According to FAA pilot-production data, the U.S. is consistently certifying a greater number of airline pilots on a monthly basis compared to pre-pandemic levels, the pilot union said.
ALPA said that while there were some initial backlogs post-COVID, the system is working and yielding a record number of pilots. [Credit: Shutterstock]
Key Takeaways:
The U.S. pilot supply is stable and growing, with over 11,000 pilots certified in the past year and monthly certifications exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to ALPA and FAA data.
Industry experts and financial analysts confirm that pilot demand has been met, with some airlines scaling back hiring due to record certification rates and slower fleet growth.
Regional airlines are experiencing a shift from a general pilot shortage to a "captain shortage," as they now have an abundance of first officer applicants but face high attrition rates for experienced captains.
ALPA maintains that the pilot production system is effective and producing record numbers of pilots, refuting ongoing claims of a general pilot shortage.
A new release from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) notes that the U.S. pilot supply is stable with more than 11,000 pilots certified in the past 12 months.
ALPA highlighted recently released FAA pilot-production data, indicating that the U.S. is consistently certifying a greater number of airline pilots on a monthly basis compared to pre-pandemic levels.
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Amelia Walsh is a private pilot who enjoys flying her family’s Columbia 350. She is based in Colorado and loves all things outdoors including skiing, hiking, and camping.
