You should just ask what the outlook is for tomorrow, I can't answer that one either.

I know. If I had a dime for each time people said "The days of sub 1500 hour hiring days are over"... I could maybe afford a Slurpee. Anyways, the point is Colgan is at 600/50, Eagle is at 800/100 and Lakes is at 750/50. All 121 operators. Yes there are a few with ATP reqs already but they are just hiring a few pilots (~50) while the ones who need to hire more, have the lower mins. Supply/demand. Demand is high (or increasing, your choice) and supply is actually dwindling, not just people with commercial pilots certs but as the saying goes "Supply of people willing to work for 20k/year"

You're all doom and gloom. Things could always be worse.

oil will tank the economy if history has anything to do with it.

I honestly don't think any ATP/1500 rule is worth the paper it's written on.

I expect any number of the following to continue bid-nes as usual:

1. College training exemptions, lead by ERAU, UND, et al.

2. Military trained exemptions

3. Airline sponsored training exemptions

4. Ab initio program exemptions

5. Multi-Pilot License exemptions

6. "Emergency" exemptions when airlines scream they have to cancel flights since they can't find any more kids who are qualified and want to work for $20k.

When the nation's infrastructure is compromised, Congress can and will act with breathtaking speed. In my opinion, it's a near certainty that age 65 will be extended, which is probably still better than the alternative solution, the Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL).

I think that's a reasonable solution - provided there is a requirement that anyone over 65 cannot be part of a crew on an aircraft certificated for more than, oh let's say, 50 seats.

It seems that this would satisfy nearly everyone. Enhances the pilot supply pool, provides upward movement for those currently trapped at regionals, gives the seasoned citizen crowd a chance to work longer.

I haven't heard even as much as a peep regarding this. Seems like 65 is about it. There comes a point at which skills diminish and reaction time slows. Sorry to say but until I see congress discussing this on the hill seriously, no truth to it.

I've only heard rumors myself, but here's some food for though:

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/av...-age-70-a.html

Age 70 for international pilots? - PPRuNe Forums