Outreach Programs Doing Their Part to Combat the Pilot Shortage

Minorities, women, and young people are of particular focus to many groups.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 10:29 AM ET

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The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals says its Project Aerospace reaches more than 100,000 youth and young adults each year. [Courtesy: OBAP]

Key Takeaways:

The aviation industry is actively combating the pilot shortage through early outreach programs for students and strategic efforts to attract underrepresented groups, including minorities and women, to cultivate a diverse talent pipeline.
Key organizations like OBAP (Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals) and WAI (Women in Aviation International), alongside major airlines' pipeline programs, offer scholarships, mentorship, and educational experiences to inspire and train aspiring pilots from diverse backgrounds.
Despite widespread outreach and scholarship initiatives, significant challenges persist in substantially increasing the representation of women in piloting roles, with growth rates showing only marginal change over several decades.