Pilot Shortage 2024 Edition

[@bobbys2160]

I remember in the early 80's when no one was hiring. It was really grim. I got hired in 1988 with the Major's with almost 10k hrs, type ratings and lots of time as a Captain. I thought I'd never get hired but I kept applying. Fast forward and I really mean fast forward 34 years went screaming by and I retired as a 777 Captain. What a career it was. Keep pressing forward and don't quit. I got there and so can you

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Great advice and thanks for the inspirational message.

[@sarvar_abd]

Great life story sir! Do you think that this career is worth spending tons of money for education and building flight hours?

[@nealhere]

I hear this advice: Don't hide in the flight school. Get out and network and meet the people who are flying ahead of you. This opens the link to your future rather than starting cold when you are close to you time mins.

[@brimopm]

Great advice. I was turned down by Delta,my first choice airline back in '90, later got picked up by Northwest. Run 30+ yrs though your crystal ball and I have seen everything from a pilot strike to bankruptcy, and then a merger. From Sars and bird flu to Covid, financial crisis & foreign wars, not to mention $150/barrel oil. Stick with the horse that got you to the race, you may be surprised at not only how far you have come, but also the perspective and appreciation that you make it through it all, and like me end up with your first choice carrier. I admit, I may be luckier than good at the process, but it's a subtle reminder to enjoy, don't fret. It's been said, "The harder you work, the luckier you get".

[@Db7-nh8mi]

Hi Carl, I enjoy your channel. Your message to the younger pilots was really good. I graduated flight school right when Midway, Pan Am and Eastern airlines went out of business. The backlog of pilots was huge and even getting flight instructor positions was difficult. I was frustrated and depressed about it. For a few years I continued to fly but eventually quit flying as I thought I would never have an aviation career. Fast forward many years. I am retiring from a different career and would like to go back to aviation as a second career. I am older and at 400 hours TT in the log book, now trying to get the hours needed to get hired by an airline. Had I kept flying, I would be probably be qualified to be hired. So to the young pilots out there; if you really want it, stick with it.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thank you for relating your experience and inspiration.

[@yazntaamneh9974]

Hi Carl , it felt so good to see my question up here on your video , thank you so much for taking the time to answer it , your content and your opinion is very important and it makes a huge difference for allot of us here on your channel , thanks again for all the encouragement and informations in this video , and for sure will get your help and service one day during my journey ( working on my commercial now ) .

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

You are so welcome and I am glad you are taking steps to move forward with your career!

[@ctcs13]

Hi Carl, thank you for your wisdom. "Make your own luck", "Don't stop flying." I love it.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

You are welcome. It is amazing how lucky we can become through hard work and perseverance. Take one step towards your career gaol every day and you will reach it sooner than you think!

[@Matulaflys]

I have been an avid listener for over 4 years. Currently lucky to be in a Cadet Program for a ULCC. ACP has been very consistent on the roller coaster Airline Industry and Pilot hiring. Yes the major and regionals have slowed hiring. ( From record hiring to still hiring more than in the last decade) The industry has hired the most pilots ever in the last few years. HIRING HAS NOT STOPPED! Like others have said some regionals are lacking qualified Captains. The music has not stopped it just slowed. The days of fogging a mirror are gone. You need to be competitive and stop comparing yourself to others. We have had lots of chatter on our Cadet Forum about class date delays, hiring slow down, bonuses going away etc.. 2024 is actually off to a good start. Class dates are now being posted, flight schools are still enrolling students, Airbus and Boeing are still filling large orders for new aircraft. We need pilots to fill those seats. Keep flying , get a mentor or take Carl up on his career coaching service. More good news Net Jets and SWA have new contract agreements in principle. A rising tide lifts all boats.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thanks for the feedback and sharing your experience. I am glad you are moving forward with your career. Please keep us updated as to your progress.

[@Paul-ez4ub]

There slowing but bottom line is they are still hiring. Make yourself the most qualified and knowledgeable during the interview. Great video love the content 👍

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree it is important to be the most qualified and knowledgable. I have been doing interview preparation for over 20 years and the person who is prepared really stands out and usually gets hired.

[@kngalex]

I respect the podcast, have been subscribed for a while and agree with most of what you're saying. However I believe you're being overly dismissive of the difficult hiring environment in the 121 world at the 1500 hour level. You make it seem like most 1500 hour guys are looking for jobs at the majors when in reality at this level most are still looking at regionals. You keep commenting "yeah, you may have to get a job at a regional for a while" but that's not as easy as it was a year ago. As a new 121 FO who just went through the hiring process and also has numerous CFI friends who can't get any interviews, there are only a couple hiring outside of their cadet programs at the moment. The shortage at the regional level isn't currently in the right seat, but in the left seat. If you've got 1000+ 121 hours, any regional will hire you, but if you don't and aren't part of any cadet program, or don't want to sign a 4 year $100k commitment, it's a little more grim. I agree that it's still a great time to be a pilot and no 121 carrier is going back to $20 an hour, but it's definitely not as easy to get with a regional as this video makes it seem. Like you said though, keep flying. I've seen people get their 1500 and stop flying while they wait to get an interview. Keep building hours, keep networking with people.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thanks for the feedback. Being a career pilot has never been easy but it truly is worth it, especially if you love flying and traveling. The reason I mentioned trying to get hired by a regional at 1500 hours is due to the fact many who reach out to me don't want to make a stop at the regionals and feel they should be able to get hired by a major at 1500. Although it is true some are getting hired with 1500 hours at a major that is not the majority. I really like your last statement : "keep building hours, keep networking". Great advice.

[@ljthirtyfiver]

Carl is right . At least in my experience. I thought I was above the regionals when I hit 1500. Didn’t even bother to apply to envoy or piedmont . I got picked up by a ulcc to fly Airbus, now I’m flying a Boeing for a major . While I don’t believe I’m the rule . I was an example of some one who thought the market was ripe for me to advantage of and skip the regionals. Thankful and forever humiliated and humble

[@thatguy8005]

There will always be a pilot shortage. The cost for training plus the chance a minor medical condition could end your career in a flash… something that wouldn’t happen in any other field of work that has this type of training cost.

[@nolaneads2826]

I'm assuming your not actually a qualified pilot applying to jobs, you'll change your mind once you get there and realize its you vs many others for one seat.

[@gulfstrmcaptbob4124]

corporate as a backup? its harder to get a good corporate job. major corporations are not hiring 1500 hour C172 pilots. they hire experienced Gulfstream ,type rated pilots with international experience

[@hardy2k11]

That rule from 250 to 1500 changed everything

[@BRC332]

Obama pelosi Reid…. I will never forget those names…

[@mattcollins4550]

At this moment in time, regionals are not hiring 1500 hour FOs outside of their cadet programs. Nearly all of the regionals are FO heavy and are trying to equalize. RPA is even forcing a draconian and punitive contract on new hires.

[@wickandrews8320]

My instructor just got hired and was not in a program.

[@mattcollins4550]

which airline? How many hours did he have?@@wickandrews8320

[@MichaelAcevedo]

+1 and even as a cadet some carriers aren’t even getting people into class until 6-9 months from their CJO.

[@mattcollins4550]

@@wickandrews8320 can you give some details? Which airline? How much time? Anything special about them?

[@lazyFoodz]

thanks for another inspirational video. even though it seems to be impossible for me to achieve my dream to become a pilot, your video keeps pushing me to never give up on it

[@TheJustinJ]

There is no Pilot shortage. The industry has been claiming this lie since at east as early as the 1990s. "Baby boomers are about to retire!" ... "Veterans of XX war are retiring!"... They keep incessantly claiming a pilot shortage. Long enough that those pilots who filled the shortage are already retired themselves. I know countless airline pilots who hired on, got laid off due to seniority THREE TIMES in their career. And ended their career back at the beginning, instructing Cessnas, after spending their entire career left seat. Due to inopportune layoffs with their low seniority, and other union policy they had to start from the bottom every time they found a new job. The industry absolutely obliterates any and all comers, unless your entry is timed perfectly in a narrow 2-3 year window of a 7+ year boom and bust cycle. Anyone who starts at the peak will suffer the crash, and it may take a decade or more to recover. There is no Pilot shortage. There are 40,000+ commercial and ATP pilots working in other sectors, never to return. There is a shortage of companies that don't suck. And they want an endless supply of Pilots to burn. And pay bottom dollar also.

[@Babecastro]

Thank you so much! Long term path is the way to go.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

You're so welcome!

[@bowzist]

I started training April last year and still building time towards my commercial, a job security was one of my concerns coming into this industry, most corporate jobs out there want more than 1500 hours and a lot of multi engine time unless you’re really good at networking. I think I’m start looking into some 135 opps like a king air or joint a cadet program as soon as I can. I applied for the frontier program but got rejected because I’m instrument rated. They want you coming in as a fresh private pilot. But hey! Flying is flying, I’ll take whatever comes first first when I get enough hours I guess 😅

[@MakingLemonadeCreations]

My sons finished their flight training in Aug with 550 hours (commercial, Multi, Instrument) and can’t find jobs. Been looking since Aug. since they started school their own and got PPL and instrument, they could not get into the pathways programs. $90k in training and no jobs.

[@wmgroome]

Recently received my commercial certificate and currently attending CFI academy through ATP flight school.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Congratulations on your commercial pilot certificate. I am glad you are taking one more step towards your career goal by pursuing your CFI.

[@baloboys7245]

Hi @wmgroome Congrats on getting your CPL! I'm also thinking about changing my career and becoming a pilot. I would love to discuss and get your feedback on some things. Also this is for everyone out there that is going through flight school or has already made it to Regionals/Major (Congrats!!). I would love to discuss and get y'alls insight. Thanks

[@asksty29]

Hi Carl, Thank you for your wonderful advice and positivity! Subscribed!

[@Gryronaut]

Thanks for the motivation!

[@gabrielsimoes5437]

Every industry is cyclical, society is ciclycal. Do you stop eating out during a recession? No! But it may not be a good time for a new restaurant to open up, or maybe a restaurant that has been around for a Long time is gonna close down. Anyway, look at the long term goal! Well said.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thank you for the comment. I like your analogy.

[@seanramzei3469]

Positive content as always and help to focus on our goals, thanks captain

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

My pleasure!

[@Midge-xn9tp]

More like a money shortage, that is the problem, if people are charged through the roof for basics, they will never have enough for anything else

[@Aviator408.]

Great video Carl!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@georgewashington7444]

Furloughed from 121 after 9/11 Went to corporate side ever since with 12000 PIC jet currently. I’ve got to see and do things average drones could only dream of. I also have missed many Holidays, birthdays, weddings etc and spent half my adult life sleeping in hotels! Every 6 months you get to prove yourself to the FAA and Medical Dr also don’t mess up because you could get violated or God forbid die. If I were 18 again I’d find a high earning profession and fly my own plane on sunny weekends! Not trying to discourage anyone but you sacrifice ALOT to live as a professional aviator!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thanks for the feedback and perspective. There are certainly pros and cons to this job.

[@mehdifarzinamin4090]

Thank you sir.❤❤

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Always welcome

[@michael_viteritti]

Great video, thanks for sharing

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thanks for watching! I hope it was helpful.

[@Sam-ny1ng]

Wow, about time this shortage get here they all toll me 1980 there was going to be a big Pilot shortage/11

[@actionjackson379]

What great advice

[@CarlosMartinez-be1jk]

"One Pilot Cockpit" is totally Unavoidable

[@richarddastardly6845]

You guys are so lucky in the US, I live in Western Europe and I can’t find a flying job, I’ve been qualified for over 12yrs with 800hrs total. I know for a fact if I had access to that market I’d probably be in a major by now, it’s so much harder as a foreigner in Europe as there’s not much GA. I’d say don’t ignore the market trends, pay attention to it so you can manage the risks better

[@kellysunseri-adams8550]

Youd need at least 1500 hours to be at a regional, much less a major. Just sayin

[@nolaneads2826]

@@kellysunseri-adams8550 Bingo, 800hrs would have you fighting for a job that pays peanuts in the states.

[@richarddastardly6845]

@@kellysunseri-adams8550 - Yes I know but getting

[@richarddastardly6845]

@@kellysunseri-adams8550 - Yes I know but getting to 1500 hours in the US is easier than in other parts of the world. Over here 200hrs can get you into a 737

[@ibiro868]

Go find a flight school in Florida that sponsors visas and become a flight instructor for them. Promptly marry the first American woman you meet. You can easily get your green card and start a new life here.

[@briastev]

Three questions: How long will it take, how much will it cost and will I get a job at the end of it. Most important, make sure you have enough money to get your fist job (for those self funding proficiency flights) not to get your license. And when you hear "pilot shortage" it means a shortage of experienced qualified pilots. Best of luck!

[@HolladayAviation]

There are way too many CFIs looking for work right now.

[@sofloemir]

There are other ways. Plenty of small CSEL jobs. Low pay, but you will knock out those hours and move onto something else. Get your 1200 and plenty of PIC 135 stuff out there. I am skipping CFI and going this route.

[@LACSACR]

Do you want to hear a horror story? In Europe pilots have to pay for their own type-rating to be hired. And when hired, salaries could be $15/hour if you are lucky.

[@robbarr7155]

Ahwww what, DEI not working out??? The industry did it to themselves

[@littlekingtrashmouth9219]

Didn’t Earn It

[@jimprior5700]

I graduated from A&P school in 1964, way back and not a single guy in our class got a airline job. I got a job with a cargo airline at JFK about 18 months later. It wasn't what I planned on but as it turned out it was a great career and I retired from Fedex after 39 years. There was no Fedex when I started. Hang in there.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thank you for the inspiration!

[@dray22222]

So how does this advice apply for someone with 1000s of hours flying turboprops? Would it be worth the immediate move to a 737 on a smaller carrier or worth waiting for the mainline of choice?

[@electricaviationchannelvid7863]

Do not wait, move to the heavier aircraft... 1 and a 1/2 year there then you can upgrade further...HR do not like people who are stuck...

[@webuser5950]

your website is running slow just fyi. I wasn't able to access the pay it forward page

[@reubenmorris487]

The mechanic shortage is going to be more detrimental than the pilot shortage. I have both A&P and a mere Commercial. Right before and after I finished Commercial, I was invited by the chief pilot at the school and one of the senior pilots.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

There is a shortage of many type of workers including mechanics. I think it is time I discuss aircraft mechanic jobs in a video again.

[@JH-qqqqqiim]

There’s always short term fluctuations. The macro has not changed. Play the long game.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Absolutely! A pilot career is a marathon not a sprint.

[@1960hauntedchazz]

Thats very easy to say if time is on your side & you are in your 20s or 30s.

[@andrewsmith2679]

❤love this, great advice. on my atpls taking his advice

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Glad it was helpful! Keep taking one step every day toward your career goal!

[@andrewsmith2679]

@@AviationCareersPodcast i will thanks. after my atpls going to Oxford in England to do MEP then IR, then CPL. i will goto florida one day have fun doing type ratings. absolutely love it. i think its important to actually enjoy it, not get stressed about exams, just enjoy the ride as best as possible

[@57silverwings]

So 1500 hours makes you a pilot. Hog wash. Just more desk jockies controlling your life. I would say be a doctor, veterinarian, dentist not a pilot. How do I know this. 33000 hours in the air. Retired off the B747-400. Iiving out of a suitcase.

[@newchannelwtfwhy]

The pilots in the Colgan crash, which caused the 1500hr rule, both had wayy over 1500 hours of experience. So dumb. I thought there were enough pilots in Congress to get some traction on reducing the hours but the public only hears "737 falls apart in flight and now the captain is 20 years old"

[@MakingLemonadeCreations]

I have twin sons with 550 hours, commercial, instrument, multi engine and more. Finished training in Aug and can’t even get responses to resumes submitted. $90k in training and can’t find their first jobs. They are reengaging with CAP hoping to network. Pilot shortage???

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Maybe it is time to try a different approach. If you want to discuss offline I would be willing to help through our career coaching. To find out more visit: www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ Most importantly keep taking one step each and every day toward the career goal.

[@abelngetich]

Are there fully funded scholarships for international students?

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

There are scholarships for all students but to fully fund an education it normally takes applying for multiple scholarships.

[@kurtreber9813]

Cant possiby be a shortage. I have to get my PPL an hour away because my airport has to schedule 6 weeks ahead for flight lessons. My other airport needs about 2 weeks pre-scheduling.

[@JPLAviation]

“Experienced pilot shortage” Don’t get me started on the good pilot shortage ahah

[@bludybrains]

Ive heard stories of people getting hired at a major with just 1500 total time. Im just curious what made them stand apart from the rest???

[@gunellvaughn-jackson6274]

Depends on the majors spirit for a while were hiring airmen with 1500

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Due to the lack of qualified applicants some majors started hiring pilots with restricted ATP which is less than 1500. There are many reasons these candidates stood out and is probably the subject of a new video. This is the reason I started career coaching is to help people get hired and stand out from the crowd. www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

[@Aleksandar6ix]

Had I been able to start this career when young, especially if my family was together it would have been great. Now in my 40's, living alone and on limited wages....I don't see that as a good risk to take even if I could find money.

[@newchannelwtfwhy]

Current $250+/hr to train with a flight instructor. My BFR just cost me $1300. Pilot shortage is nothing more than a nasty joke meant to blow smoke up the ass of the few suckers whose parents can still afford this. I just wanted to become a CFI and I see no path forward. Bye.

[@viperdriver82]

There is no shortage ...if there were i would have a job with a major right now

[@koreyg5279]

When you talked about Plan B… what did you mean by “fly overseas”? Thanks

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

There are many times operators hiring in countries other than the one which you reside. It might be time to look past your country and possible across an ocean. There are companies that specialize in helping find employment in specific countries. An example would be opportunities in China as we discussed in a past episode. www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp297-flying-opportunities-in-china-with-wasinc/ Hope this helps.

[@koreyg5279]

Thank you@@AviationCareersPodcast

[@topofthegreen]

You still need a degree and 2,000 before anyone will look at you for a job,and there is no pilot shortage, so expect a tough road ahead in getting a job.

[@BRC332]

This. Having 1500 instructing turns around a point… with zero multi, zero turbine, will get you no where

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

I have many clients who have been hired with less than 2000 hours and no degree. I have helped many people become more competitive and define a path towards their career goal through our career coaching. www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

[@JPLAviation]

Another good point is if you’re any sort of ethnicity and sex besides white and male send ur apps everywhere

[@littlekingtrashmouth9219]

Based

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

@@littlekingtrashmouth9219you haven’t paid attention to the news from airlines like Delta and United have you ?

[@gabrielsuarez9788]

Is this a good thing or bad thing? Im Hispanic and working on my multi currently .😂😮

[@littlekingtrashmouth9219]

@@gabrielsuarez9788 if you’re a good pilot, then and only then good

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

@@gabrielsuarez9788 depends ,if diversity is forced it is wrong. If it happens naturally it is freedom

[@cpaul57]

I am not be being sarcastic when I say this...the migrants will get to go to pilot school and fill the gap of the shortage.

[@user-rk2yi7gd5i]

How will they afford it?

[@cpaul57]

@@user-rk2yi7gd5i the government will give them free schooling

[@PPLIR]

Bruh you’ve been browsing through wayyyy too many forums time to touch some grass

[@Flexb777]

Bro Get OFF FOX FAKE Propaganda News!!😮

[@theraceweekend5581]

@@cpaul57migrants and free dont go together 😂😂

[@JetBossLauraSavino]

Pilots were hired at an airline at 250 hours in the past. What?! 😂

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

The requirement was to have a commercial pilot certificate to work for a Part 121 carrier. Now pilots must have an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or ATP to get hired with a Part 121 airline which requires 1,500. There are exceptions with restricted privileges where a pilot may get hired with as low as 750 with prior military experience as described in the regulations: www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-G/section-61.160 Many are attending authorized institutions of higher learning and obtaining a "Restricted ATP" with 1,000 hours and a Bachelors Degree or 1,250 hours with an associates degree. There is some good information on the FAA website concerning the new training requirements and where to find authorized institutions of higher learning at: www.faa.gov/pilots/training/atp Hope this helps. Safe Flying

[@JetBossLauraSavino]

@@AviationCareersPodcast Thank you for the information. Much appreciated. Yes, technically the ATP wasn't 'required' for an airline seat - but a college degree was... and no less than 5000 hours to be realistically considered at any airline - if an airline was hiring at all. The well was dry for years. Today's qualifications and hours to get on with a 121 carrier are MUCH lower than it has ever been. Maybe not on paper, but certainly in practice. And the pay is significantly higher from the start. This is a good time to become an airline pilot.

[@JetBossLauraSavino]

@deltapapashootingexperience It's 750/1000/1250 or 1500 hours. You were hired at an airline with 250 hours total? I'm calling you on this - what airline was that? What airlines were all of these 'many' pilots hired at the very day they qualified for a commercial certificate?

[@ticoman90]

Non-pilot here, but on a recent flight from DFW to San Jose, Costa Rica on AA I had a rather bizzare experience. Sitting at the gate waiting for my flight, I suddenly see a flustered man rushing to the jet bridge. It was non other than the captain arriving rather hurriedly to his plane a mere 20 mins before scheduled pushback. Long story short, he seemed rather young (early 40s) for occupying the left seat on this sort of route. And not to be racist, but the last thing you want to hear coming from the flight deck on a major US carrier is a thick Hispanic accent that was not unlike what you would hear at a drive thru window. And before I get attacked for this position, I’m Hispanic myself so piss off.

[@ianzeringue2664]

You should hear the Chinese accents.

[@ticoman90]

@@ianzeringue2664 on US carriers?

[@ljthirtyfiver]

I use to live in south Florida . Some of the most racist I’ve encountered are wht Hispanics. So its not surprising you feeling this way

[@edgarj4974]

@ticoman90 Lol you literally accomplished nothing other than showing everyone you're racist...lmao ... "el peor enemigo de un Mexicano es otro Mexicano que se cre gringo."

[@danzaeske6514]

Trump 2024!

[@alexsp7086]

Well to be a bus driver with wings you sure need to pay too much for what it actually is. It’s not the golden age anymore commercial pilots are theoretically just bus drivers.

[@biosecurePM]

Because so many pilots left the Earth !