They're getting apps, just nobody with 1500 TT...last class had 2 new hires. And one didn't show up! That's all they could get.

Are you guys short staffed?

They normally get a dozen or more though, right? When did this start happening? I know they were filling classes not long ago.

Well, between pay rates/ contract negotiations, closing ABQ and LAS flying (and blaming the sequester!?!?), the 1500 hour rule, and what does appear to be a general lack of new hires... A lot of pressures here one might say - something's gotta give.

Sequester could ground Great Lakes airline | Wyoming Business Report

I read this article and have to ask; what is their motive for writing this? A company admitting they're on the brink of 6 feet under for what benefit? If they think this gains leverage in the contract negotiations maybe they'll win that battle and then continue shrinking as they run out of pilots...

Motive? It's just news.

I personally think its about time some of these essential air service routes were put under the microscope. I remember flying to a small airport where we were the only air carrier that served it. 8 TSA employees, 6 ground crew and the local government had to provide fire and rescue on the airport to meet the regulations.
Most flights had 3 or 4 passengers, sometimes none all day. Add all of this up then the operating cost of the aircraft itself and you have one hell of a government subsidy.

Sure it creates jobs but it phony economics.

Motive would be DV having fodder to go to the Feds (or Congress, or whoever) and say, "I can't possibly hire FO's and stay in business if you guys don't let me have a waiver for the 1500 hour rule!"

I would agree with you in principle, but if you look at the overall national budget, the money spent on EAS is extremely small. Inefficient? Yes, but the sequester and EAS money with it is just politics. If you want to discuss economics alone, this conversation can be expanded to include Social Security, WIC, unemployment benefits, etc.

They were filling classes with false promises of 90 hours a month of flying. Mathematically it was possible for the new hires to hit 1500, but the reality is they spend 3 months on reserve with 5 hours a month of flying. Unless you're buddy buddy with scheduling and they give you flying, but there is no rhyme or reason for who flies and who doesn't. It's merely at the company's discretion.

I have flown with many new hires in the past 6 months and asked where their total time was at. Answer: "Oh, like 700, but I'm going to fly 90 hours a month and be ok!"

Response: "Enjoy paying $7,500 for your contract when they fire you because you are no longer qualified to operate 121."

Answer:".....uh-oh"

Not quite yet, unless you count short-staffed as the way the company typically does business.

The writing is definitely on the wall now, though!