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What Are You Waiting For? – Over 450,000 New Airline Pilot Jobs By 2030

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
airline pilot hiring boom - 777

Will you be ready for the upcoming airline pilot hiring boom? - Photo courtesy of Brandon Farris

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start your airline pilot career, wait no more. According to Boeing, the world’s airlines, both in established and emerging markets, will require over 450,000 new commercial pilots to fly the aircraft currently on order with the major manufacturers. Here’s the company’s breakdown of where those airline jobs will be based:

  • Europe – 92,000+
  • Asia Pacific – 183,000+
  • China – 72,000+
  • North America – 82,000+
  • Latin America – 41,000+
  • Middle East – 36,000+
  • Africa – 14,000+
  • Russia/CIS 9,800+

In the airline business, seniority is everything. The sooner you start, the more seniority you’ll earn.

Here’s a great place to start… Check out our Flight School Listings and contact each school you’re interested in for specifics.

Good luck!

source: http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-can-pilot-training-keep-pace-with-demand-367291/

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“I Want To Be A Professional Pilot” Photo – Video Contest, Win a GoPro!

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

Go to our Facebook Page and enter the “I Want To Be A Professional Pilot” Photo – Video contest.   Upload your favorite aviation photo or video with the caption “why YOU want to become a professional pilot” to our Facebook page and you could WIN a new GoPro camera!

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Posted in Airline News, Aviation Careers, Aviation Industry News, Finding a Flight School, Flght training scholarships, Flight Training Info, Flying Tips, GI Bill and Flight Training, Learn to Fly, Online Aviation Degrees, Online Aviation Programs, School Updates, helicopter training, sport pilot training | No Comments »

Asia and Middle East Airlines Pilot Hiring Boom

Monday, December 5th, 2011
JAL B777

Pilots needed in the Middle East and Asia - photo courtesy of and copyright Brandon Farris

In Asia and the Middle East, airlines are ordering new planes each year, with an option to purchase even more as time goes by. The problem is that few of these countries have the pilot force necessary to fly the additional airliners. As a result, these regions will be facing a critical shortage of pilots as air travel increases. Some have already begun to see the effects of too few pilots in a growing industry.

According to an article in the Washington Post, Asia alone will need over 225,000 new pilots in the next 20 years.

One of the greatest challenges in getting pilots trained is the length of the education process. It is common for pilots to spend 3-4 years learning their skills and logging the appropriate hours before earning their license. To combat the shortage some countries in Asia and the Middle East have turned to pilots from Eastern Europe, where English is rarely spoken. As English is the international language of flight, this can, and does lead to confusion in the cockpit and with the tower.

The May 2010 Air India crash highlights some of the most challenging aspects of anticipated pilot shortage. Not only was the Serbian’s grasp of English questionable, he apparently slept through more than half of the flight and was too disoriented to land properly when the time came. With a growing number of pilots needed it is likely that airlines will start to cut corners in the hiring process.

The anticipated shortage isn’t bad for everyone, though. In some Middle Eastern countries airlines have the funds to offer exceptional salaries and conditions to trained pilots. These benefits have been used to lure well-trained professionals from U.S.-based carriers. In fact, “pilot poaching” has become such an issue in some areas of the world that local governments have been stepping in, requiring pilots to spend a certain amount of time with one airline before moving on.

It will take time for Asia and the Middle East to train its own pilots, and facilities are not yet readily available, although several are in the process of being built. Furthermore, the crisis is expected to spread into other areas of the aviation field as aircraft mechanics become scarce as well. Until the infrastructure has been put into place, airlines can anticipate the shortage to become more severe.

Browse Flight Training Schools

Browse Aircraft Mechanic Schools

Sources:
Google News
Washington Post

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iPads in Cockpits – Boeing Recommends Airlines Make the Switch

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is attempting to move navigational practices into the digital age with its newest policy: advising pilots to carry iPads in the cockpit instead of paper.

The reason? Traditionally, pilots have had to carry around volumes of different maps and manuals, which can be cumbersome and confusing to use. But with the ease of the iPad — and a new generation of pilots familiar with its use — the whole process of navigation is faster and safer.

Apparently, some companies have already taken the initiative. United Continental Holdings Inc. has purchased 11,000 of the hand held devices, which are manufactured by Apple Inc., for its pilots. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines no longer even uses paper manuals, instead opting for iPads.

Boeing’s charting unit, Jeppesen provides the electronic charts, instrument procedures, and airport diagrams needed for the shift to the iPad. Its application (or “app”) is available for a simple download from Apple’s store, iTunes, giving pilots all the information they need in the cockpit. Charts are updated are updated online, cutting down on the need to constantly replace old written instructions with new ones.

Jeppesen is planning to add a similar application for Android devices soon. The company already has more customers than any other provider of information for navigation and programs for flight training. Its resources are widely used not only by pilots, but also sailors and railway operators.

Sherry Carbary, the vice president for flight services at Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, seems confident that the newest technology can help the industry. In particular she cites how easy it is to utilize the iPad for multiple issues: for example, pilots can not only use it for navigation, but on the job training during flights.

She also notes how convenient the iPad is for transportation; aside from its use in the airplane cockpit, the small device can be carried around with much more ease than a stack of paper maps and manuals. This means that pilots can bring their important data to be studied at home or in their hotel rooms between fights.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-boeing-encouraging-airlines-to-switch-to-ipad-navigation-charts-20111006,0,3994889.story

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Boeing 787 Dreamliner Gets FAA Production Approval

Friday, August 26th, 2011

EVERETT, WA – Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt today announced that the FAA has approved production of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

At an event at Boeing’s facility in Everett, Washington, Administrator Babbitt presented Boeing executives with two certificates for the design and production of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with Rolls-Royce engines. The first, a Type Certificate, is for the FAA’s approval of the airplane’s design. The second, a Production Certificate, allows Boeing to manufacture the 787 following a rigorous review by FAA inspectors of Boeing’s quality system, production tooling, manufacturing processes and controls, inspection methods, and supplier control procedures.

“The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an incredible technological achievement – one that sets a new standard for innovation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “The new engine technology is fuel-efficient and reduces noise, minimizing the impact on the environment. Those are key to meeting our NextGen goals.”

“Today’s achievement could not have been possible without the professionalism and dedication of the FAA team involved in the certification,” said Administrator Babbitt. “The engineers, inspectors and flight test pilots all worked diligently to ensure our high safety standards were met.”

The Boeing 787 is a medium-size commercial transport airplane. It’s the world’s first major airliner to use composite materials for most of its construction, more than 50 percent by weight. The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel and produce less noise compared to similarly sized airplanes. It was designed and manufactured by suppliers and partners around the world and integrated at final assembly. The 787 incorporates many capabilities of the nation’s Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen.

The European Safety Agency (EASA) also issued a same day validation of the FAA Type Certificate of the 787.

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Flight Training Alert – British Airways Hiring 800 Pilots

Sunday, August 14th, 2011
british airways pilots

British Airways' next hiring phase is their largest ever. Click the image to learn more about becoming an airline pilot

Based at Heathrow Airport in London, British Airways has announced its plans to hire a record 800 pilots over the next five years. The company, which merged in January with Spain’s Iberia to form International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, already employs approximately 3,200 pilots.

According to British Airways spokesman Tony Cane, the new employees will be recruited in anticipation of the airline expanding its existing aircraft fleet in two years, with Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus SAS A380 superjumbos expected to be delivered.

British Airways intends to use existing flight crews to operate the new aircraft, and will need additional personnel to take over the crews’ former duties as they train and upgrade their skills. “We are looking for new pilots essentially to cover training for pilots converting to new aircraft joining the fleet,” stated Cane.

In addition to manning aircraft as new models are added, job openings are also expected to be created due to attrition as numerous pilots reach retirement age or move to part-time schedules.

Staff to be recruited will be a combination of fledgling pilots and seasoned ones from military sources and rival carriers. Cane added, “ It is about recruiting the right mix of new and experienced pilots for British Airways for the years to come.”

To help meet the increased demand, British Airways is launching a training program designed to assist approximately 400 prospective applicants in gaining admission to flight training schools in Spain and the UK.

A sponsor company, Airline Placement Limited (APL), will cover the initial expenses, and British Airways will serve as the guarantor. Those candidates who successfully complete the training requirements will be offered pilot positions with British Airways.

The company also promises other benefits of working as a pilot for them including offering a breadth of aircraft across both the long-haul and short-haul which allows opportunity for developing skills and career advancement.

Newly hired employees will be expected to assist with day-to-day service coverage, and will fly aircraft already existing in the fleet, typically starting out with short domestic and European hauls across Gatwick and Heathrow.

British Airways is encouraging candidates interested in the new pilot positions and training program to apply online at britishairwaysjobs.com .

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University of Illinois Closes Pilot Training Program

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

The University of Illinois has decided to close their aviation program, which includes their pilot training program. They cited declining enrollment in the program. In 2002, 176 freshmen applied compared to 34 in 2010. The closing is expected to save up to $75,000 annually. The program is slated to close in 2014, which will allow current students to obtain their degrees. The lack of enrolled students is somewhat of a mystery, considering the predicted world shortage of airline pilots. Some commentators have expressed the opinion that many U.S. students prefer to be doctors and lawyers.

Perhaps they are discouraged by the fact that in the U.S., 4,000 airline pilots have suffered layoffs. Still, sources state that U.S. airlines will need 40,000 new pilots by 2023. The major demand will be in Asia where the economies are booming, especially in China and India. The economy in China is expected to grow 10.5 percent in 2011, with the economy in India close behind at 9.4 percent. This new-found prosperity is creating a prosperous middle class that creates a burgeoning demand for air-passenger service.

A group that opposes closing of the school has established a website at http://www.savetheinstituteofaviation.com/. The group blames some actions of the university for worsening the lack of enrollment. Barring a reversal of the decision of the board of trustees, the group’s efforts have failed.

Airlines in the middle-east are participating in the boom. Emirates Airline, the Middle-east’s largest airline, has ordered 200 planes. The airline is owned by the government of Dubai, of the United Arab Emirates. The airline has a world-wide presence with 2400 flights weekly to 111 cities and 62 countries. It is possible to fly non-stop from Dubai to San Francisco.

Due to the economic condition of U.S. airlines, their pilots do not receive compensation commensurate with the skill and experience required. Although U.S. pilots have taken severe pay cuts in recent years, the worldwide demand for pilots is beginning to increase competition for pilots. Emirates Airlines is offering a villa in come cases. In the light of these facts, it appears that the job prospects for U.S. pilots are very encouraging; especially if they are willing to relocate to a foreign country. Airline pilot is a very demanding job that requires the utmost in skill and dedication. The perfect example is Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, who crash-landed the airliner in the frigid Hudson River without loss of life.

Sources:

Sophia Tareen/”U of Illinois Votes to End Aviation Program”/Bloomberg Businessweek

Save the Institute of Aviation Website

Chan Sue Ling/”Pilots Needed for Cockpits as Asia Boom Creates Shortage”/Bloomberg

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Boeing Increases Production and Predicts Boom in Demand

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737

Boeing poised to increase the output of its 737 model in 2012 - photo courtesy of and copyright Brandon Farris, Dex Images

In a surprising announcement given the recent economic woes of many US airlines, Boeing said that it plans several major production increases in the next few years. The company released an analysis directly before the Paris Air Show in June 2011 that predicted the world’s fleet of commercial aircraft would double in the next two decades. The aircraft manufacturer predicted a total of $4 trillion in commercial aircraft sales in that time, an increase of 33,500 new aircraft. Boeing cited, amongst other data, a 5.1% uptick in global passenger traffic and the declining age of commercial aircraft.

Due to this predicted increase in demand, Boeing has announced a production increase of 35 planes per month in early 2012 of its 737 model, which is currently being produced at a rate of 31.5 planes a month. Boeing further predicts that this number will rise to 42 per month by the beginning of 2014.

While some industry leaders have been skeptical of Boeing’s predictions, Boeing’s VP of Marketing Randy Tinseth contends that they are based on solid analysis of recent trends in the aviation market. “The world market has recovered and is now expanding at a significant rate,” Mr. Tinseth insisted, citing the growth of air travel in emerging markets and general economic trends in these markets towards open world trade, liberalization and general economic growth. Boeing admits that the US growth in air traffic will be much slower than that in developing economies, with North America’s increase in growth over the past year being a mere 2.3% compared to the robust 7% and 7.2% increases seen in the Middle East and the Asia Pacific regions respectively.

Due to this strong uptick in global growth, Boeing predicts that the most in-demand aircraft models in the next twenty years will be long-range twin-aisle designs that can handle the challenges of globalization and the corresponding increase in international passengers and flights.

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Flight Training – 466,000 Pilots Needed to Meet Demand

Monday, June 27th, 2011
Pilot Hiring Surge Expected during the next decade

Pilot hiring surge expected during the next decade - photo: Brandon Farris

It’s no secret that the world is in need of experienced and skilled pilots. Boeing recently predicted an aviation-industry hiring surge that will add more than 466,650 pilots by the year 2029. It’s predicted to be the biggest commercial pilot hiring event in history. After what has been a drought in pilot-hiring, the ever-expanding global market has opened the doors for new pilots to begin working.

The sudden surge in hiring will likely keep flight schools worldwide busy for a long time, providing revenue not only to the school, but to the economy. While the recession in the United States drags on, a massive hiring sweep provides a ray of hope in an otherwise dismal market. The Dean of the Florida College of Aeronautics at Florida Tech in Melbourne, Winston Scott, says that, “They are all shopping at stores, going to restaurants…it’s an incredible influx to our economy.”

The potential hiring surge is being encouraged by several factors. First, the expanding market for travel in Asia, which may surpass North American travel in a matter of years, contributes to the demand. Second, proposed changes are in the works that would dictate new rules on flight training requirements. Finally, as the economy in the United States improves, there is a greater demand for air travel.

Enrollment for flight training in Florida has gone up at least 5 percent in the last year, and the numbers are expected to climb. The significant growth in the aviation industry is estimated to continue over the next ten years.

Visit Aviation Schools Online to learn more about flight training in Florida
Sources:
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110619/BUSINESS/110617031/Demand-pilots-ready-take-off-

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Apple iPad: Making Its Way to a Cockpit Near You

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Photo courtesy of Brandon Farris, copyright 2011, http://www.flickr.com/photos/seahawks7757/

The next time you fly, Apple’s innovative tablet device could play a significant role in your trip. Since receiving approval from the FAA, the Apple iPad has become very popular with US airlines. According to recent reports, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are eying the device for replacing paper charts, maps, and flight manuals.

Alaska Airlines has begun phasing out their paper flight manuals in favor of the PDF copies on the iPad. The devices will only initially replace the paper flight manuals, some 40 or more documents weighing almost 25 pounds, but the airline is considering also replacing charts and maps. The iPad is considered a Class 1 electronic device under FAA regulations and must be stowed during takeoff and landing, but otherwise it is a big hit with the airline.

The airline says adopting the iPad will save 2.4 million pieces of paper. According to their estimates, the cost of outfitting every pilot with an iPad will be offset by lower paper and printing costs as well as fuel savings from the weight reduction.

Following on the heels of Alaska Airlines, American Airlines has begun a six-month test of the iPad as an electronic flight bag. The testing currently consists of flights along two international routes out of Los Angeles.

While Alaska Airlines’ adoption of the iPad is more widespread, the American Airlines tests will replace both flight manuals and navigational charts and maps. If the tests work well, the airline intends to phase out the 35 pounds or more of paper manuals and charts that pilots must lug to and from the cockpit every day.

The test is a result of an initiative spearheaded by the Allied Pilots Association. The association called for electronic flight bags to replace pilots’ big black cases and it happens that the iPad might do the trick.

With weight savings, reduction in document production expenses, and near instantaneous updates, it is clear that the iPad’s use as a cost-effective electronic flight bag in commercial cockpits will only increase. In fact, it would come as no surprise to find that other carriers are looking over the shoulders of Alaska Airlines and American Airlines taking notes as those carriers begin to adopt the device.

What’s your take? Do you think the iPad makes a great, cost-effective electronic flight bag or are we setting ourselves up for Angry Birds and dead batteries at 30,000 feet?

For more information on flight training and choosing the right school, check out our Flight Training Resource Center or find flight training near you.

Sources:
American Airlines pilots to try out iPads as flight bags
Alaska Airlines Pilots Go Lean And Green With iPads
This article was written by Matthew Everett, a private pilot, aviation writer, and frequent contributor to AviationSchoolsOnline.com. You can follow him on twitter @leaving_tf or find his blog at http://leavingterrafirma.com.

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