USA Today "Pilot Shortage" (ya right) Article
#21
ERAU is a business. Their enrollment is down and that effects their bottom line on cash. So going to USA Today and CNN to speak about how there is a massive pilot shortage looming, and talking about how great a career it will be is the same trick they have used every 5 years. Every single time they have done this, they have plastered their flight training airplanes with a close up of their university logo and motion simulators in the background while they interview some flight instructor who is madly in love with airplanes, speaking how flying airplanes is the greatest thing in the world, and day dreaming into the camera about how ever since he was 3 years old he has been so in love with airplanes that he would do what ever it takes to fly them.
And the worst part, these students love flying so much that they will come out of college and accept any contract for pennies, flying a shinny jet for a regional even if it under cuts the rest of the industry or causes a thousand pilots to be outsourced and furloughed. And as long as management knows that, they will continue to send jerks like Roger Cohen hand in hand with ERAU to set up these interviews, and try to attract that same target audience of people who love to fly so much they will pay whatever it takes, and they love flying so much they will fly for free. Why do you think ERAU and the president of management's union (Roger Cohen) work hand in hand? Because it helps both of their bottom line on CASH.
And before anyone starts standing up for Riddle and telling me I have no idea what I am talking about, I did every year of my under grad at Riddle.
And the worst part, these students love flying so much that they will come out of college and accept any contract for pennies, flying a shinny jet for a regional even if it under cuts the rest of the industry or causes a thousand pilots to be outsourced and furloughed. And as long as management knows that, they will continue to send jerks like Roger Cohen hand in hand with ERAU to set up these interviews, and try to attract that same target audience of people who love to fly so much they will pay whatever it takes, and they love flying so much they will fly for free. Why do you think ERAU and the president of management's union (Roger Cohen) work hand in hand? Because it helps both of their bottom line on CASH.
And before anyone starts standing up for Riddle and telling me I have no idea what I am talking about, I did every year of my under grad at Riddle.
#22
I have seen more than a few a commericial websites (and of course flashing print media) promoting glory-day images of being a pilot. So my concern is the young'ens aren't necessarily hearing from actual pilots' points of view. Certainly we see some here on these forums which is great, but I think of Jet University. A few flashy ads touting "Catch Me if You Can" (The movie) like lifestyles, and boy did they come to Jet U in droves! Same at most flight schools.
But as with the .com billionaires.... its all a matter of timing. Jump in too soon, and you are a pathfinder...all hardship, no reward. Jump in after the wave, and you get to doggy-paddle and essentially coast along with comparitively few REAL challenges...and thus smaller rewards. But if you are lucky enough to ride the wave (again the 1940's-1960's) then you are the big kahoona for everyone to look at, admire, and envy.
I tell wannabe's that the adventure is in part 91. In 121 you get to travel and compare one marriot room to a hyatt room. not much time for anything else.
As for education, I suggest to them that they diversify themselves. I am unaware of any airline that REQUIRES an aviation degree. It may be a preference, but wont be a deal breaker. By diversifying their knowledge base, they can actually bring MORE to the table. And they can better survive the ebbs and flows of the industry. They might even be able to make more of their aviation career if they had a more objective perspective allowing for more strategic decision making. So I usually suggest they seek degrees in business administration, engineering, Human resources.
Like any wide-eyed kiddo, they invariable brush off my advice and blaze what they think is their own unique path.....but underneath the overgrowth they will eventually find the footsteps of so many who have gone before them, mine included.
So....we guide. We teach. We encourage a wiser path. we dont become bitter or hate the industry for what it has become (with our help).
AND WE CERTAINLY DO NOT DISCOURAGE FUTURE PILOTS SIMPLY BECAUSE WE WANT TO ACCELLERATE A "SHORTAGE" IN HOPES THAT IT WILL DRIVE UP OUR WAGES!
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2010
Position: Reverse Cowgirl
Posts: 546
#24
Bracing for Fallacies
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: In favor of good things, not in favor of bad things
Posts: 3,543
#25
Bracing for Fallacies
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: In favor of good things, not in favor of bad things
Posts: 3,543
As I have said to others, you can fly for a living, that's fine, just realize the realities of the job. And who knows, a 'good' job my come quickly. Finally, I am very fortunate for the National Guard benefits and what money I saved during deployment. I would be in a totally different financial boat without that.
#26
#27
Estimated Cost of Attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Costs and Payments, Daytona-Beach , Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Currently quoting $39,438 per year of Riddle for living.
THEN, add in ~$50,000 for total flight costs.
That is assuming you do not want your CFI certs. Otherwise, pony up at least another $12,000.
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: 777 Left
Posts: 347
#30
Allow them darn foreigners to take a bigger portion of the pie. And rather than snivel about how miserable they are with $50k on their W-2....and having to stay with 4 others in their crash pads.....them darn foreigners will celebrate the vast improvement over their national standard.
Some say it'll NEVER happen. We're "protected"!....
I could asily be wrong. But for now, I'm working on a patent for a headset....that'll fit over a turban. (just kidding...mostly)
Some say it'll NEVER happen. We're "protected"!....
I could asily be wrong. But for now, I'm working on a patent for a headset....that'll fit over a turban. (just kidding...mostly)
You do realize how backwards this thought is? You clearly have no idea how the rest of the world's airline pilot jobs compare to the pay/benefits of USA pilots.
Those guys are saying the exact same thing (rightly in my mind) about USA "pilots".
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