1990s - Spend $30 000 on a CPL. Head bush, compete against scores of other pilots for a below award wage job in Kunnannara. After 4-5 years and 3000 hours if lucky right seat regional on below average wages. Get into QF/AN ? Single figure % chance. Back then someone starting out was more likely not to get a job then to end up flying. The initial expense, loss of income whilst learning, years of low wages and slim chance of success at the end, for some reason put people off
Now jobs are available but 0 - ATPL A320/B737 rating will set you back $100 000. Terms and conditions for most operators except QF mainline still nothing to write home about. REX and National Jet particularly poor. J*/Tiger/Virgin nothing to get excited about.
Imrove the terms and conditions,and spending money on training people is a longer term fix.
Who knows what to do about lack of pilots to cover next weeks roster
