Regional Carriers Already Suffering From A Lack Of Qualified Pilots

A shortage of qualified pilots in regional and mid-sized airlines could have broad consequences in the larger aviation industry.

Data from ALPA indicates that the pilot shortage is forcing some regional airlines to cancel flights at smaller airports, and could eventually lead to a reduction of flights by the major carriers that depend on regional airlines to feed pilots into the system and they build hours.

Patrick Smith, a pilot who runs a blog titled "Ask the Pilot', told the French news service AFP that the shortage is "becoming a crisis at some carriers."

As we reported last week, Republic Airways cited a shortage of qualified pilots as one of the reasons it has filed for protection under Chapter 11 bankruptcy laws.

Pilots have blamed longer working hours, contentious relations with management, other factors as being why the are leaving the profession. But the major reason is the pay. Paul Ryder, an Express Jet captain and ALPA member, told AFP that regional carriers pay an average of $27,350 per year. That compares with over $103,000 for major airlines, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

But to get that job, prospective pilots are paying between $150,000 to $200,000 to qualify for an ATP rating.

Smith said that changes in the industry are also partly to blame. At one time, he said, a pilot saw a job with a regional airline as a stepping-stone to a position with one of the major carriers. Now, he said, pilots are flying their entire careers in regional jets. And fewer pilots are willing to make that kind of commitment when they could earn more doing something else.

Industry consultant Kit Darby told AFP that there are some regional carriers that are offering bonuses to pilots spread out over several years, and some are paying finders fees to pilots who refer other pilots into their systems.

But the bottom line, Ryder said, is that if the regionals want to attract and keep pilots, they need to offer reasonable compensation, a balance between work and personal life, and a career path with some stability.

FMI: www.alpa.org