Originally Posted by
HeavyD
Pilot Shortage: Do we really have one?
A good overnight on tour is 13-14 hours when you have time to eat and not have to go to bed right away. If you get two nights like that in a 7 day tour your lucky.
If there is a pilot shortage, why are we being run ragged every time we go out on tour? It's not 2010 with thousands getting furloughed.
This is the mythical pilot shortage that Kit Darby was promising years ago. Yet union leadership is saying now isn't the time. There is never going to be a better time. Why aren't we using that billboard? Why aren't we picketing?
If now isn't the time according to union leadership, maybe now is the time for different leadership.
If anyone thinks there isn't a shortage of pilots, they can't do simple math or haven't been paying attention.
Over the next 10 years (actually less now, maybe closer to 8), the majors are going to retire somewhere around 19,000 pilots. There were something like 17,100 regional pilots. There is a reason that airlines are buying flight schools, partnering with flight schools, buying airplanes, paying for ATP programs etc etc. and most regionals are hiring DECs, giving hiring bonuses, they are literally begging for people to go work there.
If management and unions at these companies aren't paying attention, they are already getting left behind. NJA might be totally happy getting R-ATPs through the door. Granted, that is about all that is left for everyone to be honest. My guess is that the top 3, and places like NJA are waiting for the next downturn. Hoping actually...
Management won't care until they can't fill classes. Watch how hard it is for everyone to hire in 2023...