I hear that there are well over 100 CPL holders working in the mines in WA. What will it take to bring them back to flying?? $$$$$$$$$$$$$
$$$$ Exactly, when a Baron driver's on $90 000/year the extra $10 000 for driving a dump truck isn't worth it. Problem is get a taste of a $100 000 income and it's hard to give up. The house, new car and overseas holidays are a real trap especially when you can afford an early retirement if you invest carefully. After a few years you can't take a 50-60% salary cut.
From the March issue of "Australian Aviation"
ATPL numbers 2004 - 6025
2007 - 6226
During the three year period 1198 new ATPLs were issued but the total increase was only 201. Therefore 997 dropped out of the system. These were likely to have been older, more experienced pilots who were qualified for good jobs overseas, retired, lost their medical or moved on to other things.
CPL numbers 2001 - 6712
2007 - 3686
A decrease of 45% in six years
PPL numbers 2004 - 15 498
2007 - 11 448
A very serious weakening of the food chain as the reduced number of CPL holders translates into a similarly reduced number of ATPL holders a few years down the track.
QF may have to reduce their minimums and widen the net a bit, but being most peoples number one choice, should still get crew.
Right seat fillers, especially with the new multi crew licence will take about a year to produce.
Who's going to be in the left hand seat with the operators who need the experience but can't offer QF conditions ?