FAA concerned about pilot shortage

[Crizz]

Heard through the grapevine that a FAA jumpseater was concerned about the number of pilot certificates being issued in the last 2 years. He supposedly said that it is down in the neighborhood of 50% from historical averages and the FAA is starting to take notice.

Has anyone else heard anything similar or able to confirm this?

 

[Saabslime]

Oh yeah, just ask Kit Darby

 

[Propsync]

Well, I wouldn't be suprised. 100LL cost is out of hand. New light aircraft cost has brought up used aircraft cost. It's getting where it really is a rich man's sport. I'd bet they're seeing fewer applicants simply because of cost. Seems that they still have enough at the flight schools, but that probably isn't enough. I'm interested too, simply because of the VLJ craze. If the FAA is seeing those numbers now, what will happen when those VLJ fractionals try to start up? Where's Kit Darby?

 

[TOOL CRIB]

Hmm, probably because a 152 used to be $50/hr to rent 10 years ago vs now all you can find are crappy Warriors or 172s for $90/hr or their brand new equivalents for $130/hr. It's a good thing the light sport aircraft are out now.

 

[Sticky]

yeah..AOPA had a good article about this. It is true that numbers are down 50%. However, I think it is mostly for GA Sunday pilots. When 172 rentals are $140 with an instructor, not too many casual people are willing to pay that much. Of course though, a training pilot who wants a career will pay (or their dad will pay) just about anything.

It's my guess though that the days of the typical airline brat are going to be over soon. When good ol' dad was pulling in $230,000 a yr with United and a 172 was $70 bucks with an instructor, he was more that able to send his kid into flight training. Now that United pilot is making $130,000 and a 172 is $140....plus his retirement is gone.


Either way, pilot numbers being down 50% is a good thing.

 

[tracearabians]

I agree ! Just pay Kit and all problems are solved.

Oh yeah, just ask Kit Darby

 

[Amish RakeFight]

What about the increased TSA training requirements for both citizen and especially non-citizens. Does anyone think this has helped lower the student pilot starts and rating advancements a substantial amount?

I agree with most of the above concerning costs. They have gotten way out of hand.

 

[PunchTheClown]

Heard through the grapevine that a FAA jumpseater was concerned about the number of pilot certificates being issued in the last 2 years. He supposedly said that it is down in the neighborhood of 50% from historical averages and the FAA is starting to take notice.

Has anyone else heard anything similar or able to confirm this?

Maybe because people are finally learning to stay away from this career.

 

[TOOL CRIB]

Airlines can't find pilots = airlines paying pilots more in an effort to get more interest. Supply & demand.

 

[ceo_of_the_sofa]

Maybe because people are finally learning to stay away from this career.

Bingo!
It's a good career if you go into it somewhat prepared for the daily reaming. I can't understand how those with loans are doing it.

 

[sqwkvfr]

The majority of the radio calls in our practice area around PHX are made by pilots with foreign accents.

Learning to fly for fun is quickly dying in this country.

 

[blackbox]

I have heard that some of the large academies are hurting in enrollment as well.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Adam Smith's "Invisible hand" at work. The market in a sense is correcting itself.

 

[Gofish]

Now if only that "invisible hand" will HAND me a friggin raise.

 

[pookie]

Adam Smith can suck Kit Darby's ballz.

 

[pookie]

I better stop drinking.

 

[ReverseSensing]

Now if only that "invisible hand" will HAND me a friggin raise.

There's an invisible hand, and all you want is a raise? You need to dream bigger, my friend. I'm thinking reach-around.

I better stop drinking.

That's just crazy talk!

 

[gringo]

Airlines can't find pilots = airlines paying pilots more in an effort to get more interest. Supply & demand.

10 bucks says you're wrong.

 

[AdSo81]

Your obviously not a pilot if your so willing to give up 10 dollars.

 

[ATR-DRIVR]

Heard through the grapevine that a FAA jumpseater was concerned about the number of pilot certificates being issued in the last 2 years. He supposedly said that it is down in the neighborhood of 50% from historical averages and the FAA is starting to take notice.

Has anyone else heard anything similar or able to confirm this?

The FAA had better start worrying about their own backyard, IE the controllers. Many retiring, little or no hiring especially when it takes 3yrs for a FPL at a TRACON and 3 to 5 for a FPL at center, new "contract" shoved down their throats, dress code now enforced - give me a break.
Good ole' Marion is driving the ATC Titannic dead on to the berg.

 

[gringo]

Your obviously not a pilot if your so willing to give up 10 dollars.

Not anymore, anyway!

 

[dbchandler1]

You better be careful with your economics references in the regionals forum, for alot of new regional guys the "invisible hand" is the result of going to a flight academy with a poor gender ratio.

 

[Blade Runner]

Now if only that "invisible hand" will HAND me a friggin raise.

Or bitch slap Spanjers or paul foley.

 

[FlyBunny]

I agree ! Just pay Kit and all problems are solved.

​

Would you pay him a small amount iof consultation fee f it leads to flying A320?

I can tell you a real life story.

Don't have to put him down simply because you're jealous of him flying for a major airline and making, YET, more money doing a clever business on the side. Unlike you, he's helping pilots with making good career decisions.

Remember that phrase; '...if you can't beat'em, join'em. If you can't join'em, know your personal limitations...and respect them'.

Hope this will help you breath better!

Bunny

 

[jetjock6]

Oh yeah, just ask Kit Darby

I can't afford to ask Kit Darby anything.

 

[SEVEN]

Or bitch slap Spanjers or paul foley.

Don't forget our buddy Doud S.

 

[c-wood75]

Oh yeah, just ask Kit Darby

kit was on my jumpseat a few weeks back down to the ATL.

He isnt preaching the pilot shortage stuff anymore, he is now preaching how his career is going to be extended 5 years because in January the retirment at 60 rule is going out the window according to him. he said he thought it would never happen but now its going to.

He is a very opinionated person.......

also say his company has lost tons of money since 9/11.

I told him to quit puttin out magazine telling me how great it is to work at mesa.

 

[pgcfii2002]

Pilot shortage?? Probably due to people not wanting to consider flying as a career....and the first year F/O's bailing at the regionals.

 

[Guitar Guy]

kit was on my jumpseat a few weeks back down to the ATL.

I told him to quit puttin out magazine telling me how great it is to work at mesa.

What was his response to that?

 

[Mercury]

Don't have to put him down simply because you're jealous of him flying for a major airline and making, YET, more money doing a clever business on the side. Unlike you, he's helping pilots with making good career decisions.
Bunny

Wow!!!!!! not sure where I should even start with this one.....maybe I'll try again later, after I have another beer or two.......Bunny, you can just keep drinking Kit's Kool-Aid.......