Readback: February 2019

I thought your Remarks, Pilot Shortage? in October were very well said, sir. I just retired after 40 years of airline flying. Like most, I started as a CFI before the airlines ($15 dual/wet) before getting hired as a Twin Otter F/O and then Captain making $1700/month flying about 50 hours per month. I finished as an International Heavy Jet Captain making in the mid $300K per year but still hourly but with better work rules. In reality the wages havent gone up that much when compared with the astronomical costs to get the ratings.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Readers highlight concerns about pilot compensation not keeping pace with high training costs and report negative experiences with simulator training quality.
The article explains that TAFs are limited to 24-30 hours due to historical technology constraints, a focus on short-term accuracy, and bureaucratic inertia, despite modern advancements.
Clarifications are provided regarding IFR circling approach rules (prioritizing ATC, approach, then airport pattern directions) and the distinction between Minimum Safe Altitudes (MSAs) and Terminal Arrival Areas (TAA) on RNAV approaches.

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Likes Remarks

I thought your Remarks, “Pilot Shortage?” in October were very well said, sir. I just retired after 40 years of airline flying. Like most, I started as a CFI before the airlines ($15 dual/wet) before getting hired as a Twin Otter F/O and then Captain making $1700/month flying about 50 hours per month. I finished as an International Heavy Jet Captain making in the mid $300K per year but still hourly but with better work rules. In reality the wages haven’t gone up that much when compared with the astronomical costs to get the ratings.

Your last paragraph about Southwest management vs. other airlines is also spot on. I worked for 30 years for one of the two small package cargo companies and they were very honest with us—they hated the pilots and we hated them. That is fine as long as you know where you stand.