I had a conversation today in the hardware store with a local pilot friend of mine who wants to fly professionally but can not due to the lifestyle demands of a full blown career. He owns a business and has a full life to take care of.

He mentioned that he wished he could get a "part time" regional job and that got me thinking. He went on to mention that he would do it for free if he could have control over his schedule. I know of 5 other local business owners who either were full time pilots at one time or are at least commercially rated who at one time held career ambitions. I am sure that they all would love an opportunity to fly professionally if there was a way to do it that would not upset their personal lives as much.

I believe that there could be as many as 60,000 commercially rated pilots of working age who let their medicals go because they gave up on career ambitions who would love an opportunity to fly for a regional. The military has reserve's. Police and fire departments have volunteers. Why not part time airline pilots? If the airlines would let go of their monthly minimums and let pilots bid completely on open time I bet they could draw in thousands of people who would glad work for free, or at least for benefits.

If this profession is really becoming a working hobby then why not consider alternatives that would make it more livable for people? Young guys who want the time can fly as much as they want and older guys could stick to one three day trip a month if they want. If the regionals can not afford to pay a decent wage then perhaps they can offer greater flexibility?

Just a thought.

Skyhigh