For a long time now I have thought that the MPL would be the next likely step in the downfall of our profession.

The regionals proved over the last few years that when times get tuff in the pilot market rather than increase wages and relax working conditions in order to attract more experienced pilots the airlines will choose to lower minimums instead.

In the past pilots needed to rely on skill, knowledge and experience. In the modern flightdeck automation, moving map glass instrumentation and the finest in computer navigation have made it so that experience and ability is not all that necessary. Why put someone through most of what is required to get a traditional commercial license when all they intend to do is to fly for a regional?

Airlines can skip 90% of what is currently trained in primary flight training and solely focus on transport category part 121 airline operations and produce a line ready first officer in just a few hundred hours.

There will never be a pilot shortage because today a new commercial pilot can start filling out applications in just a few months after their first flight lesson.

The world is changing. You had better change with it or get left behind.


Skyhigh