Great Lakes

Tram said:
Ah, well that explains some of your comments and lack of understanding why not all of us can consider flying a hobby and expect to be paid for our time spent "for the man."
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You just draw to many conclusions on the observations I state to be my opinion or belief, which most of the time they aren't. I just tell it how it is and that doesn't mean I agree with the way things are. For example I've probably said something like, flying professionally is a fun job which is why airlines have thousands of apps on file allowing them to take advantage of the laws of supply and demand and under pay pilots. Then you conclude that I don't think pilots deserve more pay because flying is enjoyable, which is incorrect. Or if I mention the fact that people have paid 35k for 500 sic turbine time, then you assume that I think that's a great idea for pilots.


So what's the latest news with the subsidized Lakes routes?
 
I'm thinking I'd just rather have the Pitts Model 12 than a Great Lakes with the commie motor. Although the Great Lakes with the Vendeneyev looks good, the model 12 was designed with that engine in mind - making it an easier build, and incorporating all that Curtis Pitts had learned to that point. I will keep everyone aprised of the scratch-built Taperwing being built around the commie motor. Really what is needed is this: A reasonable replacement for the Siemens-Halske engine that was fitted to the Bucker Jungmeister. The Bucker is the Stradivarius of aerobatic airplanes and I'd love to scratch-build a Jungmeister with something close to the original round-motor (I just can't dig the flat motor Buckers - they just don't look right to me at all). So, what say you? Would a Rotec R3600 work? it puts out 160 HP like the original Siemens-Halske.

Thanks to all the reply's. I was seriously considering Great Lakes but I think now I will hold out for something better. Thanks JC!
 
scoobs said:
Yep, minor leauge players are professionals. And they only get a bus to ride around on;)
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.... but depending on the level they are they, they could be considered the flight instructors, pipe line flyers, Great Lakes pilots of the industry, so they're pretty much on par with their flying counterparts. ;)

Minor league baseball salaries.

First contract season: $850/month maximum. After that, open to negotiation

Alien Salary Rates: Different for aliens on visas--mandated by INS (Immigration).

Class AAA--First year: $2,150/month, after first year no less than $2,150/month

Class AA-First year: $1,500/month, after first year no less than $1,500/month

Class A (full season)--First year: $1,050/month, after first year no less than $1,050/month

Class A (short-season)--First year: $850/month, after first year no less than $850/month

Dominican & Venezuelan Summer Leagues--no lower than $300/month

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_average_minor_league_baseball_players_salary#ixzz1UMYSgf9i
 
Troy said:
Obviously, that's what happens when you chose a profession that is also a fun hobby people pay to do as pass time. You knew it before you started flying so you shouldn't complain about it. The bottom line is that most people look out for themselves first (our politicians included), instead of doing what's best for the greater good of mankind. It's unfortunate but it will never change (I hope I'm proven wrong somebody about that).
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So how is working for free, paying for a job, and/or getting paid like crap looking out for ones self? In reality, if you were really looking out for yourself as you say everyone does, how it in your brest interest to work for a company that doesnt pay a liveably wage when there are companies out there who do?
 
SIUav8er said:
So how is working for free, paying for a job, and/or getting paid like crap looking out for ones self? In reality, if you were really looking out for yourself as you say everyone does, how it in your brest interest to work for a company that doesnt pay a liveably wage when there are companies out there who do?
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Well lets think about the options for a very low time guy. Either take the job and get turbine time or flight instruct for another year or two to get enough time to have options with other regionals. There isn't a pilot shortage so for a lot of low time pilots that didn't train 141 their phones aren't ringing off the hook with regional interview opportunities.
 
SIUav8er said:
So how is working for free, paying for a job, and/or getting paid like crap looking out for ones self? In reality, if you were really looking out for yourself as you say everyone does, how it in your brest interest to work for a company that doesnt pay a liveably wage when there are companies out there who do?
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He didn't mean what he said.. We're not supposed to take what he types to actually be what he means.. We just draw to many conclusions on the observations he states to be his opinion or belief, which most of the time they aren't, or something..
 
Troy said:
Well lets think about the options for a very low time guy. Either take the job and get turbine time or flight instruct for another year or two to get enough time to have options with other regionals. There isn't a pilot shortage so for a lot of low time pilots that didn't train 141 their phones aren't ringing off the hook with regional interview opportunities.
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There actually is a shortage of qualified pilots, which is why regionals are lowering their min's back down to something stupid like 500/50.
 
So what is upgrade time for Lakes? And what is considered the jewel of regional airlines in terms of pay? Seems like if you want to do this industry a favor skip the regionals and show them who's boss.
 
I really don't see the point in bashing those who go to Lakes. Sure, their pay and benefits suck, but for someone who isn't getting much time CFI'ing and is getting paid less than what a Laker makes, it might be a good jump for them. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes before you judge them. So many here preach about the race to the bottom, but last time I checked none of us signed up to get into this industry only to become martyrs and hold out for something better while others get hired and keep progressing.

The reason I posted is because I'm at a point in my career where I'm starting to meet the minimum requirements for regional airlines. I understand the volatility and risk associated with any regional, but just like thousands of people who visit this site, I'm looking for informed opinions so I can make a decision for myself.

What's stood out throughout these past few months are two general trains of thought that people seem to have regarding which regional to start their 121 career with (if they wanna go the regional route).

1. Go to a regional that will offer a quick upgrade, suck it up with the crappy QOL for a few years, get your TPIC and get out
2. Go somewhere that's a little more stable, get a better QOL, and get your TPIC over a longer time-frame. Pick a place where if you get stuck, you can still have a half-way decent QOL and salary towards the end.

I don't think I'll accept the interview invite with Lakes. It's just not what's best for me right now. I have 700/60 and I just got a part time gig right-seating in a Citation. With the 1500 hour rule going into effect August 2013, I think I have time to hold out for something a little better. I want to make sure the regional that I get hired with will be a place that, if I get stuck at, I can live with for a while before moving on to something better (If I'm lucky enough to get an opportunity to do so).

Thanks for all the replies.
 
Very rarely on these forums is anything posted personally. I've have opinions about Lakes but I don't have an axe to grind with anyone there personally. Since I've been down here in FL I've only met one guy that worked and Lakes and he was a nice guy for sure, and I'm sure theres probably plenty more like him.

A lot of people comment negatively, but more on the pretense of "false assumptions" about going to a company like Lakes, like the whole "omg quick upgrade" or "I can deal with the pay, or "its not a big deal." But you and I both know that if you sift through the forums enough you can get a fair assessment of the company, and its clear the APC payscales are accurate and not a type-o.

If you can and want to go to Great Lakes despite all this, then best of luck to you.
 
Lakes sucks.

I had the option to go there when Regions went belly up. I didn't. All the guys who did, left. At least 2 of them were senior captains to me at Regions. They are junior FO's to me now.

Guys who toughed it out at Regions but did last at Lakes says something about the place.
 
Tram said:
Lakes sucks.

I had the option to go there when Regions went belly up. I didn't. All the guys who did, left. At least 2 of them were senior captains to me at Regions. They are junior FO's to me now.

Guys who toughed it out at Regions but did last at Lakes says something about the place.
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Same guy ran em' right? Howell or something?
 
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