Why do you think people stopped trying to become pilots?

Nut after 2 years at 1600 every two weeks bring home and you make captain there’s a possibility of making over 100k at a regional correct?

That has only been a thing during the second half of the 2010s, largely due to the talent pool for regionals drying up. Those two year upgrades are most likely gone for the near future. In the 2000s, you would see several year upgrade times for regionals, FOs being paid McDonald's wages, etc. If the whipsaw starts again, those conditions may come back.

Fair enough. Like I said I’m just weighing options on if entering this career how big of a pay cut I would initially take and also how long it would take me to make what I currently do. Again, here’s to hoping the best for all of y’all.

Highly unlikely that'll happen again with the 1500 hr rule in place that was not during the lost decade. In 2 years when we are likely back to normal, there's a good chance that there'll be an exacerbated shortage even worse than in 2019 because of the retirements combine with the COVID scaring off many new potential entrants.

There is going to be no significant hiring at the majors for the next x years. That and two regionals going bust means no fast upgrades or improved conditions for the NEAR future. 6/7/8 years from now, who knows?

Woah man, you can see the future!

Forgive me, you're right. No furloughs and 120% 2019 capacity by the 4th. ¡PiLoT sHoRtAgE back in full force!

Sorry, not you, I should have quoted. I was ripping on Bahamasflyer.

100%. That’s why I encourage everyone without a seniority number to work an alternate gameplan during this downturn. At best you’ll have a side gig for beer money or something to fall back on during the next economic crisis. At worst, if hiring resumes with terrible wages, you’ll have some options...and options are always good.

My fear is that I’ll find a BS placeholder job for the next 2-3 years, regional hiring will start back up, and we’ll have a surplus of qualified applicants...and the free CTPs, bonuses, and livable wages will fade into the luminiferous ether...not a good corner to paint oneself into.