The problem isn't pilot pay, it's pilot productivity:
Here's the basic math on it.
An RJ flies on average 3,500 block hours a year. Say as a minimum, you need 3.5 crews. Tack on to that an addition 22% for worker efficiency (national average) and another (9% for vacation). Add to that benefits of 35% (again average).
Crew Cost = (Hourly Rate)*(# of crews staffed)*1.22*1.09*1.35/(minimum crew required)
Minimum crew required = Aircraft annual block hours/1,000
What this says is while you might not make jack, it's costing the airline. How much? At max efficiency (rarely done - 3.5 crews per aircraft) it would cost the airline $34.21 a block hour for a FO making $19.20. For an airline with 6 crews for the same aircraft: $58.65. For 8 crews: $78.20.
Not a flame on pilots, just something to consider... Some airlines have 6-9 crews per aircraft. If your airline had 4 crews per bird vs. 6 or 7, you could make a lot more. Of course you'd have to work a bit more, but not much more. It equates to 3.75 hrs/month.
Here's the basic math on it.
An RJ flies on average 3,500 block hours a year. Say as a minimum, you need 3.5 crews. Tack on to that an addition 22% for worker efficiency (national average) and another (9% for vacation). Add to that benefits of 35% (again average).
Crew Cost = (Hourly Rate)*(# of crews staffed)*1.22*1.09*1.35/(minimum crew required)
Minimum crew required = Aircraft annual block hours/1,000
What this says is while you might not make jack, it's costing the airline. How much? At max efficiency (rarely done - 3.5 crews per aircraft) it would cost the airline $34.21 a block hour for a FO making $19.20. For an airline with 6 crews for the same aircraft: $58.65. For 8 crews: $78.20.
Not a flame on pilots, just something to consider... Some airlines have 6-9 crews per aircraft. If your airline had 4 crews per bird vs. 6 or 7, you could make a lot more. Of course you'd have to work a bit more, but not much more. It equates to 3.75 hrs/month.
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