Adriane,

Consider also these things to discuss;

First- many if not most civilian-trained pilots start their careers (before reaching regional airlines) as flight instructors, like myself for example. The American public should know that a flight instructor deals with handling risk on a daily basis whilst delivering an education to their students. For example, imagine the nerves and patience required to teach people to land an airplane in a strong gusty crosswind. I am tired of the public praising military pilots while berating civilian pilots as if we are novices.

Next, find out what the pay, benefits, and quality of life standards for flight instructors. In short, rather poor. In my opinion this sets into motion a desperation to get on with a regional in order to get a seniority number and hopefully a better quality of life.

Look also into the cost that civilian trained pilots have paid-- 50 to over 100 thousand dollars for their flight training alone (depending on what school they have attended). To be clear that figure excludes the cost of a degree. Saddled with all this debt, folks are desperate to reverse the cash flow, and companies take advantage of this.

Finally- The public, if I may generalize, shops by who has the cheapest ticket. Period. The trail of blame, at least in part, leads right to the flying public. Therefore the public should be provoked into reflecting on their role in flying safety.

Best,