Bill Douglas

1 Comment

    • ON: Tue Apr 15th 09:42 AM
      Commented on:
      Airline Industry Remains in Denial over Looming Pilot Shortage
      I'm assuming you're speaking of U.S. airlines in this piece, in which case you are wholly mistaken on several points.

      First, U.S. airlines haven't done their own ab initio training for decades, although it was once common. Some of those terribly experienced aging pilots that you speak of had nothing more than a private pilot certificate before being hired to Braniff, Eastern or United. The only airline that provides such training that I can think of is Delta at its Delta Connection Academy, and students pay dearly for the privilege.

      Second, Multi-Crew Pilot License certification is not recognized by the FAA. It is an ICAO standard.

      Third, Kit Darby of Air, Inc. has been blowing the pilot shortage horn for at least 20 years now. Somehow it's never here but "just over the next hill". Emerging markets may be desperate for pilots (I get offers to fly in China quite often even though I've been out of flying for 5 years) but there are plenty of young pups being churned out of Embry-Riddle, UND, Flightsafety, Delta Connection Academy, SIU, and hundreds of part 61 flight schools that are willing to be paid next to nothing to fly a pretty, new plane in this country. That's where you'll find future professional pilots. Flying clubs are for hobbyists.

      Low pilot pay and poor working conditions for regional airlines is not cyclical. It's all too well established and will continue as long as kids fresh out of school are willing to shoot themselves and everyone else around them in the foot just to have "the best job in the world".
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