The only interpretation that could change the underlying correctness of his
statements would be to think that Jay was speaking ONLY of the charter
pilots he had personally met, and not only talked to but also obtained
salary information from. There's absolutely no indication that was his
meaning...even Jay himself has not suggested his intent was to restrict his
statement to that group of people.

Sometimes, Pete, you just can't see the forest cuz the trees are in the
way.

Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) knows that charter pilots are paid
poorly. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why -- there
are ten pilots for every available charter job, and most charter owners
know that they can pay peanuts without fear of reprisal or any
diminuition of flight team quality.

It also doesn't take a genious to prove the validity of this statement.
All you've got to do is ASK THEM, and they'll tell you. I've never
yet met a charter pilot who said "Man, I am just rolling in dough!" --
and I've spoken with a lot of them.

Which isn't to say that they all hate their lives -- often the young,
single guys have a great time with it, and revel in telling "There I
was..." stories. Nevertheless, flying charter is a thankless, hard
life, with the ultimate reward being that all-important multi- and
turbine-engine flight time. This very expensive flight time is their
REAL pay -- but that doesn't put gas in the courtesy car tank, now does
it?

Since this type of flight time is necessary in order for any pilot to
make the next leap up the ladder (to the regional airlines), many young
men and women willingly submit themselves to a lifestyle that makes
many of us cringe in sympathy.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"