Thread: Some numbers...
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Old 09-20-2009 | 01:50 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by Mason32
You should not have restricted it to only first class medicals, since FO's are not required to have one. You typically have to have a first to get hired, but most companies do not require that FO's maintain the first until they prepare to upgrade... so, you are possibly missing up to half of the 121 pilots flying...

Furthermore, this data is not accurate because many of the current pilots including myself whom hold ATP certificates and first class medicals are not working for an airline, nor are seeking employment with an airline. Many of us work for small flight operations, corporate, charter, air ambulance, firefighting, flight education, etc. Most corporate pilots have higher insurance minimums to meet, and therefore the majority hold ATP certificates. There are also a fair amount of pilots whom fly for leisure in their own aircraft and have careers entirely unrelated to aviation, whom pursue advanced ratings (such as an ATP) because they enjoy flying. This gives them reduced insurance rates as well as an added safety margin and greater overall knowledge of the sytem.

Simply having an ATP and first class medical does not render you an airline pilot, or unemployed seeking airline work.
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