Wow, I had no idea they were that underpaid. I actually thought there were making some decent money. I wonder why they aren't paid so well, you figure they'd make more since they have to go through flight training.

Jaykkub

 

Not too suprising. Im paying $49 from SEA to OAK this next weekend. Thats a bus fare

These regional carriers are so discounted that there isnt much of a budget to pay big fat salaries to pilots and attendants. Let alone any other employees -- with the exception of the execs and VP's

They use free/extremely cheap travel as a big part of compensation. For people who love to travel, this is priceless. A lot of regional carriers have partnerships with larger airlines (you can also use ID-90s), so you can pretty much go anywhere on standby.

I dont think money matters to much to a pilot. The pride of flying/piloting a commercial airliner is a big part of "the pay". Dont expect these guys to do the equivlent of "spitting in your food". Most of them use this as a stepping stone to move on to bigger airlines and finally make the big bucks.

 

I agree that the pay is very low but isn't there a limit (about 80 hrs/mo) that they can fly.

I would think that it is looked upon as an investment. They can move up to the big leagues if they qualify on jets. Most of AA's Eagle craft are prop. Not a high demand craft.

 

the actual pilots make only that much?

Are those small business planes? Because I thought pilots for major companies make into the 6 figures.

 

I belive the top salary for a commuter pilot (that would be a Captain not a first officer) is around $100,000 if they fly jets, less for turbo props. Also a lot of you commuter are growing and traveling into more cities. Commuter airlines are the growing a lot faster than the large companies since 9-11.
The salaries here are for starting out, just like any job, you start low and work up.
Some of these pilots change jobs and move into jobs with regular airlines and can make very good money.
I work with this people 5 days a week and I am always nice to them as long as they do what I tell them to do, I am a Air Traffic Controller.
Most pilots and flight attendants I have met are very nice, and I have seen them put up with some real a__holes, so ya lets be nice to them.

 

Didn't know those little commuter pilots made that little. Makes me think twice about taking American Eagle again. I hate prop planes.