Originally Posted by
Lear45driver
"Look at the evidence”. American Eagle is giving $5000 bonus with 5 other companies(when has that ever happened), they have flight instructor to right seat programs. Boeing is looking at single pilot operations in the future, mostly flown by computer. Pilot training is soooo expensive, you cannot get out of a 141 school owing less then 100k. 60% of all ATP pilots are 50+ years old. Airlines are freeking out due to huge retirements, and little replacement pool. United is retiring 400 pilots this year plus 3% normal attrition. That is 6% retirements a year steadily climbing. If that holds, that is 60% over 10 years. One Question???? Why did they raise the retirement age from 60 to 65 in 2007????????????? PILOT SHORTAGE. Oh, Sallie Mae and other financial companies are not funding pilot training anymore, due to the huge default rate. Did I mention that old 20 year first officers in the majors are going overseas to make a ton of money in the left seat before retirement.
First bolded-which airlines are freaking out?
Second bolded-Earth to management; FIX COMPENSATION!
Finally, if this publicity shines a light on the languishing state of our General Aviation community, that might be great. The skyrocketing cost of new build aircraft and 100LL? Sheesh. A little impetus to fix those things would benefit pilots of all levels.