Flying these jets is a dream goal of many, but these aircraft have also had a lasting impact on the pilot hiring system. Experienced instructors at Momentum Flight Training share insights into the why and what of regional jets and their impact on regional pilot jobs.
Regional Airline: A Class of its Own
Regional airlines fly smaller aviators with less than a hundred seats. They typically operate in less popular or isolated travel destinations. When airlines were deregulated in the 1970s, opportunities appeared for airlines in the US to link city pairs that were not previously considered an affordable service.
Many airlines started using turboprops to feed passenger service into hubs. But these aircraft were too slow, especially on routes longer than 300 miles. Moreover, existing aviators had a lot more seats to serve smaller communities profitably.
Canadair Regional Jet was introduced in the 1990s to bridge the gap between short-haul turboprops and other pre-existing single-aisle planes, significantly transforming the American airline industry. Lufthansa CityLine, Skywest Airlines, and Comair were some of the first to use the new type.
In 1996, Bombardier introduced another CRJ variant, known as the CRJ 200. The aircraft was the same size as its predecessor but was equipped with more powerful systems, engines, and features. During the same year, Bombardier faced competition in the sector when Embraer introduced a regional jet called the ERJ 145. The company eventually created derives in terms of range and size.
Briefly, after the success of the CRJ 200, Bombardier launched yet another 70-seater aircraft in 1997. This was called the CRJ 700, followed by CRJ 900 in 2000 and CRJ 1000 in 2007. These airplanes varied considerably from the earlier aircraft in both designs and increased collaborative productions.
How Regional Airlines Impact Pilot Jobs?
As mainline flying was replaced by larger regional jets, the compensation gap between mainline and regional employees started to shrink. Airline pilot compensation decreased at this point, with regional pilot pay increasing.
Moreover, pilot scope clauses refer to agreements between employers and pilot unions specifying the work to be performed by the represented pilots and define outsourcing exceptions to non-represented pilots.
The exceptions rarely got attention prior to the spread of regional jets. But once the regional airline industry exploded in America, the exceptions portion of labor contracts increased the tensions between mainline pilot unions and employers.
Currently, with the projected pilot shortage, regional airlines are making themselves more competitive, offering perks like higher salaries, relocation expenses, bonuses, and paid training. If you're a prospective pilot looking to enter the regional airline market, enroll in our 1-day, 3-day, or 5-day aircraft simulator training program.
Aircraft simulator training at Momentum Flight Training includes simulators that replicate the systems in the crj550 flight simulator training, 700, and 900 American airlines to enable pilots to experience flying regional aircraft in different environments.
Our experienced flight simulators for pilots create a safe and supportive environment to help pilots learn about systems, controls, and operations without panic common in standard and emergency situations.
When pilots get the chance to familiarize themselves with the aviator they'll be flying as first officers in the regional airlines, they can understand mechanisms and navigate varied flight situations confidently.
Advanced flight training through full-service AATD simulators and in-class knowledge helps even experienced pilots polish their skills and improve flight accuracy.
Call [833] 427-5876 to speak to our qualified instructors dedicated to helping aspiring pilots advance into their new careers with regional airlines.