Pilots:
In the history of aviation there have always been more pilots than flying jobs, remember, even Orvill and Wilbur had to flip a coin to see who got to make the first powered flight.
In the 1920's the surplus of pilots and airplanes meant there was not much of a premium on either. Airmail contracts had as high as a 80% mortality rate - since one pilot who refused to fly in dangerous conditions could easily be replaced by a more daring pilot.
Also, airline operations developed a seniority system for promotion. Like Democracy, the seniority system has flaws, but it is the best solution for the problem of deciding who gets better trips, the left seat, etc...
Due to the seniority system pilots are tied to their employers. The most stunning example is the Delta pilot who earned nearly $200,000 before being furloughed, who now earns $19,000 at ASA as a First Officer and who is grateful to fly.
In comparison, at my former job I was worth $60 to $80K at any employer I cared to work for. Changing companies often was the track to promotion. As a consultant that number could go as high as $250,000 (wish I had realized that then!)
Because of the fact that we can not change jobs without loss of seniority, pay and prestige, we Pilots are uniquely partnered with our employers. Therefore it is important that we fight to improve the standards where we work. Unlike the President of the Company - we are the Company!
It is natural for those pilots paying to learn to envy those who get paid to fly. However, how excited would you be to learn this profession if there was no "profession" for you to enjoy once you got here? Sure the flying is fun, but there are also a lot of long hours, getting tired, missing the beautiful girl at home in your bed, hours of studying for checkrides, the fear of losing your medical, staying in Hotels where the mold, or food, or water, make you ill and the terrifying fear that you screwed something up that could cost you your certification. Believe me you have not lived until you get Montezuma's revenge in the middle of a 5 day.
Also, there is the issue of training. I've got post graduate degrees and professional certification outside of the aviation industry - the EMB120 initial training was by far, at least 200% more difficult than any other endeavor I've ever undertaken. Candidly, it was not worth what I got paid to fly that thing.
In exchange for doing my level best to keep the airline safe and running on time I want a house, a reliable car and the ability to take the aforementioned beautiful girl to a dinner and a movie. Why would any of the "quit yer bitchin'" posters on this board want anything else?
