To be honest I think the increase in instructor hires stems from the growing acceptance of instructors as pilots. I know that a year ago REX wouldnt touch anyone who had instructed with a 10m stick (10.5 maybe
), and there are now a lot of instructors getting jobs there. Same could be said of virgin/qf etc. I don't think that airlines are saying "instructors make better airline pilots", theyre just saying "instructors can be airline pilots as well." Makes you all warm and fuzzy dont it!
Side note: anyone had a look at the new scholarship program FTA is running... sounds pretty good if you're interested in airlines
Arrr.