So, the prospect of piloting a jet out of Hartsfield International Airport, the world's busiest airport, is a good one. Civilian pilots held about 110,000 jobs nationwide in 1996. Pilot hiring has reached record numbers during the past four years with about 15,000 hired this year nationwide due to the strong economy and a large number of older pilots retiring. The airline industry has been through some turbulence in the past with downsizings, layoffs and union disagreements.
Employment is often cyclical.
The trend toward larger jets will increase pilot productivity. Pilots usually start with small commuter and regional airlines to get experience to qualify for higher-paying jobs with national airlines. Most have traditionally learned to fly in the military. Pilots cannot fly more than 100 hours a month or more than 1,000 hours a year. Most fly an average of 75 hours a month and work an additional 75 hours doing nonflying duties.