Not that I've heard. That would have been nice though.

 

No help right now, however that might soon change...

Based on a recent discussion that I had with several influential people in the aviation arena (university and airline), it sounds like many regional airlines are having difficult times recruiting new pilots (this is evidenced by signing bonuses at several regionals).

I've even heard of one airline conditionally hiring pilots before they even graduate from school, which up until recently is unheard of. Many of these pilots have been hired and assigned class dates, predicated on the completion of their degree and obtaining additional flight hours.

On top of that it sounds like a few airlines are researching ways that they could better recruit new hires. One method that was mentioned is the possibility of interviewing juniors, and then paying for their advanced ratings (CFI/CFII). The airline would pay for their training in exchange for a set amount of time instructing (at the school) and then a set amount of time as a first officer.

Still only a concept idea, but with more and more companies cancelling flights due to crew shortages, and others losing pilots to different companies, I'd expect to see several innovative recruiting techniques, and eventually contractual improvements to pay and QOL.

 

I hope to see that too, it just goes to show based on some of those other incentives that it seems regionals are willing to do just about anything but that though hah. Who knows, maybe the planets will align in just the right manner one day and finally increasing pay will be the only thing left to attract recruits.

 

Thanks Josh. I hope the airlines consider helping out newcomers into the profession. I think airlines have been spoiled so far with the seemingly endless supply of young, eager and wide-eyed new pilots willing to fly for poverty wages. These people do work hard and have their heart in the right place, but nobody can continue or would like to continue to live like that for long. Something has to give at some time. History has shown that many move on as soon as they find another job that pays a penny more. I would think that airlines want a crew who is paying attention when flying, not looking for another job or tired from working another job.

The medical and legal professions have been faced with this moral problem for years. Medical centers, hospitals and even small rural communities have long nurtured medical students with help in education and financial aid in exchange for several years of working for them. Legal services, of course, has always had trouble keeping the good and dedicated because they are often burdened with crushing loans. We have implemented a program to help with student loans of eligible new hires.

If regional airlines are to mean anything, it’s time they do something similar. It’s also in their best interests to have a good and stable workforce. But then again, I am not a management bean counter, so what do I know?

 

I think we should look at the 2nd and 3rd videos.
The first video is depressing.

 

I'm not sure how that would work. I don't know how it was at other 141 schools but most of my friends and I had our CFI/CFII before our junior year. Now if they would pay for he MEI that would be great. It's amazing to think that it has come to this so quick. When I was instructing (not that long ago) if you didn't have at least 1000/100 you were not going anywhere. Now with a pulse and a commercial-multi you can get on with a regional. Scary!

 

best one? Josh, i'm hurt!
bc

 

Awww, BC. You know you're tops!

How about best in the Genre? Your video is still my favorite, although, it probably has a slightly less "optimistic" point of view given the topic! On the other hand, your video has a picture of yours truly in it, so maybe yours is better after all... (Although I am still waiting for my royalties...)

Either way, both videos were made by IDE folks!

And since you bring it up, can't go without giving your video some props!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nO7zXlYz5M