Great post, AZpilot!
Well said.
There never was and never will be a pilot shortage. I can attest to that.
I could wallpaper a whole room with the number of rejection letters I got from regional airlines despite having over 2000 TT, a Citation type rating, a master's degree in aeronautical science, clean driving and flying records, and letters of recommendation. Even very well-qualified pilots have difficulty getting their own careers established.
DON'T BELIEVE KIT DARBY'S BULL***T!!!
I am no longer pursuing a full time flying career, knowing that it will be difficult to live on regional pilot's pay which I believe is quite low due to the glut of pilots that has always existed. If there was a REAL shortage of pilots, pilots at regional carriers would make far more than they make now, and also pft would not exist either.
I am starting work shortly as an electrical apprentice with the IBEW and I know that as an apprentice I will make more than most first year regional airline pilots. My ultimate earnings potential once licensed as a master electrician is as high as I want it to be. I am aware of electrical contractors making into the millions annually. With a skilled trade and a college education, and the desire to succeed, I know I can do far better than I ever could have in the airlines.
Still, I miss the travelling and flying, but I don't miss the low pay and degrading working conditions found at the regional I once flew for.
Now I fly for pleasure, and I believe that this is the best way to pursue the flying dream, through a personal aircraft flown for pleasure.
Fly safe!!
kilomike