Pilot Demand Is High and Will Persist

Become Part of Something Big

When you make a decision to become an airline pilot, you are making a decision to become part of the world transportation infrastructure. Safe transport, whether it's people or cargo, is critical to the world economy. As you move people and goods around, you are helping in the exchange of ideas and trade that has built modern infrastructure. Your ability to fly the jets, turboprops and other aircraft you will sit in sets you apart from the rest of the world--people will depend on you to get them where they need to go safely.

CBS News Reports on Pilot Shortage

(See the CBS News Report here).
That being said, the airline industry is experiencing a harsh pilot shortage. Northwest's flight delays are just a symptom of the need for pilots. CBS News reported:
  • FAA license data reflects that the number of student pilot licenses issued steadily declined from a peak of 98,000 in 1998 to 85,000 in 2006. The number of commercial pilot licenses issued has dropped from 124,000 in 1999 to 117,000 in 2006.
  • Airlines are using more regional carriers to feed traffic to major hubs, increasing the demand for pilots. In addition, more businesses are opting to skip the airlines and use private and business aircraft.
  • One expert expressed that the shortage will persist for some time: "It takes time to create really experienced pilots. We're going to have a shortage for a while."
  • "Almost every regional carrier out there cannot hire enough pilots, and many of them have lowered the requirements down to the minimum FAA standards," says Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association. Many regional airlines formerly required a minimum of 1,500 hours of flying experience for new pilots, according to aviation experts. The FAA minimum that some now require is 250 hours.

The Shortage Caused By Airline Industry Growth and Fewer Pilots Trained

CBS News reported that the shortage exists, but it should be noted here that there isn't merely a pilot shortage because of a decrease in pilot starts: the airline industry is growing. The attacks on the U.S. on 9/11/01 impacted commercial air travel by driving business travelers out of airlines into business jets and turboprops. The number of regional airlines has increased. Increases in Internet shopping has increased the need for overnight air freight. There is simply a greater need for pilots to fly for a greater number of air operations.

Your Decision to Pursue Flight Training Matters

By now you can see every pilot is needed. If you have ever wanted to become part of something big--something technical, challenging, and fun, now is the time to get started. With our experienced pilots and success rate, we are just the school you need to contact to get started.