2014-2015 outlook
 

What will the outlook for the aviation industry be like in the next 3-4 years? Will there be a demand for pilots? Could minimums drop again? Thoughts please

Future
 

Most likely the regionals will continue to grow and to pay poor wages.

Skyhigh

Retirements dictate that there will be upward movement, but that all depends on oil. If it keeps going up, airlines will park airplanes without replacing them. If it gets really bad, tanking the economy again the majors will re-enter bankruptcy and start terminating regional contracts, which will put regionals out of business since there doesn't appear to be much new flying to be had in that sector. Going forward you either keep what you have, or die.

If you can rationalize a way to ignore the whole oil issue, the hiring picture looks good.

Skywest will take over the world,

I agree with the skywest statement or Republic may take over the white house

I remember when I was a student pilot (private, comm, CFI, etc) I would always check the weather: The next day and several days down the road. Now, 1000 hours later. I don't even check the weather for that day. I show up to the airport for work. Is it good? Great! We go fly. If not? Oh well, ground discussion with the students or simulator time. I've learned that weather cannot be forecasted. Not a chance this industry can be forecasted either, let alone more than 2 days ahead of time.

Trends
 

However there are undeniable trends to take note of. I think it is safe to say that there will be some flying jobs in the future. The real question is whether they will be worth having.

Skyhigh

Well, the minimums won't drop again, that's for sure. Part 121 flying will require an ATP and 1500 hours.

what are you talking about? they are dropping already.


Now after the 1500 hour rule comes into play that may be a different story.

Better than Ornstien or Hulas.