Originally Posted by
Kameman
Thanks for the great info/insight Rick.
My mentality going into this is similar to what you had mentioned before about training while the industry is bad, in hopes of a recovery by the time I accrue enough flight time.
Historically the industry has been cyclical and those that use the down-cycle to prepare for their next step are often at the head of the line when the feeding frenzy resumes.
Originally Posted by
Kameman
One huge question I had with the furloughs is that, is there ever an instance where airlines prefer newblood versus seasoned pilots? If the majority of the airliners are looking to their pool of furloughed pilots, are the flight schools in danger of being forced to close down due to a greatly reduced volume of prospective pilot trainees? So in theory, the prime time for possible pilots like myself to enter into the business would be years AFTER the industry’s recovery when all the furloughed pilots have been rehired and retired.
Regionals want some level of experience, if they can get it, but usually don't want ex-major pilots. A major pilot will probably not be as happy in the regional world, and will probably go back to his major when recalled. Some regionals will hire furloughed pilots, but may ask you to resign your seniority number at the furlough company.
It's also possible that majors who furlough will negotiate jobs for their pilots at the associated regional(s). These pilots automatically get jobs with no interview, and may start as captains instead of first officers.
Historically most major pilots have done something other than regional flying while on furlough, so they will probably not have a dramatic affect on regional hiring (if there is any regional hiring). Same applies to flight instruction...except that furloughed regional pilots WILL go back to CFI, so there could be a squeeze there if enough regionals furlough.
But the furloughed guys will likely fill up the good corporate and fractional jobs...basically you will probably not have to compete with them for entry-level jobs.
Originally Posted by
Kameman
It is odd though, the more I look into aviation (both recreationally and professionally) the more it seems like it may be a bad decision. I love the idea of flying, but I am almost scared to try it for fear of loving it.
It does not appear to be a very good decision to me either. I made the decisio pre-9/11 under vastly different circumstances.
As a career-changer I could not justify it today. A young person might be able to justify because time is on their side, and they can wait out the bad and hope for a better future in the industry.