An interesting article I just read. Share your thoughts.
Airlines Face Acute Shortage of Pilots - WSJ.com

 

It's like saying there's a shortage of airline tickets to Japan for $250

 

Something is GOING to have to give.
Not many folks are looking to take a vow of poverty in order to maybe fly for a liveable wage. It's striking to me that the flight schools that ARE busy are training foreign students.

Ab initio, anyone....because I think that's what's going to happen eventually here in the states.

 

It will have to happen. Seriously 90% of the students at my school are international students, and the other 10% are just getting their license for fun. I dont know how the airlines are going to lower their standards, when the government is increasing them. Finally a bit a sweet revenge :-)

 

Ab Initio could easily happen, but it will probably not be the Euro model. Airlines will simply fund students through the current US flight school system...presumably having them stay at the school and instruct to get to 1500 hours. If they get in a real crunch, airlines might have to buy each student 1500 hours (more likely they will get the number reduced to 700).

This might not be all bad because airlines would be forced to thoroughly screen candidates before spending that kind of dough on them. One obvious downside is that they won't have to raise compensation to attract talent...there would be no shortage of kids willing to fly jets if all the training is free.

From a financial perspective, it would make sense for airlines to take kids right out of HS with no degree or vocational skills...that would ensure the golden handcuffs are on tight.