Originally Posted by
Cubdriver
You didn't miss anything. Lately there is a minor shortage of pilots due to a varety of causes, but it is a minor one. Over the next ten years the profession is expected to experience less than average growth overall, and maybe even shrink a little bit.
US BLS Pilot pages
Piloting is widely perceived to be a glamour job like actor, writer, pro sports, or pop musician. As such it generates a lot of wishful thinking and stargazing. One of the most persistent wishful ideas is there is or will be a pilot shortage. Be aware that talk of a pilot shortage is usually based on weak facts.
A little clarity on the employment change...
That may reflect a loss of jobs at the regional pilot level and possibly in general aviation.
The hiring outlook for the best major airline jobs should actually be pretty good relative to historical levels. This is due primarily to mandatory age-65 retirements, not necessarily industry growth or health. It is still going to be competitive and I doubt they'll be hiring folks with GEDs or DUIs, but if you're smart and motivated there may be opportunity. The catch is that you won't find out for sure until you've paid some dues. The folks who would be most competitive for major jobs are the same folks who are competitive for good careers in other fields.
I suspect that higher-end biz-av employment will stay pretty good too...as society continues to stratify, there will be more folks who can afford jets and as long as you're willing to take your place among the growing servant class there may be opportunity there as well.