Originally Posted by
bafanguy
PPSS,
Not being an expert, all I can offer is an opinion: I'm always skeptical when these airlines claim "pilot shortage" as a reason of poor financial/operational performance by the company. Maybe it is...maybe it's a cover for bad management. Republic was once bankrupt claiming pilot shortage as the reason (excuse). Look at them now.
I hold the same skepticism about the TSA case. Time will tell. I offer the following excerpts from the TSA memo posted above:
From the first page of that TSA memo:
“Last year was an exceptionally challenging financial year and early indications point to 2020 continuing down the same path.
“…we are facing a captain shortage (not "pilot" shortage) that will result in an inability to meet our increased productivity objectives and even our current contractual flying obligations.”
“The imbalance between Captains and First Officers is so extreme…”
Notice they didn't say "pilot" shortage. They've apparently got plenty of F/Os. It may be that lots of them don't have the 1,000 hours Part 121 time for upgrade but this is a time issue...not a supply issue. It may be that what the company offered in terms of pay, etc. wasn't enough to attract DECs in any numbers. These are management issues including manipulation by the regional mainline overlords and not industry issues.
Are the regionals that offer more attractive Ts & Cs having trouble recruiting/upgrading people ? Are other regionals closing the doors for lack of pilots ? I say the whole issue is much more complex that a simple pilot shortage.
So, I say get Up Here and get some of this if you have no better options Down There. Dumping the TSA pilots in the street may make it more difficult for new E3 applicants for a while but give it a try...even if you have to go to PDT.
And as for life here, you won't be shot and killed. I've lived here for 70+ years and haven't even had a gun pointed at me nor do I know anyone who has.
Best of luck to you.
Wow 70+ years!! You must have seen it all then. Well I have turbo prop job flying an aircraft over 20.0 tonnes here. Its pretty stagnant and growth doesn't seem like an option. Money is barely 4000 Aussie per month. Was thinking if US would really be better option. Lifestyle wise/money wise. Also not sure which companies are the best ones to apply for!! Thank you so much for your reply mate. Cheers