Originally Posted by
SonicFlyer
That doesn't solve anything in the short term. Maybe not even the mid-term.
False cause and effect. Neither lowering the entry requirements or extending the retirement age at the current point in time will have any effect on wages. Nearly impossible to get to 1500 in less than two years, and for most it costs well over $100k. The hill between wet commercial and 1500 is too steep to climb for most, especially given the training costs. That's really the crux of the issue. And as such, it does indeed create a high barrier to entry.
Take wet commercials, put them in ASEL with another wet commercial and assign them specific flight IFR operations. Make them use checklists and airline crew style procedures. You could even velcro dummy controls to the panel for added complexity.
Both log it, safety pilot, or just get the FAA to authorize SIC for the training evolution... that's 1250/2 = 625 hours each, or about $90K per student at market rental rates. You could get that cost lower by running your own large fleet.
Obligated service at that legacy's regionals to pay it back.
Maybe get the FAA to authorize R-ATP at 1000 hours for those that complete the program.