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...
Most major airlines now require FO's to keep first class medicals. If you initially obtained a first class medical that expires in 2008, 2009, or 2010 and you let it go more than six months, it is still a first class, but with second class privileges. It still shows in the FAA database as a first class. You would be included in these numbers. You are correct in that those who
never obtained a first class medical (I'm unaware of any 121 airline that will hire without one), and are a still a CMEL would not be included in the total pilot pool. However, that would happen at only a few of the regional airlines and maybe the fractional's. Total regional airline pilots are still less than 18500. Half would be FO's, say 9250. I bet most initially held a first class physical.