I start flying in 1994 and was in USA in 1996. there was no pilot shotage.
2000 was better and market collapsed in 2001, so just 1-2 years were good.
then 2006-2007 was a good time, but collapse again in 2008.
the 6th and 7th years are the best time to get a job, but regrettably keeping a job in aviation for 10 years is very hard
next pilot booming will be in 2015-2016 and 2017 next big crisis.
happy 9/11 anniversary. enjoy the cake.open champagne and dance all night.