The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently launched the research initiative Forces to Flyers, designed to assist military veterans become commercial pilots.
The initiative, led by the DOT’s Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, will examine how veterans can be used to solve the nation’s pilot shortage.
By 2035, 112,000 new pilots will be needed in North America to meet demand, according to the Boeing 2016 Pilot Outlook.
“In order for America to continue to be a world leader in aviation, we must search for ways to address our country’s pilot shortage, invest in our nation’s workforce, and ensure that our veterans have the support they need as they transition to the next phase of their careers,” Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said.
The initiative will run for three years. Areas of research will include preserving and increasing air service to rural and small communities, identifying barriers to training and employment, studying pathways for entering the workforce, and designing and implementing flight training.
Forces to Flyers participants will train to become a Certified Flight Instructor or Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument. Once certified, they can work as flight instructors while qualifying for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Details for how to participate in the initiative have not been released.