SkyHigh

I am no astronaut. I am not a military hero either, but I am not chopped liver. I have over 6300 hours of quality challenging flight time. 3100 hours of which is PIC. 3800 hours of that was in multi engine planes, 1600 in a Boeing 757-200. I have a BS degree in flight technology and graduated with honors and am in the prime of life at a healthy, accomplished and mature 40 years of age. I have a stellar record with every employer and letters of recommendation from the chief pilots of most of the companies I worked for. I received my 737 type rating in simulators owned and operated by Alaska Airlines given by previous and current Alaska Airlines line check airmen.

Ten years ago I would be a hot prospect, but today I do not even have the right to fill out an application at most companies. Some will say I am a quitter. Others that I didn't try hard enough. In any case I hold myself as an indicator species that there is no pilot shortage. In fact the industry is proving that to be false by increasing minimums over time.

Currently the regionals are having a difficult time filling classes but that by no means that the majors and LCC's are having trouble. In summary there is no pilot shortage and I am living proof of that. If I get the call I will let everyone know.

SkyHigh

Ftrooppilot

There is no licensed pilot shortage but there is a shortage of qualified pilot applicants. To get more applicants, many airlines have lowered the flight time (experience) requirements. Many pilots don't or won't apply for a variety of reasons - too old, lack of currency, too successful in another profession, no longer interested, family considerations, loss of income, etc., etc.

If you WANT the call, many of us wish you well and hope you get it.

9999

Interesting post. I don't agree and believe there is a qualified pilot shortage (You certainly appear to be an exception, skyhigh). Others like Southwest are starting to adjust fire (just lowered their minimums from 1300 PIC to 1000 PIC) to compensate. I have heard it from those 'in the know', within the industry, who do nothing more than this type of forecasting. It appears to be coming.

Maybe you will be back in a cockpit and flying your dream soon. I certainly hope you are. Best wishes to you and yours.

SkyHigh

There is a shortage of applicants at the regionals but not at the majors. Minimums at the better companies are currently at the highest levels in history. 20 years ago UAL had a standing minimum of 250 hours and college preferred. DAL even once rejected applicants who had command time. Over time the minimums at the majors have climbed dramatically.

Why are the regionals hiring so many? Where are they going? The majors are not hiring all that many. Soon the regional boom will be over and things will tighten up again. There is no pilot shortage only a shortage of people who are willing to work for nothing.

SkyHigh

SkyHigh

Lets not forget that minimums are not exactly what competitive hiring times are. In addition as far as I know SWA still wants a type, letters of recommendation from sitting captains and that 1000 PIC should be in at least in 121 RJ to be competitive. Those are still pretty tall orders.

Ten years ago 500 hours of turbine SIC in anything was the bar. Now a 1000 hours of turbine 121 PIC only gives you the right to fill out an application.



SkyHigh

SC-7

When was the last time you flew?

9999

Best of luck to you, SkyHigh.

mike734

You have that problem with the guy in Alaska. No? Sky, you are well qualified but not current. If you got back into flying full time you would be snatched up in a heart beat. But why would you? The job is not what it used to be nor what you set out for 20 year ago. Times may change but by then you will be too old. If you want back in you need to get busy. I don't think you will. I don't think many guys like you will. That is why there will be a shortage.

Moose

One of the asst CPs at Alaska told me there were 2500 pilot applications on file at Alaska as of last November. I thought it was much higher.

STILL GROUNDED

Hey Sky, I think you're not looking far enough ahead. If the regionals cannot get people now I don't think it will be too long before the "Majors" are having the same trouble. I'd also predict that if the majors see that the regionals are falling short and not able to meet there commitments that they will start taking back some of the bigger runs for themselves.

US air has started that ball rolling by putting EMB 190's on line. I think you'll see more of it. You're point is that the Majors are not yet seeing a shortage, well they are not the only airlines. If you discount regional airlines generating over a billion dollars in revenue you're not looking at the whole picture. If your interested in jumping back in the game you're going to have to take a big step back.

I'd think a place like Airtran would be real interested in you. Or worse maybe you have to Go to a place like X-Jet horizon or republic, get current then hit these other companies hard. Let em know you're serious. 5 years from now there its going to be a seriously different time at the "majors" There are a lot of aircraft on order and not enough pilots on the bottom rungs of the ladder to fill the seats.

I am 36 now, I got in the game late. I am not here because I thought this would be my "Golden Parachute" I am here because there a lot worse jobs in the world and so far I like what I am doing. You get one chance to go around in my book, thought I'd go around doing something I wanted to do. My point is that I have not yet seen your success' or falters in aviation but it should be an interesting journey to say the least.

Good Luck to you.