[jimworcs]

However, I stand by my argument that simply paying them more won't change anything.

I don't argue that simply paying them more is the solution. I argue that the FAA should place rules regarding the total number of hours a pilot can work in a week, not just the hours that the pilot can fly. This will restrict the ability of new entrant pilots to work two or more jobs, and hence restrict the pool of young pilots who can apply for the posts. This will have the effect of pushing up wages to a more realistic level at the bottom end. I am not talking mainline carriers here, but the regionals and commuters. It is illogical to have rules which say that a pilot cannot work more than X number of hours per week to protect against fatigue, and then say.. but any work not for the airline doesn't count.

Rule #2.. restrict the length of the commute in, without a rest period. The co-pilot of the Colgan aircraft that crashed in Buffalo had commuted from SEATTLE! That is crazy... I would suggest a maximum of 3 hours travel before the shift, unless there is an 8 hour rest period BEFORE starting work.

If you can't afford a place to stay because of personal mismanagement of your money, that's not my fault.

That is deliberately provocative I know, but many of these pilots are earning less than $20,000 per annum. There is no way that they can afford fancy cars on that salary, and neither is the issue "personal mismanagement" of their money.

In fact, as you seem to now acknowledge, there may have been some FO's who are flying for Delta and US Airways who are not getting paid at all, but rather paying Gulfstream for the priviledge. That has serious safety implications in my view and I know for a fact that the FAA is looking at this issue. If you can shed any further light on this from your own investigations, I hope you will post them on here. At the minimum, I would hope that Delta and US Airways will have given Gulfstream a shot across the bows as a result of the bad publicity and ended this iniquitous practice on the aircraft which bear their brand.

Instead of paying for hotel rooms or crash pads, they'd simply go buy corvettes or motorcycles to impress the FAs

Justme... are you still living in the 1970s?.... times they are achanging. I am surprised that you are spouting that kind of stereotyping as part of this debate. Many FO's, including the poor FO of the Colgan crash are women. Yes, I know.. it is unbelieveable, but some women no longer just work as cabin crew and can now actually fly the plane!!