Classes: Hard to fill?
 

I wanted the title of this to read, "Have any regionals had a hard time filling classes?" but it is limited in characters.

So that's the question? I have heard rumors (you know how reliable those are.....) that some regional airlines have had a hard time filling classes. And some have had a hard time getting folks through training (that is not a rumor).

I know the flight schools have not been doing booming business for the past 3 or 4 years. I am wondering if the pool of qualified young pilots (CFIs, night freight, banner towing, etc.) is being drained pretty fast.

Many regionals are now hiring and I can't believe the pool of qualified new hires will be endless.

i think were still a ways off from airlines actually having trouble filling classes. IMO

I had a buddy that didn't make it through training. Seemed qualified, just couldn't hack it in the end.

Heard RAH is. Word is the last class they wanted 26 and only got 15. Don't know for sure though.

I also heard that Pinnacle/Mesaba are having a hard time filling full classes,,,

I think you heard wrong!! I was told by a friend in HR that Pinnacle received over 6,000 resumes within the last few months and can pick and choose who they want to hire...Also, Pinnacle is going to need to hire around 250-300 pilots in the next year, this is just what I was told, nothing in writing.

Really? That number may be slightly over estimated. Sounds like the place to go. Maybe I should apply. Apparently I'm missing something.

The CFI world is going to see a shortage soon due to the lack of Americans training. I would assume the 121 world still has plenty of resumes. My guess is late this year to early 2012 you will see the regional aggressively going after applicants. Once all the majors are hiring the regionals will be hard pressed for qualified applicants.

For the record I do believe in a big shortage unless the system changes (wages, 1500 hours, financing, ect).

Pinnacle told us at the interview last week that they want to hire 260 in 2011.

Watch what is happening to the posted mins of regionals and that is a good indication of how hard it is to find pilots. During this recent binge of hiring, most regional started with 1000TT-1500TT for mins and many are down below 800/100 already.

Eagle is trying to hire 600 in 2011. Key word is "trying." They have also had to park 2 brand new CRJ700s because they dont have the staffing to fly them, with 4 more deliveries left in the coming months.