Pilot shortages are engineered by regulation to protect domestic markets. EASA protects Europe, CASA Australia
Absolutely... Throw in the flight schools trying to make a living (hence "pushing" the message of "pilot shortage" in order to get more students), and here we are..
I also agree about the character part.... But how do you tell that from an email or a Klick on the "klick here to apply" button?
Like you said, it's all about work permits and visa...
If a country needs pilots, and can't find enough locals, the companies need to approach the government to allow visa to be given to "skilled workers"...
I think pilots had been on the skilled workers list in the US for a few years, but were taken off around 2000?