While estimates show that the aviation industry will be down 5,000 pilots by 2021, aviation experts are coming together to identify industry challenges and address evolutions that are needed for progress.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Aviation Workforce Symposium held Sept. 13 allowed more than 100 aviation professionals, government officials, industry members, and advocacy groups the opportunity not only to discuss issues but to brainstorm solutions as well.
“There needs to be a common understanding of the gravity and urgency of the situation,” FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell said. “We have a diminishing supply of qualified pilots and mechanics and technicians.”
Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao stated that the problematic shortage goes beyond what the government can solve. A national consensus is needed among aviation professionals, not just regulators.
The U.S. Air Force noted that it was 2,000 pilots short as of last year. Heather Wilson, secretary of the Air Force, had clear ideas about what is holding the industry back.
“The aviation workforce is underrepresented when it comes to women and minorities,” Wilson said. “There’s a whole segment of our population that has not yet been touched and inspired by the bug to fly. There’s a deep talent pool out there that can’t afford the ticket to the show, not even in the nosebleed section.”
Frank Slazer, from the Aerospace Industries Association, said the association is working on creating more apprenticeship programs aimed at the young, coupled with additional encouragement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses in high schools across the country.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has backed this assessment, with Senior Director of Educational Strategy Jo Damato noting that the industry needs to be creative in youth outreach. They can’t keep relying on old, tried and true methods that may have worked with previous generations.
“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,” Damato said.