What is the current demand for pilots?

Job Outlook Overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 14,500 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Is there a shortage of pilots?

The pilot shortage ended overnight with the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis. Now, as airlines anticipate reaching 2019 demand levels in 2022 or 2023 and then growing from there, they’ll have to replace those pilots sooner than expected, often from the existing regional pilot ranks.

Is it hard to get a job as an airline pilot?

Becoming a commercial airline pilot requires considerable study and training, as well as many hours of flying time. It requires a lot of dedication, commitment and hard work to become a commercial pilot, but can be a rewarding career path for anyone who loves to travel and enjoys a challenge.

Are pilot salaries increasing?

Thanks to this steady increase, airline and commercial pilots can expect to work their way up to a median annual wage of about $117,290 and higher. Pilots experience the biggest salary increase in their first five years.

What happens to pilots when they move companies?

If you move to a different company, you begin again at the bottom, with probationary pay and benefits, regardless of how much experience you have. You lose everything. So any threat to our companies makes us nervous. For newer pilots at the bottom of the seniority list, disaster is about to strike. Thousands will lose their jobs.

Can airline pilots keep their jobs if passenger numbers climb?

Some airline pilots are hopeful they can keep their jobs if passenger numbers climb. When [the pandemic] first started, I saw loads drop off significantly—sometimes 10 people on a plane that seats 176. But just in the last couple of weeks, I’ve noticed the loads start to increase. I’m feeling cautiously optimistic.

Is flying a private jet a good idea?

Flying private jets is always an option—though not a very compelling one. Competition for those slots will be the fiercest it’s ever been. I also worry that some of the new [pandemic] rules and protocols will turn out to be permanent. Twenty years after September 11, we’re still doing liquid confiscations and taking our shoes off.