Originally Posted by
The Duke
Guys, we're entering a downturn in our industry of epic proportions, we haven't begun to see the worst of it, in fact, it hasn't even begun yet. Several waves of furloughs at many carriers will take place, flooding an already saturated market w/ more qualified pilots looking for work that won't exist.
So get in while you can, if flying 121 pax is what you would like to do. There is no time to be picky, it will likely be several years before any appreciable hiring resumes as fuel prices and severe downturn in the economy will stifle commercial travel in our country through, optimistically, 2010. Get in while you can, or be prepared to wait it out into the next decade (Assuming your goal is to stay here in the U.S.).
It's your choice.
Get in while you can? Just ahead of a downturn of "epic proportions"!? All I got to say is "whaaaaaa?!" When those rounds of furloughs you mentioned kick off (and they will, already being planned at most carriers), who do you think is going to be leading the way? All the dumbass CFIs who couldn't bear the thought of teaching another steep turn and jumped on the first sinking ship they could paddle out to. Maybe someone should explain to these noobs that "furloughed" basically means you don't have a job. You don't get a paycheck, you have no health benefits, you are on your ass. And the last guy in the door is the first one out the door. So for all you aspiring 121 regional pax haulers, put this in your pipe and smoke it: can you pay your rent with a note to your landlord that you used to fly a CRJ? Can you defer payments on your massive student loan due to the hardships associated with your psychological disorder known as "shiny jet syndrome"? An unemployment check is great but its usually based on a percentage of what you made prior to being unemployed. I might be a little fuzzy on the math but 30% of barley livable is...even less livable. So if you got a solid CFI gig, stick with it. The ship has sailed for this round of regional hiring, you're probably better off if you just sit tight and wait for the next boat to come.