Congress Shells Out Millions to Aid Pilot Shortage

The government will more than triple funding towards pilot recruitment and development efforts.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 10:53 AM ET

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An Endeavor Air CRJ-700 aircraft at New York’s LaGuardia airport [Credit: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson]

Key Takeaways:

Congress will allocate $80 million over four years for pilot workforce development, a substantial increase from previous funding, as part of a larger $240 million initiative for aviation workers included in the FAA Reauthorization Act.
A significant debate exists regarding a pilot shortage: while the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) calls it a "myth," blaming airline management, regional carriers and some politicians maintain that the shortage is real and ongoing.
A portion of the new funding is designated to support diversity initiatives, aiming to recruit pilots from underrepresented populations within the aviation sector.

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Congress will distribute $80 million over the next four years to assist with pilot workforce development. These funds—included as part of the recent FAA Reauthorization Act—represent a substantial increase from the $25 million allocated in 2018.

This additional funding is part of the FAA’s Aviation Workforce Development Grants program, which provides support to aviation-related education programs. The $80 million in pilot development grants is part of a broader $240 million pool intended to also recruit aircraft mechanics and aviation manufacturing workers.