Originally Posted by
Brand X
I think MPL would be a viable option for US regionals. I think universities like Riddle should develop a MPL program to be used in conjunction with a EtD type program. They could call it Riddle to Delta, or RtD. The candidate would get a 4 yr. degree and a ERJ-170 type rating. They would have to go through a real Delta interview before being accepted into the program and upon graduation, they would go fly at a partnered regional for a few years for some seasoning and then go directly to Delta with no further screening required.
This would alleviate the regional pilot shortage while giving the majors a steady supply of pre-screened candidates with the proper type of experience.
Now, before you write and tell me how expensive the above would be, and it would be expensive, they could institute a means test for funding. Meaning that if the candidate and/or the candidate's parents have enough money themselves, then they would have to self-fund 100% of the program, sliding down a scale to 100% funded by the government and/or the airline themselves.
OR,
They could just stop cutting pay and benefits at the regionals, and actually pay professional pilots a professional wage. No MPL, or "government and/or the airlines themselves" would have to fund any part of the program. The career could actually be made to be desirable enough to attract new entrants by improving working conditions and pay enough to make the large investment of time and money worthwhile!