You might want to think twice before booking a flight on a regional airline.
The driver of a municipal or interstate bus probably earns more than many pilots for the aviation puddle-jumpers.
New co-pilots for regional airlines typically are paid $15 an hour or $21,000 annually. Plus uniforms, of course.
Industry watchdogs claim that airlines won't be able to fill 4,000 to 10,000 pilot jobs during the next decade.
Putrid pay is one factor, along with increased retirements, more rigid rest rules and stricter federal training rules.
Student pilots fork over about $150,000 to qualify--one less incentive to earn minimum wages.
Mainline airlines don't have shortages of pilots because of better pay, snazzier uniforms and more attractive stews. (16 MARCH 2014)
