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 crucial initial experiences that often ignite a passion for aviation and serve as a primary recruitment tool for future pilots.
Flight schools and Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) must meticulously plan and execute intro flights, creating a welcoming, professional, and well-managed experience, from booking logistics and facility ambiance to the instructor's demeanor and guidance, to convert interest into committed students.
Prospective pilots taking intro flights should actively engage, listen carefully to instructors, understand real-world aircraft controls, avoid distractions, and ensure they acquire a logbook to document their first dual instruction.

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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.