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FAA Data Shows Airline-Ready U.S. Pilot Numbers Tumbling

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Recent FAA certification changes have led to a significant decline in ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) practical tests and projected certificate issuances, falling sharply from their 2016 peak.
  • The number of commercial multi-engine certificates awarded to U.S. citizens has decreased, with an increasing proportion going to non-U.S. pilots who often pursue careers outside the U.S.
  • These combined trends indicate an impending pilot shortage for U.S. commercial flight departments, despite the valuable flight time foreign students provide to U.S. instructors.
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Recent data indicates that pilot certification changes have had far-reaching effects on pilot certification levels for commercial and ATP pilots.

Jason Blair

Jason Blair is a flight instructor and an FAA designated pilot examiner, and an active author in the general aviation and flight training communities.

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