Despite the interest in sport-pilot training, the number of pilots in the U.S. has been steadily declining for the last 20 years, and that has repercussions through all of aviation, The Wichita Eagle reported on Wednesday. Manufacturers worry that the market for their aircraft won’t be there in the future. Airlines and other operators worry that they won’t be able to find qualified pilots. And with thousands of very light jets expected to join the fleet in the next few years, the demand for professional pilots will likely grow. The trend has not gone unnoticed. AOPA, for example, has recently refocused its efforts on Project Pilot, which recruits current pilots to act as mentors to new students. The project will be a main priority in 2007, spokeswoman Kathleen Vasconcelos told AVweb. Meanwhile, the U.S. airlines are finding plenty of qualified applicants, Aviation Information Resources president Kit Darby told the Eagle, but regional airlines and foreign carriers are having a harder time. Several comments from Eagle readers offered a glimpse into the minds of non-pilots: “Lower the cost of aircraft, get rid of the red tape and give free lessons,” was one suggestion.
Industry To Focus On New Pilot Starts
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. has seen a steady decline in pilot numbers for two decades, causing concern among aircraft manufacturers and operators about future markets and a potential shortage of qualified pilots, especially with the anticipated growth of very light jets.
- While major U.S. airlines currently find sufficient qualified applicants, regional airlines and foreign carriers are already facing difficulties in recruiting pilots.
- Organizations like AOPA are actively addressing this trend, with initiatives such as Project Pilot, a mentorship program for new students, being a key priority.
- Public sentiment suggests that high costs, excessive red tape, and a lack of accessible training are significant barriers to attracting new pilots.
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