If you have 10 minutes you need to watch this. Let me start out by saying I've been flying for 10 years and have been a "regional" pilot for 4 years at two different airlines.(I used the "" because is it really regional flying when my average flight distance is over 900 miles) There are some really great and experienced pilots at the "regional" level...guys with more experienced than the "mainline" pilots but it is true the person sitting in the right seat usually doesn't a whole lot of experience. We go through the same kind of training and are held to the same standards as the big boys and in my opinion the supposed safety issues with flying on a regional don't necessarily stem from training issues but more of a working condition issue. Just watch the video and tell me what you think...and while watching keep in mind what they are saying is true. My first year I made $15500, I lived in a crash pad in the ghetto(and survived a drive by shooting), and I've slept in the airport many times. FRONTLINE: Coming Soon - Flying Cheap | PBS
it makes me wonder if these "regional" airlines, in their efforts to make the $$, cut maintenance costs somehow as well as bullying the young pilots to 'make' the flight on time. glad yer out of that system and glad you'll be making to the g2g in stecoah, nc this spring. i'm pretty sure you'll be peppered with questions by the gang. cheers!
That's exactly what they do. I'm still in that system...I just make a little more money now and the regional I work for is just a little better to work for than most. Man I can't wait for the g2g and to meet everyone!!:cheersaf:
I'm pretty sure I know the Chris that was mentioned at the begining of the video. He is typically right seating it on my flights to Buffalo. Regardless, I have a couple friends who work for Colgon - everything in the video is true and confirmed by them. Makes you think twice about who you fly with.