When the Boeing forecast released last month gave a hint of the number of pilots and mechanics needed in the next two decades, it included some bare-bones figures, 43,000, for the helicopter industry worldwide. Within the U.S., however, the number of active helicopter pilots sits at about 15,000 according to Robbie Paul, assistant chief flight instructor at Southern Utah State University in Cedar City, Utah. SUU offers both fixed wing and a rotary wing flight training.
Pilot Shortage Also Extends to the Rotary World
Key Takeaways:
- The helicopter industry faces a severe and under-publicized pilot shortage, estimated at 7,500 pilots needed in the U.S. over the next 18 years from a current base of about 15,000.
- High training costs and significant flight hour requirements (around 1,000 total time) for initial jobs are major challenges for prospective helicopter pilots.
- Institutions like Southern Utah State University are working to mitigate the shortage through scholarships, partnerships with EMS operators to reduce hour requirements, and a curriculum that enables graduates to become instructors and build flight experience.
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