For Pilots Only: June 22, 2024

Connecting the Dots

American sent out an email to pilots holding conditional job offers, telling them they've paused new hire pilot class dates for the rest of the year.

They're reevaluating their "commercial and talent needs" and won't decide on Q1 2025 class dates until later this year.

Now, let's put this in perspective.

We're talking about hundreds of pilots who were expecting to start with American this summer or fall. These folks have been making big life plans - talking to their families, current employers, and maybe even the military about leaving.

And now?

Those plans are on hold.

But here's where it gets really interesting.

This isn't just about American. This decision is going to create a ripple effect across the entire industry.

Think about it.

Those hundreds of pilots aren't leaving their current jobs. That means less progression at regional airlines, fewer opportunities for CFIs to find their first jet job, and potentially more pressure to sign those controversial training contracts.

We're already seeing the impact.

Mesa Airlines just announced a Q2 profit, citing reduced pilot attrition as a key factor. This is the new reality we're dealing with, folks.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking. "James, this sounds like bad news. Should I just give up and stay put?"

Absolutely not.

In fact, for those of you who are hungry and willing to compete and think strategically, this could be a golden opportunity.

Yes, you read that right.

Opportunity.

See, when news like this hits, it creates panic. People start making rash decisions. They flood towards what they think are safe options. But here's the secret - while everyone else is zigging, the smart pilots are zagging.

So if you're willing to look where others aren't, if you're ready to up your game and compete harder than ever before, there are still incredible opportunities out there.

We've worked pilots in just the past week with far less experience than you might expect landing interviews at legacy carriers. It's all about how you position yourself and how hard you're willing to work for it.

But let me be clear - this isn't going to be easy. The days of folding up your resume like a paper airplane and having recruiters chase it down are over. You need a strategy. You need insider knowledge. You need to be ahead of the trends.

That's where working with a team like Raven comes in. We're tracking the changes in hiring algorithms, competitive minimums, and industry trends in real time. The intel we have today won't hit the public forums for months - by which time our clients have already adjusted and seized those opportunities.

Look, I've been through tough times in this industry before. In 2010, I was competing against pilots with 3-4 times my experience. But while they were panicking, I was strategizing. I lined up three job offers in the three months between getting my furlough notice and losing my job. I was 20 years younger than my competition, had 4000 fewer hours, and no turbine PIC time - but I ended up with two jet jobs and a management position.

How? By competing smart, thinking strategically, and having the right support structure.

So here's my challenge to you: Are you going to let this news defeat you, or are you going to use it as motivation to up your game? Are you going to sit at home and worry, or are you going to get out there and compete?

The jobs are still there, folks. The path might be tougher, but it's far from impossible. You can't afford to go it alone anymore. You need a team that's got your back, that's seeing the trends before they happen, that can help you position yourself for success no matter what the industry throws at you.

Remember, in times like these, it's not the most experienced pilot who wins - it's the hungriest, the most strategic, the one who's willing to outwork and outthink the competition.

So, what's it going to be? Are you ready to take your career to the next level, no matter what obstacles are in your way? If so, let's talk. Because together, we can turn this industry shakeup into your biggest career opportunity yet.

Fly safe and stay hungry,

James

2024 Job Fair/Industry Expos