Original Message

A buddy of mine started flying airplanes about the same time that I started flying helicopters.  He is now an FO at a major airline in his 8th year and according to the pay scales makes about $140 a flight hour. Guarantee is 79 hours.  That's $132,000/ year.  His first year with the majors he made just over $60,000.

We talked the other day as he was sitting on the ground at some airport.  They were an hour into waiting to depart and I mentioned that he was at least getting paid.  He said nope, he only gets paid block time.  No compensation for his commutes or extended times in locations.

In comparison, he has been furloughed 3 times when working for the regionals for a total unemployment of almost 4 years.  During that time he flew for peanuts on side corporate jobs.  

Compare that to EMS - we are almost guaranteed not to be furloughed.  So you have a base pay between $70-80K as a new guy.  Work a little OT and you can easily get over $100K.   Been flying for more than 10 years like my buddy?  Most likely you are in the $90's for pay and can easily clear over $100K.

The grass might be greener becasue it's painted that way.