Originally Posted by Cubdriver

I do not think there is a shortage of anything but maybe the desirable, high-quality recruits, whatever that means, at most regionals. Whenever I read reports on this it's always some variation of "we are able to fill our new-hire classes with some difficulty" but never "there hasn't been a new hire class in 6 months running and it's a lost cause" or "they quit trying to recruit anyone new over 8 months ago because nobody was available" or "we are shutting the doors next month for good due to lack of labor supply" or anything even close to that. Obviously all the companies are having to work hard to get their classes filled, but they are apparently doing it with great effort and things are moving along ok.

This view is also supported by the new Rand report here-

"This study finds there will not be a civilian system-wide pilot shortage in the near-term, though the system will become strained. Low-paying airlines will continue to have difficulties finding qualified pilots. All operators will experience fewer applicants for the available positions, potentially resulting in less qualified pilots system-wide."

Air Transport Pilot Supply and Demand: Current State and Effects of Recent Legislation | RAND