Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

R 131 markets, with 77 of those exits representing a loss of regional lift. Additionally, despite FAA pilot certifications increasing in both 2022 and 2023, there are not enough qualified pilots of hire with large air carriers hiring more pilots than have been produced. Through October of 2023, 9,300 pilots have qualified for an ATP; yet large carriers have already hired slightly over 11,000 pilots primarily from regional airlines. Unless immediate action is taken, the pilot shortage will continue to be a growing crisis, as more than 60 percent of pilots are forced to retire over the next two decades. Increasing the pilot retirement age is a proven solution that will keep experience on the flight deck and help small communities preserve air service. The pilot shortage is a devastating crisis and is resulting in hundreds of parked regional aircraft. However, regional airlines aren’t the only ones grappling with this crisis. Small communities across the country are dealing with the negative economic consequences of a loss of air service. Travelers are also facing higher airfare and loss of options, forcing them to drive to their destinations, which is a far less safe form of travel. Now is the time to act and advance solutions that will immediately increase the pilot workforce and improve pilot training 16 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01