I’m working on a long post about the dynamics of the pilot shortage (and tracking down some hard data), but here’s a look at how the looming shortage of pilots is putting less experienced crews in the cockpit and (eventually) forcing airlines to up pilot pay. As for that whole “high salaries await pilots” thing, put the numbers in perspective with the helpful tools at Airline Pilot Central.
Airlines scramble to fill cockpit vacancies; high salaries await pilots [New York Daily News]
Evan,
You’re absolutely right about the shortage. Airlines are ignoring it, and they’re not taking steps to retain qualified crews, thinking the Age 65 Bill just passed will bail them out. Pilot pay and benefits must keep pace with demand. Who do you want flying you and your family one dark and stormy night? A brand-new inexperienced pilot with minimal qualifications just months out of flight school? Or a veteran pilot with tens of thousands of flight hours, who doesn’t even flinch when bad weather or emergencies happen? Supply and demand—-and the supply is dwindling.
Regards,
William
LA,Ca,USA