Write your congressman...

[Richman]

Maybe they might want to do something about the GA industry after it was crippled by high insurance costs after 9/11. Maybe kick the Feds in the butt regarding certification rules. How about the Civilian Pilot Training Program like they had before WWII?

There are lots of solutions to this problem that don't involve lowering the standards.

Richman

 

[mrivc211]

A lot of small and mid-sized markets have seen their capacity slashed as a result of this rule. I agree with it as a passenger and fellow (private) pilot. As an airport leader, though, it's not doing our industry any favors.

Do you want to know why capacity has been slashed? Because no one wants to go fly a airliner for under $100K anymore after spending tens of thousands on training and risking their lives. My former regional called a month ago offering my old job back starting at 10th yr pay. I did not accept. No way. And thats at 10th yr captain pay. Imagine a first year FO facing even worse conditions. NO THANKS.

 

[mshunter]

Maybe they might want to do something about the GA industry after it was crippled by high insurance costs after 9/11. Maybe kick the Feds in the butt regarding certification rules. How about the Civilian Pilot Training Program like they had before WWII?

There are lots of solutions to this problem that don't involve lowering the standards.

Richman

How about offer federal loans for flight training? Ones with reasonable, fixed interest rates? You can get a federal loan for sonography. I know someone who did, so why not flight training? I don't like the idea of financing flight training, but it's almost a necessary evil.

 

[Boris Badenov]

WHAT #&$(#*$&ing PROBLEM? Is it a problem that pilot labor now follows the rules of supply and demand, like all other skilled labor? You're going to solve yourselves right out of a career.

 

[cficollegeguy]

I don't think it will happen anytime in the foreseeable future. The 3407 family is a strong pathos lobby group with many congressmen backing them fully.

Overturning a rule that diminishes perceived safety wont be a popular position to take, especially if another accident happens after its repeal. The idea of grandma riding on an aircraft with a 'less experienced' crew than before is a hard pill to swallow emotionally.

 

[JDean3204]

Some quick brainstorming on ways to attract people into the cockpit both short and long term..

-Stop the major universities from financially crushing students before their first aviation job

-A renegotiation of current regional contracts with the majors in order to create HARD improvements on compensation at the regional level. Not just pre hire or new hire bonuses, but higher per hour rate in both seats at the regional level

-Figure out a way to keep the small operators afloat, the small EAS carriers that can utilize low time guys. Maybe again at the major airlines level, take these companies under their wing so to speak. Thus providing a better path to the 121 world.

-If it is no longer economic to outsource flying, how about bringing the RJ's in house and pay appropriately.

-Major airlines buying or sponsoring certain flight schools/ universities and having a say in the training process from the get go. Giving student pilots the guidance needed to be successful

-Stop the race to the bottom, although it seems that trend is reversing there is still that feeling of underbidding for certain contracts in the industry.

Aviation is an extremely expensive industry in whole. However, if they don't invest in the long term, why should the general public feel bad for them in 15 years when they say "We have no pilots to fly you to Tim Buck, Arkansas!"