I've been hearing about the "impending" pilot shortage for over 30 years, never saw it. Maybe I just might see it after all.

Cessna chairman Jack Pelton gave a speech to the Aero Club of DC in which he expects the number of student pilots to fall to a 10 year low next year. Ya know what, I believe him! I personally know several pilots, young and old, who have given up on this profession and know several CFI's that are going broke because of no students.

Who wants to get into this business, especially now? Let's see, spend $150,000 on ratings and a degree, work for $18,000 per year (if you can find a job), get furloughed, start all over and repeat.

What about aircraft mechanics? Not much better in that segment of the industry either. Why go out and spend the money on the required A&P certificates only to find out the aircraft manufacturer you had you heart set on working for MOVED OPERATIONS TO MEXICO OR CHINA!!! See Cessna......Hey Jack, how about building plants here in the U.S.? Not in Mexico or China so the pilots, mechanics and engineers you're so worried about can get a job here in The United States!!!!!


Cessna?s Pelton: Fewer pilots a problem - Wichita Business Journal

Aircraft Machinists Protest Job Out-Sourcing to Mexico - KWCH - Kansas News and Weather -

Yingling subsidiary puts Skycatcher to work - Wichita Business Journal