atpcliff- I agree. Raising standards to a 1500 hour ATP requirement would eventually have a beneficial effect for us as far as supply and demand goes (not to mention it couldn't hurt safety). I think it's a more realistic fix for our profession than an overhaul of the Railroad Labor Act. At least for the short term.

And, it's supply and demand. A good Capitalistic fix! (for those worried about "Socialism")

Other professions pretty much control the standards for entering that profession. Lawyers require law degrees, bar exams, etc. Doctors have the same sort of thing. The people in that profession have a great deal of control on the requirements of entry. I think if pilots had that sort of control, and could set the bar higher, it would be reflected in our wages and quality of life.

It sounds like Congress is going to water the 1500 hour requirement down, however.