Originally Posted by boeingt7

I agree with you that a lot of pilots are looking for a fast upgrade and fastrack to the majors, and I agree that some pay will be lost because of that mentality, but the point is that if the requirements to become a first officer at a regional are raised, then there will be a reduction in pilots available. Lets say all airlines are hiring at a steady rate and at the same time the barriers to entry were raised. where you once had lets say 3000 applicants competing for 500 jobs you now only have 400 applicants available willing to work for 20k a year. the airlines now have a 100 position void to fill. where will they get these pilots from? they would need some incentive to get people to work there, typically $$$. those qualified pilots that have left flying to go work at the local cement factory, quit to take care of the kids at home, etc...these guys need the will to come back to aviation and when they weren't willing to go for 20k maybe they will for 30k. so airlines will be forced to raise pay. think of it this way, if the faa raised the minimum requirement to be an airline pilot to "former space shuttle commander," do you think pay would remain at 20k a year.

Originally Posted by phuz

You are not wrong in thinking that higher requirements would result in fewer applicants. I agree. A sudden restriction in supply most deffinitely would increase wages as well.