Pilot Shortage?
 

I don't see how anyone could call our current situation a pilot "shortage". After nearly six years of furloughs, layoffs and frozen hiring it will take a decade just to get back to where we should be.

If the age 65 rule becomes reality then any talk of a pilot "shortage" will disappear and the hiring drought will continue for another 3 to 5 years.

If there is a surge in hiring it will be merely to replace those who have chosen not to come back.

In my estimation there are at least 30,000 able and qualified professional grade pilots who are sitting on the sidelines. The only shortage is of those willing to go through the harassment and depravity it takes to get there.

SkyHigh

Interestingly, I hardly wear the uniform anymore. I'm ashamed to.

REPENT!! REPENT!!


sry Sky high couldnt help it...ur the man

Next Wave
 

My latest airline hopes are that the majors pick up on hiring retired guys form other professions since they don't complain as much. I remember at Horizon they liked to hire retired military, police and fire type guys and they always seemed happy since they didn't have to worry about earning a living.

Perhaps someday I can make it in through that kind of approach?

SKyhigh

I feel bad for you, You seem so bitter becuase you are out of the industry, and you miss it tremendously :)

Thanks
 

Thank you for your condolences. I do miss it terribly however I am blessed with a family and require an occupation that offers compensation and working conditions suitable for a full middle class family life. I am very disappointed that after over 6000 hours of hard earned flight time, a college education and nearly 20 years of effort do not feel that I can afford to risk another year on a career that in my estimation has been permanently discounted and offers few real career prospects.

I have ever had only one real aviation dream and that is to fly for Alaska Airlines. Even that has lost most of its luster over the past five years. To this day it is the only Major airline I have ever applied directly to. Hopefully one day I can find my place again in the sky. Most likely it will be in an aircraft of my own.

Skyhigh