Regional F/O's: how do you make ends meet?
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Well yes... and no.
I have worked 2 jobs all my working life... but one would hope that a pilot for a major regional airline wouldn't need to do so.
...and what do we go to work for anyway? To support our families, I always thought. 
Just guessing, AJM, but do you have dog or kids, or a wife nearing forty? 
Not having a go but being in that position changes your perspective! 
No I'm not whinging either... but just amazed, when I do the maths on the job I thought I always wanted, that it is such a backwards step.
Thanks guys
I have worked 2 jobs all my working life... but one would hope that a pilot for a major regional airline wouldn't need to do so.
...get rid of the dog and go-around on the second kid, downsize the house
Just guessing, AJM, but do you have dog or kids, or a wife nearing forty? Not having a go but being in that position changes your perspective! No I'm not whinging either... but just amazed, when I do the maths on the job I thought I always wanted, that it is such a backwards step.
Thanks guys
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Yer. I wasn't having a go either. They're just my priorities at the moment. They may change of course...And like I said, I'm fair heartless hehe.
As I said, good luck with what ever you do.
Cheers.
As I said, good luck with what ever you do.
Cheers.
Join Date: Jun 2002
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I did the GA starter and hour build with strife and lids in tow, think my starter wage was 29g.
Now at the udder end of GA and getting somewhat more.
Would I consider an FO drive with less pay?
I would need to weigh the facts and possibles VERY carefully before doing the jump. This stage just not worth it. Progression, stability, satisfaction are just a few variables.
Now at the udder end of GA and getting somewhat more.
Would I consider an FO drive with less pay?
I would need to weigh the facts and possibles VERY carefully before doing the jump. This stage just not worth it. Progression, stability, satisfaction are just a few variables.
You blokes would want to hope that CASA don't legislate Fatigue Management Systems as you won't be able to survive by the sound of it!!
(for those who aren't aware FMS system count hours work in a 2nd job toward your total score)
(for those who aren't aware FMS system count hours work in a 2nd job toward your total score)
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Bendo's got a point. The position presented isn't of someone who has just waltzed out of training and expects the golden check. To be a regional FO requires quite a bit of experience, typically not your first job. Its not too much to expect for it to pay enough to live. There is a growing experience shortage in this particular sector, with conditions geared towards an over-supply of experienced pilots. More money will need to be offered to lure experience away from the airline path.
Everything is relative, accept the fact that this bloke is facing a real issue and is looking for constructive advice, not sob stories.
250 bucks better off than flying around the Kimberlies. If you have a very brief search around this site you , will read of guys flippin burgers just to get that extra dollar towards his CPL/MECIR/ATPL/ENDO ect ect . im sure they give a 
about your issues .
about your issues .
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My post is hardly a personal sob story i KNOW how crap the money is in aviation and yet its what i CHOOSE to do . I belive this gentleman does have a real issue and needs to make a decision on what more important and and where he directs his life.
If he can't afford to be a Regional F/O someone else out there will be able to . I make no apoligise for my original post. And as i have said before Bendo i wish you all the best mate.
If he can't afford to be a Regional F/O someone else out there will be able to . I make no apoligise for my original post. And as i have said before Bendo i wish you all the best mate.
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Ive worked for 2 regional airlines for almost 3 years. I usually clear $550-$600 pw. Usually including allowances, depending on what my roster was. Now out of that 600 take off my rent, food, bills, petrol, loan repayment, I was left with around $100 which was usually saved. Now my girlfriend has a job and will be earning more than me (keep me in my lifestyle !) Mate its hard and I couldnt imagine you supporting your family on your salary alone. I think your only choices would be for your wife to work or get a better paying job until you can work it another way.
Best of luck
Best of luck
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OK so wife gets job.
... and she earns $500pw (lets say, being a regional job...) ...
Childcare for #1 is $50/child/day
Mrs B then goes and gets herself preggers (none of my doing, Your Honour
) and 10 months later drops #2.
Childcare now $50 x 2 x 5 days... guess what?
... that's $500 pw. Mrs B need no longer work for frucking living as frucking wages all taken by frucking ABC child "care"!!!
Be warned! Be a FO before you get hitched and before you get preggers!
Cheers
Childcare for #1 is $50/child/day
Mrs B then goes and gets herself preggers (none of my doing, Your Honour
) and 10 months later drops #2.Childcare now $50 x 2 x 5 days... guess what?
... that's $500 pw. Mrs B need no longer work for frucking living as frucking wages all taken by frucking ABC child "care"!!!
Be warned! Be a FO before you get hitched and before you get preggers!
Cheers
You blokes would want to hope that CASA don't legislate Fatigue Management Systems as you won't be able to survive by the sound of it!!
(for those who aren't aware FMS system count hours work in a 2nd job toward your total score)
(for those who aren't aware FMS system count hours work in a 2nd job toward your total score)
And Bendo, keep the dog (they cost SFA to run,) put the old girl to work 3-4 days per week, see if you can rent out your house at a rate that covers your mortgage, rent a cheaper place for yourselves, delay child # 2 until the finances come together (a command for instance, or you slot in to Virgin/Jetstar/Qantas or something.)
And last, based on a salary of $49,000 you should clear about $700 then you have allowances on top of that.
