Fewer people are entering the aviation business, or staying in it, as airlines face big reductions in pilots. In efforts to retain their experienced ones, the industry upped the retirement age from 60 to 65 about eight years ago. But, it still has not made a dent in the problem.
Aviation expert Joshua Verde says the real issue comes with who is behind those eligible for retirement.
"What we are seeing is fewer pilots entering the system, and fewer student pilots signing up to become commercial pilots," says Verde. "The longer this goes on...sort of through attrition and retirements...lose pilots, and it is resulting in a real shortage, which in turn, effects flight schedules, and people's travel plans."
A recent study shows that a lowly 8% of pilots are under the age of 30 in the industry. Part of that problem stems from the insanely high barriers to entering the industry, according to expert Mike Hatten.
"It costs $80,000 on average to train yourself, and you end up with that debt...people are just not entering the industry like they used to," Hatten says.
The shortage will only get worse too, with about half of pilots set to reach retirement age in the next 15 years. With airlines behind the eight-ball in hiring youth pilots, Hatten has a three-step plan to getting more pilots to enter the force, and also, stick around longer.
"First, they should raise the retirement age to 67. Second, the FAA could revise some of the training requirements...make some more virtual...and get people through the pipeline faster, so to speak," says Hatten. "Third...they need to work on the quality of life for some of these pilots. Entry level pilots are on reserve for a significant amount of time."
Most entry level pilots are required to gather about 1,500 hours of flight time, which can take a few years to attain.
With Artificial Intelligence becoming ever-popular too, some have even suggested automated cockpits, with one pilot, or even no pilots present. Verde thinks that is unwise.
"I think that is very, very far away in terms of technology, and safety, as an option for people," says Verde.
Both agree that the real answer to stopping the problem is getting the younger student pilots interested in the industry again.
The real losers in the end? The travelers.
"And that is the most unfortunate part of it all," Verde says.
Photo: Getty Images