Originally Posted by 350z
some hard facts wouldn't go amiss
With all due respect where do you think these facts are going to come from ? Flight training providers tend not to keep records of people who don't get jobs although this wouldn't be a bad idea, it's not just US flight schools that tell you what you want to hear. UK flight schools often employ sales staff for a very good reason and it's not just to answer the phone.
The CAA may have some idea what percentage of people who pass their exams go on to get work based on the number of type ratings issued, may be they would be willing to divulge that sort of information ?
It wouldn't be a bad idea to get a long to a PPRUNE bash and talk to real pilots.(i'm assuming they are attended by real pilots, i've never been to one). The trouble with a dedicated wannabees forum is it's little more than the blind leading the blind when it comes to finding out what's happening out in the real world.
Another option would be to create a ficticious CV and push it out to as many airlines as you can and see what response you get. In reality you'll probably find yourself doing this many times over once you have qualified.
Finally buying a copy of flight international magazine and looking at the situations vacant section will be a good gauge, if the airlines are looking for FOs with lots of jet hours (assuming they are recruiting at all at the moment) it's proably a fair assumption that there are plenty of such pilots out there on the market leaving little room for newly qualified pilots with a few hours of multi engine piston time. Likwise if there are adverts selling right hand seat hours on type, these schemes can only exist if there are plenty of pilots looking who need these hours for these jobs but can't get them any other way.
Fwiw I was reliably informed only yesterday, at least one airline is offering extended leave and early retirement at the moment which is something that companies do to accelerate natural wastage.