Shortage of Pilots?

[cimore000]

Why is it that I sometimes hear on the radio or read it on sites that there is a shortage of pilots? because I always hear that getting a job as a pilot is very hard.
Which one is true, is there really a shortage of pilots or there are too many.

[Huck]

Plot out the average pilot salary, in inflation-adjusted dollars, versus the last thirty years. There's your answer.

[mrsurrey]

Plot out the average pilot salary, in inflation-adjusted dollars, versus the last thirty years. There's your answer.

Does anyone know where such a graph can be found?

[training wheels]

This thread should be in the 'Questions' channel, but any way, to my fellow Melburnian, the shortage is with experienced pilots with serious jet time. There are no shortage of new CPL holders with only a few hundred hours under their belt. Thus, it will always be difficult for new pilots to find jobs and get their first few hundred hours.

[Zissou]

Have alook in the wannabees forum if you please...

No shortage, just airlines that can't plan ahead very good!

Z

[gottofly]

I agree with training wheels,shortage is only for experienced pilots with a few thousand hours and Jet time,especially Captains.
But then,if you are at the right place at the right time,things could click.
Also,just like any other profession,there are ups and downs and things will look better in the future .

[protectthehornet]

there is always a shortage of really fine pilots.

[soseg]

Also, just like any other profession, there are ups and downs and things will look better in the future .

God I hope that big "UP!" is coming soon... like next 1-5 years

[bushy]

Many flying schools use lots of imagination when they sell their services.
It has always been thus.

[Falling Leaf]

"Plot out the average pilot salary, in inflation-adjusted dollars, versus the last thirty years. There's your answer."

Does anyone know where such a graph can be found?

Just imagine the shape of an alpine ski jump, but without the curved up bit at the end which helps you get airborne!

[Mr. Hat]

Falling leaf you beat me to it.. I was going to give instructions on x and y axis.

There isn't a shortage particularly at the moment.

[aseanaero]

"Plot out the average pilot salary, in inflation-adjusted dollars, versus the last thirty years

In the mid to late 80's I heard rumors of Flying Tiger captains (747 cargo) on US$250,000 to $300,000 , don't know how true it was

[Air Ace]

In the mid to late 80's I heard rumors of Qantas captains (747) on $250,000 to $300,000 , don't know how true it was

............................

[bushy]

That probably happens.
But it takes about 15 to20 years to get there. If you ever do.

Many people go to Hollywood to become film stars and earn Squillions of dollars. Very few make it.
Aviation in Australia is similar. A few get good jobs and make good money. But only a few. And it takes a long time to get there, if you do.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't try as long as you have a realistic view of what the reality is.

[qtn]

One little rumour of a job going, over 50 applicants as of friday. Pilot shortage, yeah right.

[Tee Emm]

the shortage is with experienced pilots with serious jet time.

If that is correct, it would be interesting to know why Jetstar have knocked back several highly experienced out of work airline pilots (8000 hours plus on jets) all of whom were successful in their simulator assessment test. The truth is there has always been an over-supply of experienced pilots (3000 hours plus) within Australia, so airlines can simply pick and choose. When a small company in South Australia can nominate 2000 hours as their minimum hours to fly a Cessna 206, then you know there is no shortage of pilots in general.