Originally Posted by
JetJock16
Do you really think that most of those currently furloughed pilots aren't employed by other regionals or majors? Yes there are a lot but the ones who are not flying are so by their own choice. Also, the airlines are projecting over 8000 pilots hired every year though 2025, that includes the majors and regionals. So you say a decade worth of pilots? Show me where these 80,000 pilots are?
Don't forget that if you’re furloughed by US Airways and get hired by UPS, FedEx, SWA, etc you still are listed on US Airways furlough list until you resign or are called back and decline. Of all the pilots furloughed I would say that a fraction aren't elsewhere, even if they are just waiting to get recalled, their employed.
I don't know where you are getting your information. Those numbers most likely are in regards to the entire world. Even so it only takes six months to create an airline pilot out of a ski instructor.
In the last month there have been a few articles referenced on this forum that indicate the opposite of your assumptions. A large percentage of furloughed major airline pilots have chosen employment outside of aviation since there are not any real options a pilot can get flying that can replace the pay and benefits at a major.
Some day there might be a shortage of people willing to do the job of airline pilot for the pay and benefits offered but does that really mean that there is an opportunity that is going to be worth having? Currently there is a shortage of migrant farm workers but the pay is still low and conditions poor.
SkyHigh