Careers Training and Proficiency

Want to Tame the Pilot Shortage? The Intro Flight Begins the Interest

That first flight can either create a new pilot, or end in a missed opportunity.

Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 10:11 AM ET

Verified

A first flight can open up a whole world to a perspective pilot -- if it's done correctly. [File Photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Introductory flights are a critical first step in attracting new pilots, effectively serving as a gateway that can inspire individuals to pursue aviation careers.
Flight schools should optimize the intro flight experience by implementing best practices such as careful administrative planning, creating a welcoming environment, and potentially offering simulator time.
Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) are crucial ambassadors, needing to be professional, empathetic, and skilled at engaging with potential students, while prospective pilots are advised to be attentive and follow instructions to maximize their learning.

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Editor’s note: This article is the fifth 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: Outreach programs doing their part | Jan 20: The role of flight schools in creating pilots | Jan 21: Want to get your chops back? Here’s how.

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.