Outreach Programs Doing Their Part to Combat the Pilot Shortage

Minorities, women, and young people are of particular focus to many groups.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 10:29 AM ET

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The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals says its Project Aerospace reaches more than 100,000 youth and young adults each year. [Courtesy: OBAP]

Key Takeaways:

Aviation industry stakeholders are actively combating the pilot shortage through extensive outreach programs targeting students from an early age, with a strong focus on increasing diversity.
Organizations like the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and Women in Aviation International (WAI) are instrumental in this effort, providing mentorship, immersive programs, and substantial scholarships to aspiring pilots from underrepresented groups.
Major airlines have established dedicated pipeline programs (e.g., United AVIATE, Delta Propel) and set explicit goals to recruit more women and people of color, often partnering with flight schools and regional carriers.
Despite these significant outreach and scholarship initiatives, progress in diversifying the pilot workforce, particularly for women and minorities, remains slow, indicating persistent challenges that require continued effort.