DA20 Pay vs CRJ Pay

[Country Wild]

I was talking to some CRJ pilots today and they said that DA20 pilots flying freight make more money than they do, is that true?
The CRJ FO said he makes in the mid to upper twenties and the CRJ CA said he is making in the upper forties to low fifties. Any one whom knows off hand I appreciate your answers, Thanks

CW

 

[CMH Floater]

Wow; they're both pretty bad pay.

 

[kevdog]

I doubt a DA20 freight crew gets more money than a CRJ crew.

On another note, countrywild, mind telling us how many digits you make as a 747 CA? One of the captains I flew with used to fly a 747 freighter as a CA and only made around 80K.

 

[kevdog]

OK, so Ameristar pays around 30K for a DA20 FO. Per Diem is not pay! Now a good question might be what aircraft do you start in with Ameristar and how long before you get into a DA20 with the company. Ameristar is also 135, not 121. If it takes you 3-5 years, 30K doesn't sound so hot.

CRJ FO's if they are a little lucky get into the aircraft after instructing a little, or maybe after a little 1900 time. The first year with a regional is always bad, but the 2nd and 3rd is much better.

I don't know which I would prefer. All Night flying for just a little more pay, or an airline job that down the road might open up a few more opportunities.

 

[iaflyer]

Flying Freight

I believe at Ameristar you either start in the LearJet or the DA-20 (Falcon 20). They do not have anything smaller as far as I know. They also have a small number of 737s and DC9s. I have heard rumors of Ameristar hiring directly into the DC-9 or 737, but they are just rumors. Their Learjet and Falcon fleets are much larger than the 737/DC9 - someone else knows the specific numbers.

I can't comment on what Ameristar is getting for time with new hires, but at USA Jet, the minimums are around 2500TT, and I think (but I'm probably wrong, 1000 ME). The actual hours were much higher - perhaps 4000TT. PilotYIP posted the hours and experience previously for a class of DA-20 new hires that started just last week. They make $33,000 to start (approx), although I *think* they are making less in training.

A DA-20 Captain at USA Jet (which you probably would get in 2-3 years presently) makes a base pay of $49,000. That is with a 65 hour guar. and 9 days off per month. A 4th year DA-20 Captain makes $55,000 per year ($71 per hour).

Now the quality of life is different between a CRJ FO and a freight FO - I don't think anyone would argue that. The discussion was about pay, and I wanted to add what I could.

iaflyer

[edited to mention USA Jet is a part 121 air carrier that both hauls freight (DA20 and DC9) and passengers (DC-9 only)]

 

[pilotyip]

Just the facts mam

Ave DA-20 CA here makes $60,564 per year guarantee and had been with the company 4.56 years. This includes instructor and check airman incentive for four senior captains. The average DA-20 F/O makes $41,563 and has been with the company 2.47 years, this includes CA's who were bumped back to the F/O's seat but continue to draw CA pay, CQ F/O's if you will. Remember this is guarantee, most pilot earn above this average rate by over guarantee flying..

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

THere's a big difference in RJ pay depending on who you fly for.

Horizon/AWAC/Comair make a ton more than Mesa/Eagle/Pinnacle.

USA Jet guys on average, make a lot more than Mesa, for example, and less than Comair.

Cliff
DTW

 

[PilotAg]

If you fly just 60 hours a month, first year DA20 captain would make right at $45,000. The more he flies, the more he makes. Ameristar has a mileage pay as well as a monthly guarantee.