To be honest, I never thought I would see this happen so soon.
I am not talking about planes sitting on the ground due to lack of pilots in general, but due to the lack of pilots able to fly in command.
This however has not made itself evident within the lager companies to any great extent – yet, but it can be seen everyday now at the regional turbo-prop level.
Here is some recent evidence below from the ‘jobs’ section of the AFAP website (I am only using Pel-Air as an example of a wider trend):
PEL-AIR
Air Crew
Pel-Air is a charter operator with bases in Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Darwin. We operate Westwind Freighters and Executive jets, Metro 111 freighters and Metro 23 Passenger aircraft as well as a Brasilia EMB120 freighter.
We are looking for Captains and First Officers for bases across the country with current instrument ratings, medicals and dangerous goods.
Captain Turbine
Total Time 2500 hours
Command 1000 hours
Multi Com 500 hours
Have a look at the direct entry Capt requirements.
Now have a look at a similar add from a few months earlier.
METRO III & 23 CAPTAINS
CAIRNS BASED PEL - AIR
Pel-Air Express is a night freight operator with bases across Australia. We seek a team person with skills in team building and networking as well as leadership and negotiating skills.
Requirements:
• 3000 hrs Total
• 1500 hrs Multi-Command
• 500 hrs Turbine
• ATPL
Must have current Command Instrument Rating, Medical and Dangerous Goods. Instructional background or Check and Training experience essential. Preference will be given to Metro 3 & 23 endorsed Captains.
Haven’t Jetcraft and Skippers lost about half a dozen Metro Captains each recently? Oh well.
Ok Ladies and Gentlemen, NOW is the time to open your eyes and see the change in the balance of power. Once everyone realises that we are now an essential commodity rather than dispensable pawns – we can really do some damage……….or in the interest of both partes……….finally get paid what we deserve.
This will filter up the chain eventually. The good news is that due to the inbred reactive management practices at the regional level the hole in the experience level will hit hard. Planes will sit on the ground and contracts will be lost. In order to retain what little experience is left – the pays must go up.
Too little too late for some operators though.
The landscape is changing for the better. The answer is
Unity . A very encouraging thread.
Instead of a few sticking their neck out – let us raise the bar together. Also remember, an AWA swings both ways – who has the upper hand now?