Industry Groups Monitor Pilot Shortage

The pilot population decreased again in 2007, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s annual industry review and forecast, and industry organizations have been tracking what it takes to convert aviation enthusiasts into professional pilots.

In 2006, the pilot population fell below 600,000 for the first time in decades, according to GAMA’s latest industry review and forecast. In 2007, the population dropped by another 7,000 pilots, the review said.

However, growth of light aircraft and sport flying has inspired fresh interest in GA.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has kept an eye on the pilot shortage for years. Its 20-year-old Project Pilot program uses mentors to help student pilots complete their training. “When a student pilot has a mentor, they are three times more likely to earn a pilot certificate,” AOPA spokesman Chris Dancy said.

AOPA also offers enthusiasts introductory flights. “Experience has shown that when someone gets up in an airplane, they are far more likely to continue their flight training,” Dancy said.

Meanwhile, GAMA member companies report an aggregate 9.8 percent increase in employment in 2007. “As our industry grows, there is an increasing need for a highly skilled and strong workforce,” according to the new report.

Strong growth in the number of sport pilots, up from 900 to more than 2,000 pilots, is good news for the aviation industry.

“Overall, the light sport aircraft industry is a bright spot for general aviation, and we are looking forward to a number of these pilots stepping up to a traditional pilot certificate and airplane in the future,” GAMA reported.

Dancy added that most career-oriented pilots enter flight school while in their 20s.