is in minimizing your spending. There is no shame in carrying a cooler with PB&J or whatever on a 4-day. I'd rather do that than look cool and blow most of my paycheck on credit card payments.

 

[Jump Pilot]

Just say no.

Stop the insanity.

Friends don't let friends fly for regionals.