Future of the Pilot Profession
Meanwhile, as stated above, certain segments of the airline industry claim there is a pilot shortage, and they often blame the shortage on a law passed by Congress in 2010 (P.L. 111-219). As a result of the law, the FAA implemented key safety enhancements to minimum first officer qualifications. The changes were implemented due to safety deficiencies identified in the aftermath of several fatal airline accidents. ALPA’s perspectives on the importance of these safety enhancements are discussed in greater detail in Maintaining Safety Standards.
The facts are clear—there is no pilot shortage in the United States. The annual number of airline transport pilot certificates issued remains strong. In fact, more than 25,500 certificates have been issued since July 2013. This rate of issuance continues to exceed the most optimistic pilot forecast.
Many airlines have recognized that hiring qualified pilots becomes easier when they increase pay and benefits and create career-advancement opportunities. Regional airlines that have added flow-through programs to mainline carriers have seen their hiring improve significantly. Many of these programs provide a path for employment through their code-share partners.
While the airlines that have increased pay, benefits, and quality of life have had no difficulty hiring qualified pilots, many regional airlines still have first-year salaries below $30,000. Basic economics should drive up these salaries if these airlines want to remain competitive in the U.S. market.
An airline pilot shortage is not responsible for small community air service challenges. Air service to small communities is impacted by economics, not pilot supply. In fact, access to and from many small communities has increased since 2012. Newer and larger aircraft have also increased the number of seats available in many small communities.
It’s rather sad to see these CX pilots desperately want to join a foreign carrier’s union that doesn’t even want them. Keep up the hope!