The Regional Airlines and Professionalism

Everyone in the aviation industry knows something about the so called, "Pilot Shortage", but what is true.  On one side some believe that there is going to be a major shortage in pilots and it will start through the regionals.  According to Aviation Week (2015), 20,000 pilots are expected to retire in the next seven years, due to the mandatory 65 age retirement.  Also, they go on to state that fewer students are deciding to become pilots.  This is due to high costs of education and high hour requirements set forth by the FAA.  On the other hand Tallman J. (2015), says that the Airline Pilot Association states that there is not a shortage of certified pilots.  So the pilots may be out there, but are not willing to work for the regionals.  This almost certainly to the low starting pay.  Also, Tallman, representing AOPA, states that general aviation is the foundation that provides the airlines labor force, although general aviation has not been a high priority when it comes to policy making lately.  I believe that no one can deny a lack of pilots in the regional airlines.  This is from a multitude of factors.  First, the people who may be interested in becoming pilots may not be able to afford the increased cost of schooling. Also,  when done with school a student has to earn many hours, while still holding student loans.  On the other hand there are many certified pilots who could fly in the regionals, but are choosing not too.  This could be due to the lifestyle or the pay of that career.

The new regulations have definitely put a damper on perspective pilots.    The regionals are starting to understand the implications of the pilot shortage and how to make there company's more attractive.  Endeavor has a couple interesting propositions for its new employees.  First, Endeavor is giving an $80,000 signing bonus over the course of 4 years, on top of regular pay, if you sign a contract with there company.  This is meant to pay of pilot loans of prospects.  Another attractive offer from Endeavor is a guaranteed interview with Delta Airlines in a sort of pathway program.  This is accomplished because Delta is a parent company of Endeavor. It just goes to show how quickly the industry is evolving.  Although ALPA is responsible for the benefit of many pilot's there are other organizations that benefit the aviation industry.  This includes IAM or the International Association of   Mechanists and Aerospace workers.  IAM is a union that works with companies, such as Boeing or Southwest Airlines.  

Professionalism is holding yourself up to a higher standard.  During the Colgan accident the pilots were just going through the motions and not paying attention to what they were supposed be doing.  Nor did the see the warning signs that ultimately lead to there demise.  Not only did the pilots violate the non essential conversation rule, but management did not train the captain appropriately to fly the airplane.  There was plenty of blame to go around and a blatant lack of professionalism that lead to this accident.  I believe lack of pay is a contributing factor as it makes pilots lead a lifestyle that provides less sleep and ultimately more stress.  Ways that I will implement professionalism is by making sure a get help when I need it and coach or help my co workers when ever possible.  Also, I will make sure to organize not only my work life, but also my personal life.  Organization can provide a decrease in stress and safer work productivity.  The most important thing is to just hold yourself to a higher standard and put your all into what you do.  

References:

Aviation Week. (2015, February 16). The coming US pilot shortage is real. Retrieved from http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/coming-us-pilot-shortage-real

Tallman, J. (2015, May 5). Pilot shortage: Yes or no? AOPA. Retrieved from http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2015/May/05/osu-pilot-supply-conference