152. 2025 Pilot Hiring: What's Happening And What Should I be Doing About It?

James Onieal joins Dylan and Max to unpack the turbulent landscape of pilot hiring in 2025. From overhiring at the majors to regional pilots struggling to stand out, James offers no-nonsense advice on how to stay competitive. Whether you’re a CFI with big dreams or a seasoned military pilot planning your exit, this episode is packed with actionable insights for navigating the year ahead. Tune in for a mix of hard truths, strategies, and a few good laughs! Get in touch with James Onieal Show Notes 0:00 Intro 2:22 2025 Hiring Forecast 17:46 Too Much Flight Time and No Offer? 30:21 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 36:53 Rapid Fire Scenario Advice 46:48 Flight Advice 1:03:56 Ramifications of Commuting 1:23:38 General Rapid Fire Advice   Be sure to subscribe to 21Five's Youtube Channel to see our upcoming luggage review videos! Hard Landing: The Epic Contest for Power and Profits That Plunged the Airlines into Chaos by Thomas Petzinger Jr Connect with us on LinkedIn Our sponsors: Harvey Watt, offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline’s plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Visit harveywatt.com to learn more! -- Advanced Aircrew Academy enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. We do this by providing high-quality professional pilot, flight attendant, flight coordinator, maintenance, and line service training modules delivered via the web using a world-class online aviation training system. Visit aircrewacademy.com to learn more! -- Tim Pope is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His financial planning practice provides services to aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans. Tim helps clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, organizing & optimizing resources, planning, implementing, and monitoring their financial plan. Visit https://link.21fivepodcast.com/timothy-pope to learn more. Check out Tim's new podcast: The Pilot Money Podcast -- Employee Compensation Software That Answers "What's the Going Rate?" The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation’s only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. -- VAERUS MEANS RIGHT, TRUE, AND REAL.Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, using a true partner, to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales | Learn more about the DC-3 Referral Program -- The 21.5 Podcast is supported by our friends at ProPilotWorld.com - The Premier Information & Networking Resource for Professional Pilots -- Do you have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us [email protected] Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content and to see our collection of aviation license plates. The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.