Terms and EndearmentThe forum the bean counters hoped would never happen. Your news on pay, rostering, allowances, extras and negotiations where you work - scheduled, charter or contract.
About a decade after narrowly missing out on a placement on a cadet training scheme for a major airline, I bumped into one of the captains who'd interviewed me at the time. He said the job today was nothing like it had been when I applied, and that I'd probably had a lucky escape.
Airline pilots rank 12 with an average annual salary of $118,000
Averages can be misleading - ask the FOs (even the Captains) on the locos in Europe what they earn, bearing in mind they pay for everything like car park pass, security ID, uniform - even entry to the swimming pool to do mandatory wet drills!!
As one who has recently retired after over 40 years in the industry as a pilot I would not encourage any young person to enter the profession today - in fact I would even warn them against it.
The Terms and Conditions are in decline and it is probably one of the unhealthiest jobs in the world (and I am referring to physical and emotional aspects).
I feel fortunate to have seen the best days of airlines but the Halcyon Days of being an airline pilot are long gone - RIP
Averages can be misleading - ask the FOs (even the Captains) on the locos in Europe what they earn, bearing in mind they pay for everything like car park pass, security ID, uniform - even entry to the swimming pool to do mandatory wet drills!!
I don't think it's fair to compare all LLCs with the blue, yellow and white brigade.
I didn't join this industry for glamour or status. I joined it because I enjoy flying. I still do and I now earn more than I ever have, work less than I ever have and I've never paid a penny for my job.
The "good ole days" can take a running jump, I like being at home every night having done a couple of sectors. I enjoy my three or four days off after working for three or four...and yes I do work for a LoCo and no I'm not part time!
As one who has recently retired after over 40 years in the industry as a pilot I would not encourage any young person to enter the profession today - in fact I would even warn them against it.
The Terms and Conditions are in decline and it is probably one of the unhealthiest jobs in the world (and I am referring to physical and emotional aspects).
whilst i've no doubt it's not the career it once was, it's still a great career. Most people who moan about it, have never had another career and have no idea what 99% of the population have to do to make ends meet. Had I been a cadet aged 18 I'd be sitting at BA on paypoint 24 now, probably on my 3rd barbie wife, and moaning about the crew food, however although I'm on paypoint 2, i feel fortunate a) to have such a great job and b) having experienced a 15 year professional career and 5 years flying for an 'interesting' airline. Having done both of these, I view my current job with a different perspective to many others. I don't work very hard (most of us THINK we work hard,but compared to most, no we don't), I have zero stress at home after work - during my previous career my brain did not switch of from work once in the whole 15 years - 24/7/365. And my salary - even as junior trash is in the top 5% of all earners in the UK.
Is it as glamerous as it once was - probably not. Is it still a great option? Why not try doing the rat race for 10 years and then decide? Bet I know the answer!
Well, Im in Eastern European businessjet company, get 10 days off every month, 4 stars hotels, vip catering for clients and us, got salary on time (4 years now), have seen a lot, overnights usually 2-3 days. And take home net averages 3.9k eur per month, typerating, uniforms, training, parking all paid by company, and it is for 4th year FO.. I still love my job.
I think that demise of our profession is started by locos - if you get FOs underpaid, screw them as you wish and then, when they became captains they continue think that policy how company treated them is norm. And when they got their upgrade, they continue act as a third world cheap labour, not as a PILOTs... And they will not spend a penny thinking that their way into the business is to blame...
The two main factors that changed this industry and turned it from being a brilliant job to what it is today are :
1) privatisation- this is now the case in every industry which has led to a reliance on keeping shareholders happy by keeping the bottom line in the black. Gone are the days where you worked your way to a management position spending 40yrs with the same company. CEO's typically have a 5 yr tenor and aim for big bonuses. Screwing employees and the long term effects of cost cutting are not their problem when they move to the next company. Management don't give a sh!+ about experience anymore and just need a bum on a seat that can pass a check ride ( which are a joke these days).
2) the biggest factor in the reduction of T&C's are the pilots who are willing to pay for their type rating and even worse those stupid enough to pay for line training. These people have proven to management that pilots are willing to screw each other over just to get ahead therefore helping management to pit us against each other and increase their bonuses, the divide and conquer principal. In their short sightedness thinking that by paying now you would be rewarded in the future well think again. The long term effects of your decision will haunt you as every airline jumps on the 'cut at all cost cutting' band wagon.
These people have proven to management that pilots are willing to screw each other over just to get ahead therefore helping management to pit us against each other and increase their bonuses, the divide and conquer principal. 
