Capt Bligh -

While I understand (and agree) emphatically what I think you're trying to say here, I think we may have a gap in communication. Should people try to work their way up through other jobs and positions - sure.

To answer your question - no there aren't 'hundreds of ways', not anymore. The jobs you and I used to work our way up the ranks are just gone - poof.

I think the current crop coming up through is only responding to what they face - regional flying for peanuts is the only job available. The auto parts/ JIT freighters out of Willow Run and elsewhere are gone, bankrupt. With the acceptance of online copies and faxes, the overnight check business is deceased. Corporate flying jobs are only available for the extremely well connected and previously qualified. The 'commuter' airlines flying B1900s and Queenairs out of Podunk just don't exist anymore.

I just looked around and of the 7 companies I worked for prior to my current employment, only two still exist. One of those is the FBO/flight school which is hanging on despite having almost no students.

Another question to ask is - If we put a minimum of 1500 hours (or and ATP) on FAA requirements to fly 121 ( not a bad idea - I think we'd end up with a better-rounded work force), just where are newcomers going to get the flight time? I have several friends out on the street with 8000-9000 hours and multiple types who can't find work, let alone someone with 500 hours.

FD