Should Pilots Be Paid More to Improve Airline Safety?

Just months after the tragic airplane crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 at Clarence Center, NY new details about the pilot and co-pilot's background have been released, including their low salaries which have shocked the public. Former Comair Captain John Greaves, who is now an aviation accident attorney, explained the effects such a low salary can have on pilots. For example, the hubs of some of these regional airlines are in high cost of living areas where it would be nearly impossible to maintain a decent living. Therefore many of these pilots travel hundreds of miles to keep their jobs.

Mr. Greaves says the attitude of these smaller air carriers like Colgan Air, that are paying pilots such small salaries but offering flight experience to move on to the major airlines, is not safe and the public deserves more. His alternative would be to pay regional pilots good salaries just like you do the majors and you keep the pilots…you don’t have them for a stepping stone; you keep the pilots. They get their experience there; they stay there; they make careers there. You’re going to have a much safer airline that way.Air Date: 5-14-09
Incident Date:1-14-09

By Wisner Baum

KXAN-TV

Supreme Court Delivers Blow to Roundup Victims

What the Landmark Ruling Means for Plaintiffs

Following the Supreme Court's landmark decision, Wisner Baum partner Pedram Esfandiary discussed what the ruling means for Roundup plaintiffs and the future of corporate accountability.

Justice in Motion

Thoughts, insights, analysis, and perspective from the front lines of justice.

Read Our Blogs

In the Newsroom

Official updates, announcements, and case developments.

Read Press Releases

Spotlight on America

Still No Federal Limits on Heavy Metals in Baby Food

New Science, State Laws, and Litigation Are Doing What the FDA Won't

Baby teeth research reveals infants are most vulnerable to heavy metals at six to nine months. While the FDA delays, state laws and lawsuits on behalf of harmed children are driving the worst offenders to clean up their products.

One America News

Eaton Fire Lawsuit Against SoCal Edison

Victims Seek Accountability for Wildfire

The 2025 Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of structures and caused multiple deaths near Altadena. Evidence points to Southern California Edison’s equipment as the ignition source.

When companies choose profit over people, we fight. Wisner Baum exposes injustice, demands accountability, and delivers real results for real people. Your Path to Justice Starts Here.

(310) 207-3233

Send a Message

Los Angeles

11111 Santa Monica
Blvd Suite 1750
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Get Directions

Bay Area

100 Drakes Landing Road
Suite 160
Greenbrae, CA 94904

Get Directions

Washington, D.C.

2101 L St NW  
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20037

Get Directions

(310) 207-3233

Los Angeles

11111 Santa Monica
Blvd Suite 1750
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Get Directions

Bay Area

100 Drakes Landing Road
Suite 160
Greenbrae, CA 94904

Get Directions

Washington, D.C.

2101 L St NW  
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20037

Get Directions

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Neither accessing this site nor reviewing its contents creates an attorney-client relationship, so please do not send confidential information until such a relationship is established in writing. This site may be considered attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Some matters may be handled with or referred to other firms as co-counsel.