AT the end of last summer we picked up a few new CFI's. One was very ****ed off that he was instructing instead of at an airline. "In June when I started they told me I'd be flying at a Regional by the end of the summer." This was September and he had about 270 hours.

For him..becoming a pilot was something to do over summer break and in his mind a 60K investment was well worth it to be an airline pilot in 3 short months. Although we all know the truth about the industry..Ive actually heard the same BS marketing still going on. Just last week I heard "Theres no better time to train for an exciting career as an airline pilot!!" at the local pilot-mill.

All it takes is a small turn around and you'll see the truth twisted until slots are filled with guys who scoff at anything other than RSD (right seat direct).

While ATP is not a cure all for what ails the industry (I'd like to see fatigue addressed) it can help thin the herd of the ZERO to HERO over summer breakers.