Captain Sullenberger made several comments in his article that I would like to highlight:

Sullenberger is uncharacteristically worried. He's worried that when it comes to the bank of experience for airline pilots, there may someday be a significant shortage.

He goes on to suggest that the reduction in percentage of military pilots means that the industry is at risk since of course military pilots are the best. Everyone likes to think that their background is the best way to become an airline pilot. I personally think that everyone should have bush pilot experience. In his case I bet that others might think that everyone should have a glider background.

My guess is that military pilots are increasingly choosing to make the military their entire aviation career and do not necessarily move on to the airlines upon retirement.

Here is another one from Capt. James Ray of the U.S. Airline Pilots Association. "Twenty years ago, the average airline pilot would maybe work, oh, 70 to 80 hours, about three times a month. Now, that pilot's working 70 to 80 hours every week".

Sully stated:

"I know some of our pilots, who have been laid off, have chosen not to return," Sullenberger said. "I can speak personally, for me and my family, that my decision to remain in this profession that I love has come at a cost to me and my family."

I agree; Pilots today have to work too much. When you add post 911 complications to commuting the results are a significant loss in the amount of quality time at home. In addition, in order to make a living many pilots choose to sell their vacations and days off to the company to supplement their income.

Here is my favorite from Sully.

"I don't know a single professional pilot who would recommend that their children follow in their footsteps"

Someone posted on the closed site that an estimate of Sullys income was around $108,000 before taxes and expenses. After four decades of sacrifice and effort 108K is not nearly enough from my perspective. US Air pilots in the early 1980's made between three and four times more then they do now.

The last Sully thread was closed because it was supposedly off topic. I don't think it was at all. Captain Sullenberger was voicing a protest on the Today show. He is right that the profession has lost a lot and he wants everyone to know it. I share in that mission. However, I do not think that there is anything that can be done other than to accept the fate of our profession and strive to adapt to it or get out.

Skyhigh