Originally Posted by
Slick111
Let's play along with the RAA for a minute and follow their wish to the logical conclusion. Let's assume that regional airline management(s) are successful in repealing the 1500 hour rule and let's say that the minimums are lowered to 500 hours, total time.
When minimums are reduced to 500 hours, total time, nearly every CFI in the nation will apply to a regional airline and will be hired. This will lead to a severe shortage of CFI's, which will lead to a severe shortage of private/instrument/multi/commercial pilots, which will lead to even MORE severe shortage of CFI's, which leads us back to a severe shortage of regional airline pilot candidates.
This thing has reached critical mass! And regional airline management is too short-sighted to see that lowering the requirement to become a 121 first officer is not in their best interest, long term. In fact, as I see it, lowering the minimums will exacerbate the problem.
This is exactly my point, too. And its not just the lack of CFI numbers, but a lack of CFIs who know what the hell they doing to adequately teach future pilots and future CFIs.
Also, I see 2014 data is out....almost all areas are UP, except new ATPs (makes sense now that the rush to comply all regional FOs is done) and student pilots are down 300 newbies year over year. See my signature line as well.
2014 FAA original issuances;
Student 49,261
Private 17,795
Commercial 9,803
ATP 7,749
instrument 11,290
CFI 4,987
It seems like the sky is NOT falling. More pilots generated than last year. The pilots *continue* to be there, but employers will have to offer the right compensation to attract those pilots.
P.S. also note that again, more than 200 commercials were indeed issued by the FAA. Just like happens every year.