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Who's going to fly the plane? Pilot shortage could get worse for regional carriers
A pilot shortage across Canada is causing some regional carriers to cancel flights, put less experienced pilots in the cockpit and has even had an impact on some air ambulance services. A combination of factors is causing the shortage — ever-increasing air travel by Canadians, a shortage around the world and a large number of pilots reaching retirement. (www.cbc.ca) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
It seems that airlines want to avoid the elephant in the room, which is compensation. If they pay their aircrew competitively, they will be able to attract and retain them. Does it mean higher passenger ticket prices? Of course.
I've commented on this subjected a few times, mainly because i'm directly effected by the reality of it. I'm in my young 30's CFI teaching full time, building hours, working on my MEI, learning everyday and enjoying the ride. Pay is ok, but my school, commute and quality of life is great! The airliners can't offer me anything... I mean everyone has a price$ but we all know they won't pay me enough to justify the horrible commute, schedule, lack of pay and seniority. I have corporate 91/135 available in my area that pays double without all the soul sucking lol. When I get to the magic flight hours required, it's really a no brainer for me... Everyone has a different view or reason, but I really don't understand starting from scratch and trying for the airlines route. $100k+ in debt for $18+/hour. Really?
It is possible that regional carriers cannot afford to pay their pilots more, the majors are eventually going to have to deal with the issue if forcasts are correct
It is all about the pay. There will never be a baseball player shortage. In the medical field there is an accute nursing shortage. This is mainly due to many qualified nurses waiting tables and working other service industries for twice the pay. As we move into the future, manufacturers and the aviation powers that be will increasingly look at single pilot options.
Typical cost to become airline pilot - $150k
Typical pay for flight instructors - $20-30k
Typical regional FO pay - $30-40k
Typical regional CA pay - $60-80k
Time from start of training to regional CA
If began training in 2000 - 10-15 years
If began training in 2017 - 6-8 years
So best case scenario is making on average 35k for 6 years while paying $1,500 per month in student loan payments. All the while dealing with terrible schedules. You need to REALLY want to fly to be a pilot, and the airlines have exploited that fact for far too long.
Typical pay for flight instructors - $20-30k
Typical regional FO pay - $30-40k
Typical regional CA pay - $60-80k
Time from start of training to regional CA
If began training in 2000 - 10-15 years
If began training in 2017 - 6-8 years
So best case scenario is making on average 35k for 6 years while paying $1,500 per month in student loan payments. All the while dealing with terrible schedules. You need to REALLY want to fly to be a pilot, and the airlines have exploited that fact for far too long.
What really has to happen is take control from the accountants and let people who understand aviation run the business.
Hey our profession is grossly underpaid too :)