Possible pilot shortage on the horizon

OSHKOSH - Oshkosh's EAA AirVenture provides a week-long vacation for aviation admirers, but for some visitors it is a sneak peak at a possible career.

“As a kid growing up I used to go to airports and look up at all the planes and decided I wanted to make it a career,” said Cole Goldenberg, a 21-year-old Senior at the University of Illinois.

If a recent forecast on pilot jobs holds true, Goldenberg shouldn't have any problems landing a job after graduation.

“Everyone says now is the time to get a job,” said Goldenberg. “In the next five years everything is going to be great.”

Each year until 2029, Aircraft maker Boeing predicts an average of 23,300 new pilots will be needed. Boeing says most of the openings are required to meet a growing air travel market. Another reason is a rash of upcoming, necessary retirements.

“They are now reaching 65 and it's a mandatory retirement by the F.A.A,” said Doug Stewart with the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators.

Stewart says a lack of aviation instructors could create an even larger problem.

“The flight instructor is the key to all of this because if you don't have someone to teach them, there's a shortage all the way around,” said Stewart.

Stewart says if a person has a quality flight education, it could mean a well-paying job.

“As you work yourself up the ranks, the pay isn't necessarily all that great,” said Stewart. “Once you get more successful, you go onto the airlines, you could be making a lot of money, you could be looking at over $100,000.”

Aviation officials say it is never too late or early to begin a career in the air.

“I want to solo before I turn 17 and then get my pilot's license when I'm 17 and get my private pilot license, because that is as young as you can be,” said Candice Votava, a 16-year-old Winneconne High School student.

Aviation experts say a typical career path for air travel takes between four and six years. If you want the fast track to the runway, experts say a pilot's license could be completed within two years.