Why would a RJ Capt. leave for CAL, DAL, UAL, UAW, or NW?

[generaltso]

It's a real lifer convention in here... pathetic.

 

[AA717driver]

Eaglefly--Glad to hear a success story. Back in the old days, you could go to work for Republic (original from MN, not the cheap imitation), Frontier, Ozark, etc. and make a good living flying for an airline that was truly a "regional".

You'll have a lot better QOL than many legacy pilots who get hired on the backside of the hiring cycle.

Good luck. TC

 

[ACL65PILOT]

We are looking at all time highs in pay at regionals and making arguments against all time lows at the majors. The industry runs in a big circle. I am sure that the major rates will go up. When that happens, if you stay at a regional, you will be one of those senior guys that is pi$$ed off he never left.

 

[RIOtoPilot]

Simple Answer

The quick answer to your question: do what's best for you and your family. No one is FORCING you to do anything. If you are happy where you are...great. I don't think anyone is putting a gun to your head to leave the regionals.
However, most of us joined this profession for one reason or another and the basis of those reasons lie with the majors/legacies. To each his own.

 

[HalinTexas]

Left TSA in '98 after 5 years. Was in training for the Jungle Jet when I quit.

Been at ATA for 8.5 years. With all the BS that's gone on here, I'm still better off. I don't regret the decision to leave.

However, I'd still like to get on with SWA or FEDEX. Maybe UPS. Those are the only carriers that I can afford to go to.

 

[~~~^~~~]

It's a real lifer convention in here... pathetic.

Reality is that nearly half of "mainline's" flying is being performed by sub contractors. Regionals are performing all the DC-9, Folker Jet, 737 and most of the 727 routes, as well as a lot of South America. This means there are not nearly the number of mainline jobs there used to be. Delta's list went from over 10,000 to only 6,000.

Call us lifers (maybe not me much longer) but the numbers speak for themselves. Going to a major is a no brainer good move for someone young. For those of us who got caught at a regional in our early thirties when 9/11 happened and who are now around forty - it is hard to justify a move that will require 7 to 12 years to break even on.

My crystal ball says the Regionals are in for a rough ride because they have no brand. The majors still own the brand and have much more negotiating power to improve their contracts. However, they will be stuck competing with the regionals on the small equipment.

Look at the situation with the US Air recalls who might get stuck in the right seat of the E190 for around $40 an hour. Ouch - they deserve better.

 

[Caveman]

Eaglefly,

If I were in your shoes I wouldn't jump ship either.

In my case I would be a 6th year CRJ Capt if I had stayed at CMR. I'm starting year 2 at JetBlue and I'm back to even on pay. The only thing I've lost is a weeks vacation and with the way vacation is administered here and at CMR I'm still better off at JetBlue. JetBlue's retirement is better, I'd much rather fly my one or two leg days versus 4-5 day legs, I don't have to schlep my bag up and down the steps, no hat, better management/labor relationship, and the long term earning potential is in a different league than an RJ CA. At CMR I'd still be on reserve as a junior CA and to top it off I would also have to commute to JFK. IMO it was a no-brainer. I'm much better off at JetBlue.

Everybody's circumstances are different. What worked for me may not work for someone else.

 

[aa73]

I think if you're truly happy and comfy at a regional, why leave? I would say the only reason for leaving would be for the money, but even that is coming up short these days.

I don't know about UAL and CAL, but an 8th year MD80 f/o at AA is right at $100/hr, and next year it'll be $104/hr. Granted, these are 30% less than what we used to make, but a HECK of a lot more than what I would've made as an 8th year ACA pilot. And if we get close to what we want with the next contract, we should be at close to $120/hr on 8th year pay. Throw in the trip/duty rigs, our A and B fund (if it doesn't go away) and overall quality of life and you have a pretty attractive offer in most cases.

If I was still at a regional today, I'd still want to move on just to get out of that "third world pilot" mentality that I experienced on a daily basis when I was there. It sucked being looked down upon by other "real" airline pilots. Plus, I couldn't stand the overall regional mentality and depending on the major's code share affiliation.

But like everyone else said, it really depends on your situation. If you are middle aged, pretty senior and comfy at the regionals, it might not make financial sense to leave.

JMO, 73

 

[ATRCA]

It's a real lifer convention in here... pathetic.

Yea, just what we need...a lecture from the big shot Embry-Riddle CHQ FO who has been a "real" airline pilot for what..........like a year now. Get real. You thought you were cool calling everyone a lifer back when the Seminole was a big airplane.

Join the discussion when you have more than 2k in your logbook. Run along now!

 

[ATRCA]

We are looking at all time highs in pay at regionals and making arguments against all time lows at the majors. The industry runs in a big circle. I am sure that the major rates will go up. When that happens, if you stay at a regional, you will be one of those senior guys that is pi$$ed off he never left.

Good post and I agree. I think for most like myself leaving is the right thing. I am single, have no children and am in pretty ok financial shape. The real problem is for the 10 year guy who is making around 100K with all the trappings. Wives and children can make things complicated. All that being said, I think there are only 1 or 2 regionals that have the contract and bennies to entertain such notions.