Originally Posted by
Slick111
We all know that the regional airline management want to abolish the ATP requirement for the SIC, (note I wrote "ATP" not "1500 hour rule", because a 121 SIC doesn't need 1500 hours, he/she needs an ATP), because they simply want to be able to continue to hire cheap pilots. No brainer.
Plan B, (assuming the ATP for SIC rule remains in effect) will be to increase (or remove) the age 65 rule. This will slow the progression/flow of pilots from regionals to major airlines, but will be MUCH more costly to both the regionals AND the majors. Regional airlines will retain more of their current, (but higher seniority/higher cost) pilots,......and the majors will also retain more of their current, (higher seniority/higher cost) pilots. But at least regionals, (and the majors who depend on that feed) will find it easier to staff their regional airplanes,.....in theory.
Sadly, I think the pilot unions will fight the ATP SIC rule, tooth and nail,......but I don't see them putting up the same fight over increasing age 65, because ALPA, et al. makes a LOT of money from the dues of those higher seniority pilots.
Start talking to your union reps about opposing Plan B before it's too late.
That is a great theory and I agree regional airline management thinks repealing the ATP rule is the key to solving their problems however...
None of this addresses the root of this staffing problem. Young people are looking at what they now have to invest to get into this career and are looking elsewhere because the return on their investment is so ridiculously low. Plus it is impossible to get student loans to cover all of your aviation training because Sallie mae and Key will not finance any loans that are not government backed which limits you to $80,0000.
I got into this for around $30,000. Most of these students today are looking at least $150,000 to get into this profession. Until airline management teams wake up to this, and decide to make this a lucrative enough career to justify the investment OR pony up the money to pay for someone's training cost this problem will continue to get worse.
Repealing the ATP rule might ease some of the pain, but it will not eliminate it.