Originally Posted by freightguy

I disagree. The market's answer to the 1500 hr requirement will come as higher wages and QOL for the pilots to attract more experienced pilot to the industry. When supply goes down and demand goes up, wages increase in proportion to the demand. They definitely won't be able to get 1500 hr pilots to fly for $20,000 to $30,000 ranges at regionals thereby killing the regional industry. Why do you think regional airlines are hell bent on reducing the required number of hours?

About foreign pilots coming here to replace us: you cannot immigrate to the US to fly for an airliner. Immigrating to the US, getting a work permit and flying for an airliner is a very long and drawn out procedure. On the other hand, you really think foreign pilots are drooling to come here and fly for $hit wages? Do you even know any foreign pilots? I know many and they are flabbergasted to hear how much I make....especially looking at the wages to living cost ratio. In most of Asia, a mid-size jet pilot makes as much as 2-5 times more than a medical surgeon in their country....I'm not making it up...it is a fact.

Look at medical doctors in this country. The AMA has techniques similar to 1500hr rule to curb supply. AMA does everything in their power to limit supply from controlling seats at medical universities to placing huge obstacles for foreign doctors from immigrating to the US. That is why you wait weeks or months to go see a Dermatologist. At the end of the day, they make $200,000 to $500,000/yr. Why: low supply and high demand.