As far as the washout rate goes, there has been concern about that for at least the last 6 months. Let me assure you, the training department is essentially the same as it has been for the last four years, if not since its inception. The new hires today are expected to do the same things as everyone else who has been hired here. Frankly, I think that many of the washes didn't take the training as seriously as they should have. And now that we are getting higher time and experienced candidates, the pass rate will increase.

For those of you who want to apply, do it. Don't let the fear of failure stop you. Either you can do it or you are not quite ready. Be honest with yourself. Just don't think that we suddenly are looking to wash pilots we hired at the time we need them most. Lakes still has the same standards.