Skyway

[Skyrtr]

ShadowFlight

I got the letter today and am also in the pool. I'm really looking forward to the job, but should probably keep looking (Delta is not a done deal yet).

I worked office jobs for about 12 years, made tons of money (100K) and gave it up to fly. Money isn't everything, but it's still something! You have to make enough to survive reasonably. The compensation rates at the regionals are so poor that they rule out many very professional, skilled pilots who just can't afford to work for 18K/yr (and less). These great pilots never make it to the cockpit. In addition, the turnover is very high when hiring is good. This is, in turn, very expensive for the small airlines. If they paid more, I can't help but believe they would save money in the long run... I'm not bitter, just the realities. Still can't wait to fly for Skyway if it happens.

See Ya,

 

[ShadowFlight]

I got the letter today and am also in the pool. I'm really looking forward to the job, but should probably keep looking (Delta is not a done deal yet).

I worked office jobs for about 12 years, made tons of money (100K) and gave it up to fly. Money isn't everything, but it's still something! You have to make enough to survive reasonably. The compensation rates at the regionals are so poor that they rule out many very professional, skilled pilots who just can't afford to work for 18K/yr (and less). These great pilots never make it to the cockpit. In addition, the turnover is very high when hiring is good. This is, in turn, very expensive for the small airlines. If they paid more, I can't help but believe they would save money in the long run... I'm not bitter, just the realities. Still can't wait to fly for Skyway if it happens.

See Ya,

Payscale issues aside, you'll enjoy working at Skyway. Given the number of pilots needed for the potential Delta deal, you have a good chance of getting hired. I don't know for sure but it appears we will need somewhere over 500 for both Midwest Connect and Delta.

Keep in touch with HR and let them know of your interest and enthusiasm. I believe the Delta deal will eventually be finalized. There are several issues that need to be resolved first - Delta finances and logistics of contract implementation.

Good luck!

Peace

SF

 

[WillFlyFoCookie]

Attitude is everything!(Like Shadowflight said) Guys like Justino and Skytr have got it right. Keep that attitude and you'll be fine. It would be great to have you at Skyway. Good Luck and hopefully I'll see you on the line!

 

[ilkwamh2]

Hey Justino,

If the U of I you're talking about is Illinois, there are a bunch of U of I grads working for Skyway now, and they all love it! I'm a U of I grad also, but don't fly for skyway. Good Luck!

-FeiFong

 

[Justino]

Hey Skyway

Yes Flying Illini!!!!! I can't wait to interview and fly for skyway and too see my old friends. Who from U of I works their? Dana? Kat? Peter L? Nate (as in nasty?) Brian?

Only a few more days until I interview any last words of advice guys and gals? I need all the advice I can get !

Thanks and fly safe and be happy life is short not to enjoy what you have NOW not tomorrow....

Justin

 

[Skyrtr]

WillFlyFoCookie

Thanks! Hope to see you there too. In life, a positive attitude takes you much further than being negative. Even if you don't like some aspect of your profession, you can still love what you love and work to change the things that you dislike. I've always believed the payscales are ridiculous for CFIs and the bottom rungs at the regionals, but I still put up with it because I have an end-goal in sight. My end-goal is a life spent doing something I liked.

 

[CKlimko]

It's so refreshing to read these replies. I still have a ways to go before I ever start flying for an airline (actually starting my PPL full-time this Sunday, after taking a few lessons.) Reading these replies makes me realize shockingly, there are people out there that love to fly, and don't let a bad attitude ruin there dream. Hopefully I'll have the pleasure to fly with some of you in the future!

 

[Justino]

A new flyer ! Great Job!

Hey CKlimo...


Good luck in your PPL. Study HARD as this is an important step in your future direction. Fly flight sim All the time too. Find your local airport in MS Flight Sim and practice touch and go's and procedures. Also, the things that I saw being a CFI etc.. was that those students who would study and know all the material and seek more info on sites like AOPA.org (Aviation Circulars -AC) progressed three times fasters then those who expected me to teach them everything over and over again.

You are entering into a great profession and one that you should be proud to associate with NOW as a Student. As a Student Pilot, not that people should ever stop learning, you have so many interesting and challenging times ahead of you. Never give up and NEVER believe that you will ever know it all in flying. The moment u say to yourself "I know it all " begins the game of playing with statistics, which will never lend favor to us pilots!

Good luck and welcome to a league of tradition and respect

Fly safe and keep learning

Justino

PS. My spelling sucks cause its 10pm and I am tired ! Sorry

Some cool site 4 ur future profession:

www.aviationinterviews.com

www.climbto350.com

www.webexams.com

http://www.aeroplanner.com/flightplanning/approachplates.cfm

http://afs600.faa.gov/srchFolder.asp?Category=traininghandbook

 

[Yudso]

Commercial flying will always have it's drawbacks, but it is still the best career out there. I don't think much will change with regional payscales, but if you love what you are doing it more than makes up for the lack of pay. I hope to end up flying for a national carrier like Frontier or Southwest. Right now I am just excited about the possibility of flying for Skyway. The hardest part is having to wait for a class date.

 

[CKlimko]

Hey CKlimo...


Good luck in your PPL. Study HARD as this is an important step in your future direction. Fly flight sim All the time too. Find your local airport in MS Flight Sim and practice touch and go's and procedures. Also, the things that I saw being a CFI etc.. was that those students who would study and know all the material and seek more info on sites like AOPA.org (Aviation Circulars -AC) progressed three times fasters then those who expected me to teach them everything over and over again.

You are entering into a great profession and one that you should be proud to associate with NOW as a Student. As a Student Pilot, not that people should ever stop learning, you have so many interesting and challenging times ahead of you. Never give up and NEVER believe that you will ever know it all in flying. The moment u say to yourself "I know it all " begins the game of playing with statistics, which will never lend favor to us pilots!

Good luck and welcome to a league of tradition and respect

Fly safe and keep learning

Justino

PS. My spelling sucks cause its 10pm and I am tired ! Sorry

Some cool site 4 ur future profession:

www.aviationinterviews.com

www.climbto350.com

www.webexams.com

http://www.aeroplanner.com/flightplanning/approachplates.cfm

http://afs600.faa.gov/srchFolder.asp?Category=traininghandbook

Hey! I appreciate your post. I do in fact use FS quite a bit doing the things you mentioned, it has tremendously with some previous flights I took. I'm not saying I knew anything a fresh PPL would know, but I had the general idea, whereas some had no clue.

I agree, with any hands-on, mind-using profession you'll never stop learning, and that's what is so awesome (to me) about flying. I could take a Cessna up everyday, and still learn something new, it makes me want the job even more, that's what makes me strive.

Hah, I've been to those site, I'll take a closer look now though, since you mentioned them.

Basically my philosophy is that your attitude makes the job. You could make $20,000 a year and be happy, or like most be miserable. It's what you say to yourself when you wake-up in the morning before a trip, "Oh $hit, I get to go make $18 an hour today, flying like a slave, etc, etc," or "Woohoo, I get to take a 20 million dollar jet and fly it from here to there, and they pay me to do it, amazing, I get to spend the night in New York, and Chicago, I get to leave here in crappy weather, break through the clouds and touch the face of God, etc, etc." Of course the job has it's setbacks (pay, QOL, etc, etc), but I tend to think regional flying isn't the last stop, it's a mere percentage of a flying career. Sit back, and enjoy the ride today. Be thankful that God gives you the option to fly, stop whinning about what you don't have. Enjoy what you have first.

Thanks again, and I hope to God I have your attitude when I'm in your shoes, it's the only one a pilot should have.

 

[Justino]

Thanks

we are on very similiar pages my friend. I would be glad to bid a line and fly with you when the time comes. Keep the faith and fly safe!


Justino

 

[Roscoethepilot]

Class date moved

I had a August 30th class date, Skyway called me this past Monday and told me that it is moved to Mid-October, Does anybody know why this has happened. I was told that it has something to do with Delta, anybody have more information or a clear explanation.

 

[greenpickle]

Delta

The Delta deal is the reason for the massive growth. Until the deal is done the training is relaxed. the classes you probably heard about were when they still getting ready for a start very soon. Now that it is back up a little so is everyones class. Things still sound good, just pushed backed a little.

IMHO

 

[ilinipilot]

Short Sighted

All this bashing is VERY VERY short sighted.

I may not make a lot at skyway, but guess what. I have a line I bid a line last month that had 100 hours of credit, so I more than made up for the lower wage. Can the new guys at other regionals do that, NOPE they are on reserve. I like having a sched where I know when I am off and when I can trade some trips away to get a nice long vacation.

Secondly, you say I am stupid to go to SKyway. Well here is a situation for all you naysayers out there.
In 2-3 years I should (if everythin goes right) have 2500 hours of turbine time, 2 type ratings in a Beech and Jet. and most importantly 1000 hours of turbine PIC. So if the majors do hire I CAN go to a major. If i went to another regional after 3-4 years I would have 3000 hours of turbine and 0 PIC. WHo is going to get a job with a major. or better yet who is going to be better suited to go anywhere else if majors arent hiring. i/e corporate, fractionals.

Before you post your flames about selling out blah blah. Think it through. My first year Cpt pay and (2nd year at my comp) is on par with 2nd year regional FO pay and better sometime and its PIC time.

Things are not always what they seem.

D

PS Justino I know who you are, i got your PM and I am one of the guys u mentioned. I will PM you my cell number so u can get some advice etc

 

[Justino]

Awaiting the CELL # !


Well today its -TSRA, I think a good day to go test the chicken hawk here at KSGF!

Talk to you all soon!

Fly safe

~gee maybe I should listen to my own words..... Nahhh. JK

 

[brew3departure]

It's all relative though...

Keep hanging on to that "quick upgrade, etc etc..." line - because it'll get you an "atta boy" and that's about it. I hope things go through and work out for you guys at SYX - you guys have an outstanding pilot group, good union, great training dept...

However, be a little careful as to what you say - because when I was hired there what seems like many moons ago, people were preaching the _exact_ same thing. I hope you and everyone there do upgrade quickly - when I was hired, they were saying eight months. So go ahead, call your buddies from the other regionals and brag about flying 100 hours and how they are hating life on reserve. Understand, though, that things can change in the blink of an eye, and Skyway has had several of these types of things happen (or not happen) over the past four years.

Good luck!
-brew3

 

[SMOE]

I heard last night the contract with Delta has been pushed back to March. Can anyone verify that? What will that do to the training flow?

 

[jobear]

Brew3Dep,
Amen brotha, I have spent way to much time worring about this kinda stuff here. While it would be great to upgrade as quick as Illini says I like you believe in the possibilty of all of this growth "disappering like a fart in the wind". Been there done that and I think all of us have the T-shirts to prove it.


Waitng Impaitently
Jobear

 

[jobear]

I heard last night the contract with Delta has been pushed back to March. Can anyone verify that? What will that do to the training flow?

Can't verify anything but I heard the same thing today.
Slow the Flow most likey

Jobear
You want me on that WALL, you NEED me on that WALL!

 

[CKlimko]

I love to fly.....but passion for the job does not put food on the table.

Nor does it pay the rent, or gas to put in my 15 year old car.

We need to make more than Parking lot attendents because we are
educated, skilled and professional.
Wait till you spend only 9 days a month in your own bed, barely making
ends meet. Whatever cash you have in your pocket you will hold onto
so tightly because you haven't eaten a good meal in 4 days.
Your laundry day consists of washing your 4 pilot shirts and 2 pairs of pants.

The pay that we receive is insulting. And it is because people PFT and
live off money that Mom and Pop give them.
This is a real job. That deserves real money. If you want a hobby go
buy yourself a little 152, i can sell you an old uniform and you can
hang around the local airport and play pilot.

Sorry for all of this but you and your likes really piss me off.

.02

I'll throw out a question that many ask, but never seem to get the answer to.

If your so miserable, why did you sign up for the job, why aren't not working at a 9-5 company in marketing, accounting, or investing, I know many people that do that for a living, and make a huge salary? Did you think you'd be making 50K as a year 1 RJ first officer? Or you'll upgrade in 5 months? Or have 20 days off a month, and never sit reserve? Probably.

Has it ever occurred to you, maybe people already know they will make $hit as a regional pilot? That they will be away from home 20+ days a month? There are people out there that can live off of regional pay, and keep a positive outlook on life, but that requires the use of a brain.

With that being said, I can completely agree with what your saying. Pilots go through too much to get paid poorly, work 20+ days a month etc, etc, and it should be changed. But it won't, and will not for a long time.

Like I said the attitude makes the job, and I bet many agree. You can continue to be miserable, and you'll probably stay miserable for a long time. I simply choose to stay positive.

I'll tell you now, I'd much rather fly with a gentlemen who enjoys what he does for a living while making $hitty pay, rather then a gentlemen who hates his job and yet still gets that $hitty pay.

My rant is done. Flame away.

 

[jobear]

Nah gimme da' money my ex-wives are greedy


As for the rest of the BS WE have to put up with, like the saying goes "how can you tell the difference between a jet engine and a Pilot?"

And as I always say "If I ain't b!tching, I ain't breathing"



Jobear
I am the keeper of the Sudds

 

[Justino]

Another happy pilot's sad story!

Seafeye:



Wow, you have a point I guess the way they pay regional pilots is not the best.Pilots have not made good money at any time; you all know this. If you want a Porsche go get another job or wait your 20 years to fly for delta-- patience is a virtue.



As for my take, PFT and Mom and DAD, I don't think this rational of thinking has been thought out entirely. Although I do you see your vague point, rationally it lacks a bit. How about I try to clarify your point's basis via the following:



I cannot see how Mom and Dad supporting their sons and daughters or PFT drives your paycheck down. The accountants within corporations don't take into consideration how much money Mommy or Daddy will allocate to us so we can buy our extra shirts. The sheer demand from customers, marketing, salaries (or lack of) and other business components drive your wage. It would be nice and generic to associate your rational regarding pay to such "nuclear" factors but I don't think that is in a company’s strategic plan.


Additionally if your trying to say that Pilots relying on other (mom etc..) salaries drives your wage down then how can you explain why people who are married make so much (at times). Does a corporation deduce the fact that marriage enables more positive combined cash flow, their fore your single wage could be reduced in efforts for corporate progression? No, this is none ethical and a violation of basic business practices.


As far as your comment about people like me and the likes really make you mad. Guess what, you will have to get used to people who enjoy life and don't look so myopically at it. Life=What you make of it. If your Life= Not being happy; then move to a different field. No harm in that. Go fly corporate, start your own airline make a difference progressively. But Do NOT insult and demote others based upon flawed conceptions of the industry and personal dissatisfaction with your own place in life. I beleive that is called projection!



I am sorry to make you mad I don't even know you nor you me. You have valid points just with invalid hypothesis. In place of complaining and spreading the "word" about bad pay etc.. try to direct your complaints to management, do a case study of others in history who had poor wages and had them rescinded through various pro active means.



All in all Seafeye, you don’t piss me off, since it is hard to get mad at people that act out of emotion rather than solid conceptual knowledge. As far as your comment regarding a hobby and your 152, I would be much happier if you kept it and gave up your seat in the airline, wouldn't this make u and me both happier?



Safe flying guys



Justino


PS. Hows TSA treating you?

I love to fly.....but passion for the job does not put food on the table.

Nor does it pay the rent, or gas to put in my 15 year old car.

We need to make more than Parking lot attendents because we are
educated, skilled and professional.
Wait till you spend only 9 days a month in your own bed, barely making
ends meet. Whatever cash you have in your pocket you will hold onto
so tightly because you haven't eaten a good meal in 4 days.
Your laundry day consists of washing your 4 pilot shirts and 2 pairs of pants.

The pay that we receive is insulting. And it is because people PFT and
live off money that Mom and Pop give them.
This is a real job. That deserves real money. If you want a hobby go
buy yourself a little 152, i can sell you an old uniform and you can
hang around the local airport and play pilot.

Sorry for all of this but you and your likes really piss me off.

.02

 

[zeroline]

Justino and all alike

Justino,

First of all, its great that you enjoy flying. There are alot of us here who do. But your attitude is way OFF! It is your attitude that brings this industry down. People here have good attitudes and most are a pleasure to fly with, but not many share your view of accepting a sub-par contract and pay rates. In fact, the only reason we have the great contract we have is because of some hard working individuals who stood up for their pilot group during the aftershock of 9/11, possible Midwest bankruptcy, and Furloghs. They worked their a$$ off during some trying times and managed to get us a great contract. These people like thier job and are a blast to fly with, but they did not sit around and accept lower wages and a bad contract.

Its fun to fly and everything, but it is a JOB. Its how you pay the bils, and its not fun watching your bank account dwindle. Most people understand the industry and know what their getting into and the "sacrifices" they supposedly have to make. But there is nothing wrong with wanting a better quality of life and more compensation for the work we do.

 

[Justino]

Ok

ZeroLine!

I could not agree more. Not once did I say I agree with the $ nor did I endorse it. What I did do is refute Seafeye's comments regardingmy hooby and how his/her conception of why the pay was low was wrong. PAY does suck, my attitude does not. I agree with you both on the subject of pay, and you more so on the subject that it is just a job. So how should change be encouraged? Should I not fly anymore? Should I leave the job?

Whats the answer? What level should you approach the issue on?

The points I raise are not futile nor are they all encompassing. My points simply reflect two main ideologies:

1. Pay sucks
2. How do change it?

This is not an attitude question, rather it is about how to comence change.

I admit I have much to learn, I have flown for 10 bucks an hour in ice and did not like it much, did not pay the bills much either, but how can this change. That is the issue, not my attitude.

O yeah I should also add, I not in the airlines yet but I am looking forward to flying and can't wait to fly at delta and make 100K in the future. It will be a long time to then though.

 

[JetPilot_Mike]

All this bashing is VERY VERY short sighted.

I may not make a lot at skyway, but guess what. I have a line I bid a line last month that had 100 hours of credit, so I more than made up for the lower wage. Can the new guys at other regionals do that, NOPE they are on reserve. I like having a sched where I know when I am off and when I can trade some trips away to get a nice long vacation.

Secondly, you say I am stupid to go to SKyway. Well here is a situation for all you naysayers out there.
In 2-3 years I should (if everythin goes right) have 2500 hours of turbine time, 2 type ratings in a Beech and Jet. and most importantly 1000 hours of turbine PIC. So if the majors do hire I CAN go to a major. If i went to another regional after 3-4 years I would have 3000 hours of turbine and 0 PIC. WHo is going to get a job with a major. or better yet who is going to be better suited to go anywhere else if majors arent hiring. i/e corporate, fractionals.

Before you post your flames about selling out blah blah. Think it through. My first year Cpt pay and (2nd year at my comp) is on par with 2nd year regional FO pay and better sometime and its PIC time.

Things are not always what they seem.

D

PS Justino I know who you are, i got your PM and I am one of the guys u mentioned. I will PM you my cell number so u can get some advice etc

Well, you sure told us!! LOL

Just wondering, how many days off did you have for a "100 hour of credit line?"

 

[CKlimko]

ZeroLine!

I could not agree more. Not once did I say I agree with the $ nor did I endorse it. What I did do is refute Seafeye's comments regardingmy hooby and how his/her conception of why the pay was low was wrong. PAY does suck, my attitude does not. I agree with you both on the subject of pay, and you more so on the subject that it is just a job. So how should change be encouraged? Should I not fly anymore? Should I leave the job?

Whats the answer? What level should you approach the issue on?

The points I raise are not futile nor are they all encompassing. My points simply reflect two main ideologies:

1. Pay sucks
2. How do change it?

This is not an attitude question, rather it is about how to comence change.

I admit I have much to learn, I have flown for 10 bucks an hour in ice and did not like it much, did not pay the bills much either, but how can this change. That is the issue, not my attitude.

O yeah I should also add, I not in the airlines yet but I am looking forward to flying and can't wait to fly at delta and make 100K in the future. It will be a long time to then though.

Hear hear.

Pilots at the regional level deserve a lot more than what they currently receive. But instead of complaining to student pilots like myself that "the job is terrible", "you'll never get anywhere in this profession", why not try to can't that outlook? Be an advocate of better regional pay and work rules.

Agree or not, it does not anyone to whine here in the forum about how bad your job is. Try using the time you send here to make the job better for the future employees, as well as the current.

 

[zeroline]

I dont know about you dude...

I based my original thoughts off statements like:

...and realize that some people will fly for food cause they have a real passion for it.

Enjoy your job now even if money sucks cause their are guys like me waiting to fill your shoes in an airline.-- Pay not a factor

For you to say:

Not once did I say I agree with the $ nor did I endorse it.

I think your full of $hit


Also I just thought this was pretty lame:

Find your local airport in MS Flight Sim and practice touch and go's and procedures.

 

[ilinipilot]

i only get 11 days off which stinks, but what can you do. LIfe is all about choices

 

[Yudso]

Why can't we all just get along?

 

[Justino]

--ok