Where Have All the Pilots Gone?

Michael Wildes

Friday, January 14, 2022 at 01:17 PM ET

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Empty cockpits are becoming more and more common, but why? [File Image: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

The aviation industry faces a severe pilot shortage, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to grounded regional aircraft and route cancellations.
Pilots are increasingly seeking careers with better work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and a sense of being valued, contributing to departures from traditional commercial flying roles.
This shortage is compounded by a decade-long decline in general interest in aviation careers, evidenced by fewer student pilot certificates issued over the past decade.
Projections indicate a critical future demand for approximately 150,000 new pilots in the U.S. (and 264,000 globally) by 2030, driven by anticipated retirements and projected growth in air travel.

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Editor’s note: This article is the first in a six-part series examining the aviation industry’s pilot shortage and what can be done about it.

Jan. 14: An overview of the issue | Jan. 17: How the military is dealing with its shortage | Jan. 18: Recruiting right from the flight schools | Jan. 19: How to get young people involved | Jan 20: The role of flight schools in creating pilots | Jan 21: Want to get your chops back? Here’s how.