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Is A Global Pilot Shortage Looming?

An airline industry forecast is raising concerns about a pilot shortage.

FOX News Radio’s Lilian Woo explains:

Audio clip:

Boeing predicts nearly half a million new pilots will be needed worldwide between now and 2031, as global economies expand and airlines take deliveries of tens of thousands of new commercial airliners. One of the world’s largest makers of those jetliners also predicting more than 600 thousand new aircraft maintenance technicians will be needed over that same period.

A possible shortage here at home officials say could be touched off by rising global demand, combined with an anticipated wave in retirement and tighter qualification standards for new pilots that will kick in next year.

Lilian Woo, FOX News Radio.

Editor’s Note: Boeing says the asia pacific region is already experiencing delays and operational interruption from pilot scheduling constraints as carriers there struggle to fill spots.




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2 Comments

  1. mike

    July 15, 2012 at 8:33 pm

    My father was hired in 1966 at a major airline with just 194 hours total time…in single engine airplanes. He was hired into 707-720 series and flew many types including the 727, DC-9, L-1011, A300, 757/767 and 747 classic and glass. He never had an incident or accident despite his low time.
    I was hired by a regional in 1992 with just under 1300 hours of single and multi-engine time. Regardless of our time differences, I can tel you that after 15,000 hours for myself and over 22,000 hours for my father, we both agree that low time alone is NOT something the public should all be worried about. Before being allowed to fly with a regular company pilot, a new pilot will fly a minimum of and usually more than 50 hours in the aircraft with what is called a "IOE Checkairman" or Initial Operating Experience pilot. This pilot is specifically trained to fly with new pilots, knowing the common errors and lower flight skill seen when moving up to bigger aircraft. They guide the greenhorn to operate the aircraft safely and proficiently before letting them out of their tutelage.
    Both my father and I have been IOE Checkairman before. My point…RELAX! It's all just the media trying to scare you…really.

  2. Coby

    July 16, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Paying a pilot $20,000 a year when it cost over $100,000 to get the ratings should be a crime. I have been flying for ten year fourloughed twice and I am now at my third airline making first year pay again. I will be lucky to make $25,000. This industry is a joke and deserves to be burned to the ground. The executives of these airline companies make 7 figures just to drive them to bankrupy. No person in their right mind should peruse a career in aviation!