Originally Posted by
dozer
As soon as there is the mere perception of a rebound in the piloting profession, the amount of training will skyrocket to MORE than cover any retirements. The data on retirements shows that it will be at least 5-10 yrs before they really add up to much. Thats plenty of time to enroll in the aviation college of your choice and be ready to take any low-paying regional or CFI gig that MIGHT be available.
The biggest problem with our profession, aside from the fact that most of us seem eager to do the job for free, is that it really does not take all that much of an investment to get into.
A barber has to spend a year and a half of day long instruction and observation before they can give someone a flat top. It takes an electrician 2 to 4 years of apprenticeship before they can legally install an outlet for hire. However it only takes three months and a small stack of king tapes to go from zero to a commercial multi-engine pilot.
If there really is a pilot shortage the airlines I am sure will cry for thew Multi- Crew License and will gain the right to train new pilots in even less time. New pilots can be stamped out by the thousands in a matter of months if need be. There is no value in the profession anymore.
Skyhigh