Regional World 2008

[ATOflyer]

So I was just browsing the ATP Pilot Career Forums and came upon a thread about a American Eagle new hire with 240TT. I know American Eagle had just lowered their minimums to 400/50 but holy crap I couldn't believe it when I saw it, that is pretty low time. Congrats to the guy, that is awesome, and I'm sure he worked very hard (and by reading what he wrote he seems to be a very intelligent guy) but it makes you wonder a bit. . I guess those RJ transition courses really do work with getting you in quick. With American Eagle being on the top of my list for potential employers to fly for come college graduation this next july, I don't know whether to be excited or dissapointed.

On that note, to my question: Is 2008 projected to be the same in regards to these hiring trends? I've seen some stats, but don't know how up to date and accurate they may be.

[surreal1221]

Hiring should continue, even more so in 08.

[av8sean]

Unless something very bad happens next year (terrorism, major economic depression), I bet some regional will be forced to begin parking planes due to lack of qualified crews. I would guess that most companies will be down to multi/comm/CRJ course as well (A lot are there already).

[inside0ut]

I know we want to be at 3000 by the end of next near and right now we cant even break 2100 with attrition plus we almost have no more capacity for training classes.

[LoadMasterC141]

Talking to the AE recruiter at JC, they said plenty of their Snaabs are already parked out in the desert for this reason.

There are alot of regionals already broadcasting large hiring numbers for 2008.

Unless something bad happens, ala 9/11, 2008 could be the biggest year yet. It may be a bit different in the actual regionals hiring; Expressjet has been one of the largest hiring machines in recent years but is slowing. They seem to have a really good contract and happy pilots so attrition is low I would think.

Most-all the airline pilots on this board, and other sources, point to all Majors hiring by next summer. Thats is even more open slots at the regionals. VLJ business may also take away from the airlines.

If all goes well, I hope to be looking for my first regional gig this summer, so I am optimistically biased on all this.

[MattB]

I know for 100% fact that piedmont has hired a 201 and a 215hr pilot in the last 2 months.

[MattB]

ANNNNNND the 215 guy is on SOE right now and the 201 guy just passed his MV. But we have some insane hiring numbers right now, I was hired in september and have exactly 50 names behind me on the list as of today and I was on the bottom of my class list.

[SmoothLanderJ]

Originally Posted by MattB

I know for 100% fact that piedmont has hired a 201 and a 215hr pilot in the last 2 months.

WOW...!!!....and I thought my time was low (it still is)