Posted on 06/06/2017 4:07:37 AM PDT by Kaslin
Fewer flights with larger aircraft will solve the problem in commercial aviation leaving more pilots for military duties.
As a retired USAF pilot (trainers & fast movers), it’s the same same-O. Feast, then famine. Flight time, then no time for flying, but plenty of time to hear some idiot yell at me about race.
Sorry, things will not change. Especially now that many of those trained for flight will end up piloting a drone.
As for the airlines, well, I guess that flying a bus is better than not flying at all.
Most every profession has this cycle. Shortage followed by glut. It's the way of the world, and best to not tinker too much with it.
That is a good idea. Not one general or admiral will allow it though.
Prestige is a powerful drug.
$25,000 a year means that the type of people you attract are either 1. So in love with flying that they will do anything to do it. or 2. Have some messed up time preferences.
Neither is good for the business of flying. I know people who work at gas stations who make more than that. Without the debt.
You are correct, General Aviation is slowly dieing. The cost to get a Private license is beyond what most people are willing to sacrifice.
The change in ATP requirements in response to Colgan, would have had no impact on that mishap. Idiot politicians doing what they do best.
I’m in the industry and we’re seeing the same shortage of A&P mechanics. All of the guys my age that were in during the Reagan years are getting close to retirement. As an aside, my son just graduated the Naval Academy and his first choice was Marine air, then Naval air. He got sub drafted so they must be hurting even more.
I remember when issuing leather jackets was supposed to be the solution!
Also remember pulling mobile, being a range control officer, sim instructor, SOF, duty officer, writing gradesheets, being expected to attend safety meetings and aircrew meetings on Friday evenings until 8PM (to sell drinks at the O’Club), doing performance reports and having idiot Sq/CCs emphasizing ANYTHING except combat readiness. Also remember deploying 6 months of each year for years on end.
No idea what it is like now. But it was getting increasingly politically correct when I retired during the GWB administration...
I have been retired longer than 22year AF flying career. I was fortunate to have retired during Reagan’s last four years. I cannot imagine how todays forces do what they do with less manpower than they enjoyed during my career. The Navy may be even worse with their low ship numbers.
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