"Flying Cheap" - Investigative report into the lives of regional pilots in the USA

[TopGunGB]

Just in case anyone's interest and hasn't yet heard, PBS (in North America) is airing a one-hour special about the growing concern regarding safety at regional airlines in the USA and the pressures placed on pilots. It airs Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 9 p.m. ET.

Here's an excerpt from the programme:

YouTube - FRONTLINE "Flying Cheap" | Sneak Peek 1: Who's Flying Your Plane? | PBS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL3QV5XK4g8)

FRONTLINE: Coming Soon - Flying Cheap | PBS (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/flyingcheap/)

From the PBS website:

Program Description

One year after the deadly airline crash of Continental 3407 in Buffalo, NY, FRONTLINE investigates the accident and discovers a dramatically changed airline industry, where regional carriers now account for half of the nation's daily departures. The rise of the regionals and arrival of low-cost carriers have been a huge boon to consumers, and the industry insists that the skies remain safe. But many insiders are worried that now, 30 years after airline deregulation, the aviation system is being stretched beyond its capacity to deliver service that is both cheap and safe.

[DERG]

So glad my son chose another way to make a living.

[unimuts]

Im surprised no one has done an investigation here in the uk and especially look into the pay to fly idiots.

Wonder if Flight international would ever run an article on the topic?

[bfisk]

Anyone got any idea if it's possible to watch this online?

[TopGunGB]

PBS say you can watch the programme live on their website here:
FRONTLINE: home | PBS (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/)

Unfortunately, I don't know if the online broadcast is available outside North America. However, I suspect this programme will end up on YouTube. Even if I have to be the one to put it there! :ok:

[Jazzy78910]

The Frontline (PBS) website says that it will air in the USA at 9pm Eastern Time on the 9th. If you do the maths, that works out to be in around 1 hours time (at the time of writing this). I imagine they'll remove the preview and upload the full story for online viewing some time after the TV airing occurs.

**Edit** The full story is now viewable at Frontline's website
FRONTLINE: flying cheap: watch the full program | PBS (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/flyingcheap/view/?utm_campaign=homepage&utm_medium=proglist&utm_source=proglist)

[timzsta]

I think he means 500hr TT on that aircraft type.

[Madder]

Very interesting documentary. Obviously you have to take into account the American journalism seeking the sensation, but a documentary which should be seen by any pilot caring for his proffession. Not only relevant to the regionals in the States, but in my opinion highly relevant to all branches of aviation. Especially the part about insufficient pilot training and experience, also the part regarding fatigue and underpayment. Could have been a 2 hour doc. if they had dug even deeper into those subjects.

Surprising to me that it has not recieved more comment, perhaps you guys dont have the 1 hour in spare to watch it?

[TopGunGB]

Just to reiterate what has been stated above, this documentary is free to watch worldwide. You can watch the full, one-hour programme at this link:

FRONTLINE: flying cheap: watch the full program | PBS (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/flyingcheap/view/?utm_campaign=homepage&utm_medium=proglist&utm_source=proglist)

It really is worth watching as it sheds some light on the lives of some modern airline pilots. I strongly urge anyone with a spare moment to watch it.

[pushback22]

A really interesting documentary and really relevant to the UK too. Very soon there will be a whole new generation of pilots living like this; its already started. Just look at some of the schemes being offered now and the debt people are in. Its not good, and people need to wake up to it.

[lpokijuhyt]

I wish they said what happened to the 2 pilots they got to do interviews.

[M14_P]

All I can say is good luck to those aspiring to become airline pilots....