Pilot missing? There are controversies
Flying is many children's dreams. I was one of them. In the 60s/70s, the decision to become a commercial pilot and an airline was motivated both by the ion for aviation and the search for professional stability, often seen as a lifelong career. Being an airline pilot at that time was, in fact, a highly desired professional status, often portrayed as a glamorous and prestigious career.
The expansion of the national and international airline network forced airlines to promote the training and qualification of new pilots. At that time, companies had their own schools. Varig, for example, had EVAER. Cruzeiro had its own, as did Panair, Real, among others. Beginners generally flew the PT-19, the Vultee BT-15, both single-engine planes to enhance their learning.
Aviation schools, such as the Varig Aeronautics School, played a crucial role in training these professionals. Call notices published in newspapers were a common way of attracting potential candidates interested in pursuing this career. Varig, as one of the main airlines at the time, was looking for the best talents to form its team of pilots.
In this nostalgic period of aviation, everyone dreamed of flying the Douglas DC-3, one of the most prominent aircraft
Other times
It's fascinating how different the dynamics of commercial aviation were back then compared to today's standards. With several airlines competing for talent and offering pilot training schools, enthusiasts had a variety of options to choose from where to start their career.
Pilots' loyalty to the airlines was very strong. Once promoted to Commander, the pilot became a representative of the company and had a deep connection with it, often remaining with the same company until retirement. Job stability was high and changing employers was rare.
Today, an airline pilot's career presents different challenges compared to decades past. Although access to aeronautical science training may be broader thanks to the availability of in-person and distance learning courses, the costs associated with obtaining the necessary licenses and flight hours may be prohibitive for many aspiring pilots.
The financial investment and commitment of time and effort are considerable. To obtain a Private Pilot license, you must undergo rigorous training and accumulate 40 hours of flight time, which can present a financial challenge for many.
Furthermore, the search for a professional license, such as Commercial Pilot, requires even more dedication and study, along with improving the English language, which has become an essential skill. As incredible as it may seem, in the past it wasn't a requirement.
Although a career as a pilot is still seen as prestigious and exciting, the path to getting there can be challenging and require a huge commitment. For some, the sacrifice is worth it, while others may consider other career options that are more affordable or less demanding. It's a personal decision that requires careful consideration of the pros and cons.
In today's job market, pilots can find a variety of opportunities, from regional flights to international flights with major airlines. However, the market is more competitive and securing a job, especially abroad, may require prior experience and specific skills.
It is true that the current situation in the aviation industry presents some contradictions. On the one hand, there is a growing demand for pilots across all flight classes, driven by increasing global air traffic and the expansion of airlines in emerging markets. On the other hand, there are a significant number of unemployed or underemployed pilots.
Several reasons may contribute to this disparity. One of them is the mismatch between the demand and supply of pilots in different regions of the world. While some areas face pilot shortages due to the rapid growth of aviation, others may have a surplus of pilots due to a reduction in industry activity or economic factors.
Additionally, industry changes such as airline consolidation, mergers and acquisitions can lead to job losses for pilots. Automation and technological advancement may also impact the demand for pilots in some areas, although there is still a significant need for qualified pilots in many aspects of aviation.
In short, while the demand for pilots continues to grow globally, the job market for pilots can be complex and competitive, with regional variations and specific challenges to overcome.
Good luck and good flights!
