The Pilot Shortage Could Hamper your Summer Vacation

Your upcoming family vacation may have a blemish - and aviation expert Denny Kelly puts it best. The airlines have a really big problem now. Aviation expert Denny Kelly explains. "Everybody is hurting for pilots. The Military is screaming, We nee more pilots!!' Everybody is needing more pilots!" There are not as many Military pilots getting out of the service as there used to be - so naturally it's going to get worse." Kelly says pilots have to retire at 65 and there are more planes to fly now than before. Plus Congress upped the experience necessary to fly those big planes. "To fly as a First Officer or a Co-Pilot, you first must have 1500 hours. It's difficult to get 1500 hours when you are only allowed to fly 30 hours a week."

Kelly says airlines are already pruning their flight schedules, and are even getting creative to add to the ranks. "Some of the airlines are starting up their own flight schools in order to train more pilots. But - then again, it's hard to get to 1500 hours!" 1500 hours in the air are necessary to co-pilot a large passenger craft. So don't look for a quick fix - and book your flights as early as you can.

Kelly suggests you book your flight as early as possible and remember Saturday mornings and Tuesdays are the best days to fly.

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