thanks for the updated info gents...

Ok let me qualify what I said earlier... Yes I know there are lots of you out there who refuse to go back and that is your choice (I agree with your decision by the way).. Of the people currently able and WILLING to apply, there are not enough qualified people, or have specific things in their past that disqualify them from certain airlines (multiple failures/tickets/duis/etc).... I dont disagree with you that there are lots of qualified pilots out there, but the fact of the matter is that some places are having trouble filling classes...

That's exactly what they want you to believe. Spread the word to all the high schools around the world and you'll be a hero to all the puppy mills.

You didn't specify which year...

It's still looking like August 8 this year, but the FAA extension ends shortly (July 21 I think). I think it's up to the budget deal and an FAA reauthorization/extension.

If you think there isn't a shortage, then you weren't at a regional 3-4 years ago before the 65 rule went into effect. And now its WAY worse. Yes there are a LOT of people who are qualified for the job, furloughed and ready to work. But what I saw and upgraded through 4-5 years ago was insane. The majors were taking people at 10+ per day from my one little airline. We were hiring at least 20 per month and getting on average 10 to show up for class. High time? 400 hrs. If the rule goes to 1500 then there is no hope. (that won't happen) But if it even goes above 300 hrs, it will be crazy hard to staff at the regional level. So after the regionals can't staff what they need to, mainline will have to takeover the flying. Where do those pilot come from?

These rules really need to get in place. I was just scheduled for a reduced rest overnight on day 1 of a 3 day trip. I think I slept a total of 4.5-5hrs before reporting at 6:30am. That is just unacceptable in this business.

Airing inability to make safe decisions on a public forum. Priceless.

John Allen, Head FAA Flight Standards, says second week of August. Quoted at a conference in May.

GF