Originally Posted by
WEACLRS
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. 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. Would you pursue the career without making sure you could hold one?
That is factually incorrect. The airlines require potential new hires to have a first class medical when being hired.... for exactly the reason you cite - to ensure they CAN get one. Once hired, and since the majority of the time the airline pays for the medical ceritificate, they do not require FO's to keep a first class medical. So, when their initial first class expires and reverts to 2nd class they continue to work. When that expires, they go get a new 2nd class medical since it is all that is required, and is cheaper.
Yes, they do have to have one to get hired, but not to remain employed. So, after their first reverts to second, then expires... the new issue will be a 2nd class and they don't appear in your study.
Also, you need to clarify what you are talking about when you say major airlines, and when you say regional airlines. There are MANY airlines operating regional type equipment that the Federal Govt lists as being Major airlines...
Likewise there are large aircraft operators who are not even 1/10th the size of what some people call regionals.