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 has allocated $80 million over the next four years for pilot workforce development, a significant increase from previous funding, as part of a broader $240 million aviation workforce grant program.
A debate exists regarding the pilot shortage, with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) calling it a "myth" and blaming airline executives, while regional carriers and some senators insist the shortage is real and ongoing.
The new funding includes provisions to promote diversity by distributing grants to programs that recruit pilots from underrepresented populations in 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.