More than 100 aviation professionals, representing government, industry, advocacy groups and other aspects of aviation, gathered in Washington, D.C., Sept. 13, 2018, to discuss the shortage of pilots and mechanics facing the industry.
“The aviation community has always come together to tackle its most pressing challenges, and today we need to do it again,” FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell said at the start of the agency’s Aviation Workforce Symposium: Ensuring America’s Pilot & Mechanic Supply. “There needs to be a common understanding of the gravity and urgency of the situation. We have a diminishing supply of qualified pilots and mechanics and technicians.”
By 2021, the country will be about 5,000 pilots short, and by 2026 that number will increase to about 15,000 pilots, leaving 1,500 aircraft inoperable, noted Marty Lenss from Eastern Iowa Airport and the American Association of Airport Executives.
Dr. Heather Wilson, secretary of the Air Force, added that at the end of the last fiscal year, the Air Force was 2,000 pilots short.
“This issue goes far beyond what the government alone can do,” said Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao. “It is incumbent upon all of us to find solutions. This summit was called to bring attention to this critical issue and to convene stakeholders who are experts, to create a path forward, so that we can work together to address this very important issue, comprehensively and collaboratively.”
According to Wilson, the aviation workforce is underrepresented when it comes to women and minorities.
“There’s a whole segment of our population that has not yet been touched and inspired by the bug to fly,” she said. “There’s a deep talent pool out there that can’t afford the ticket to the show, not even in the nosebleed section.”
According to Frank Slazer of the Aerospace Industries Association, his group is working to create more apprenticeship programs, so young people can learn on the job, reducing some of the financial burden that can accompany the pursuit of a degree.
He also discussed reaching out to middle schoolers and encouraging them to choose Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) classes in high school that will allow them to continue an aviation education into college.
National Aviation Business Association (NBAA) Senior Director of Educational Strategy Jo Damato said the event drove home the point that everyone must work together on a solution.
“There are a number of paths people can take once they enter this workforce, but this ecosystem that we all are responsible for is why NBAA needs to be a part of the solution,” she said, adding that the industry must be creative in reaching out to young people, and connect with them in ways different than outreach efforts aimed at previous generations.
NBAA, she said, will continue working with regional groups to get the word out specifically about the opportunities available in business aviation by going into high schools and universities, as well as flight schools and technical schools.
The association will continue to work with these local groups on holding career days and other events to showcase the industry, such as a recent event hosted by the Northern California Business Aviation Association, in which NBAA representatives participated, she added.
Agree with all the comments – all of these need to be addressed. A couple of additions – the military needs to allow their pilots to be career pilots and not force them to time out and become administrative officers if they do not want to do that. That is why they leave and join the airlines. Why do all the pilots have to be science, technology, engineering, math experts? There are plenty of non-engineers who can be great pilots in both the military as well as civilian aviation. Finally, pay them well and they will come! If you have a labor shortage in a particular field – pay them more to attract more people. There are a lot of general aviation pilots who do not fly for a career because they would not be able to afford their love of flying outside work. I work in the insurance industry to pay for my love of flying.
1. Create new interesting primary trainers that is inexpensive and easy to maintain.
2. Make high school aviation technical courses widely available and apply toward aviation jobs.
3. Make flight training funds and loans available for interested students.
4. Support local Airports and FBO’s and quit closing them for nusiance noise complaints.
5. Simplfy regulations and requirements for entry level students and participants.
6. Pay primary instructors more so they will be available to train new students.
7. Develop transition training programs for more advanced professional training.
8. Make each step of the traning process in increments that are available, affordable and up to date.
9. Try to develop a positive public relations program that provides favorable information on aviation jobs.
And…. get them flying and fixing. Have them at least experience model aviation through buddy box flying with an AMA into pilot program that visits the high schools, or helicopters that visit the schools, or LSA day at the local airport and a school field trip to the local airport. You have to show them how cool aviation is, not encourage them to take a science class!
Shortage is needed to raise the ridiculously low salaries.
Particularly with A&P Mechanics.
I agree 100% this needs to happen I’m a licensed A & P mechanic avionics technician and have work in the field for 36 years and very frustrated right now as I work for Boeing it should be one of or the highest paid jobs in the industry but totally not the economy has surpassed my wage by nearly 30%. Planning to retire soon but stuck to stay where I’m at for at least 3 more years. There just are no incentives for the next generation
I’m 83 and was an USAF navigator in the 50’s. The AF wanted new pilot/navigator applicants to have at least 2 yrs college, they lowered that requirement to high school grads who could pass certain requirements. I went into aviation cadets and graduated as a 2nd lieutenant and navigator. The military was supplied with pilots and navigators since the 1930s thru the aviation cadet program. OK aviation organizations; make that example your commitment to fill the future flight personnel needed for your industry.
This is so ironic, The groups that have been involved in discouraging and downsizing General Aviation are now going to bring it back…. crazy?
Young people do not want a career of living in hotels around the world while their children and wife sit at home. It’s been said so many times but, I’ll repeat it again: “General Aviation” was the draw that made Aviation so appealing before the 70’s.
The idea of manipulating the controls of a flying machine and being FREE as an eagle is the carrot-on-the-stick. Not more regulations, taller fences and surrendering of privacy. Today it’s relatively cheaper to join the eagles and soar from coast to coast, money is not the problem. LSA is Aviation also and many people are enjoying GA as just a “leave-me-alone two-seat aircraft pilot”. These LSA Pilots will be your future airline pilots once they decide to make a career change but, first they just want to master the art of flying.
If these alphabet groups really want to create a new era of Aviation, encourage every teenager to train and at least solo. Expose them to how enjoyable three dimensional travel is. The answer is: “General Aviation”.
Start up an ‘aviation cadet’ program like the military did in the 1930s to get flight personnel.
Children and wife* or husband