There is one positive aspect on the "pilot shortage" perspective... the law of supply and demand dictates that when there is great demand for a product and limited supplies... then that product has a greater value.

With the reduction in capacity and the age 65, at this moment that law is stacked against us. Thus pilot wages are low.

But if that shortage actually happens, and regionals cannot man their jets, there is a chance that better contracts and better wages all across the board might return, and in turn make this profession attractive to young people again.

That is the "wishful thinking" way to view this issue.

In reality I expect the Airline Management to come up with some sort of plan in order to avoid this altogheter. And yes, Ab Initio will be a reality, as well as contract flying... it is up to the unions to fight and make sure we are not undersold when that happens...