Where Have All the Pilots Gone?

Michael Wildes

Friday, January 14, 2022 at 01:17 PM ET

Verified

Empty cockpits are becoming more and more common, but why? [File Image: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

A severe pilot shortage is impacting U.S. commercial, corporate, and regional aviation, leading to grounded aircraft and suspended routes, as confirmed by airline executives.
Pilots are leaving or avoiding the profession primarily due to a desire for improved work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and a greater sense of being valued, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic.
Compounding the issue, general interest in pursuing a pilot career has declined over the last decade, even as projections indicate a need for over 14,500 new pilots annually in the U.S. through 2030.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Editor’s note: This article is the first in a six-part series examining the aviation industry’s pilot shortage and what can be done about it.

Jan. 14: An overview of the issue | Jan. 17: How the military is dealing with its shortage | Jan. 18: Recruiting right from the flight schools | Jan. 19: How to get young people involved | Jan 20: The role of flight schools in creating pilots | Jan 21: Want to get your chops back? Here’s how.