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Reaching 1,000 Hours
There is no time to celebrate. For most new pilots, career advancement means flying 1,500 hours as fast as possible. Having a nice view is one of the daily thrills of flying professionally.
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Pilot Shortage Update
The release of December 2013 airmen statistics indicated another increase in the number of airline-qualified pilots in the United States. Labor statistics also showed an increase in pilot employment last year. As a country, we do not seem to be running out of pilots by any numerical measure. A deeper analysis is always more interesting, of…
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R-ATP Regulation to Reality
The newly-promulgated FAR 61.160 went into effect last week. Already, I am seeing positive changes in the aviation industry. Hiring is on a rapid up-swing, and rumors are starting to circulate about a liberal interpretation of the new first officer qualifications and certification rules. While discussing the potential for a pilot shortage last year, I…
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Pilot Shortage: Just the Facts
The aviation industry is famous for its booms and busts. While all industries are subjected to business cycles, aviation is unique for its cries of a “pilot shortage” looming or existing during each boom. Airlines leverage this perception of a “shortage” to lobby for relaxed hiring rules, while flight schools use this in sales pitches…
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First Officer Epoch Next August
Pilot employment qualifications are changing. For the potential first officer at a regional or major airline, this change will be huge. Currently, the requirements for acting as a first officer or second in command (SIC) of an airliner are simple. All it takes is a commercial pilot license. The captain is required to have an…