Originally Posted by
tom11011
I hear what you are saying. One thing though, they are taking quite a risk if your analysis is correct that it will attract new hires to the program.
While it may attract a supply of pilots for the next 6 months, after that, there really isn't any new pilots in great quantity in the pilot training pipeline. American Eagle might flow 30 per month to American Airlines only to find there is nobody to replace them with- an issue that isn't really new to the regional airlines these last 2 months.
In the end, I think the best bet for the pilot group would be to simply not fly these large airplanes at a regional. I mean why add another rung that needs climbing before you can get to the major? For that matter you may see the major airline take over that flying in the future anyway if there aren't enough regional pilots to fly said airplanes.
I truly hope the 175 becomes a mainline aircraft and perhaps it will a few years from now. Unfortunately a lot of regionals are sacrificing their 50 seat aircraft for 175 or equivalent aircraft and the ones with predominately 175 fleets are attracting new hires. SJS seems tobe alive and well even with staffing shortages looming.