Author: Capt. Anthony Kokai-Kunn, President of CPPC, BSc. Class 1 IP
Prior to Covid, the pilot shortage was recognized as a looming challenge by industry groups such as ATAC, but it remained one that was still relatively manageable. With the loss of many pilots due to reasons that vary from early retirement to simply changing careers, and the reduction of new Commercially Licensed Pilots graduating from flight schools caused by the shutdown of many schools during Covid, the pilot shortage has been further exacerbated, temporarily.
The major carriers are having difficulty recruiting pilots at the experience level they were accustomed to (evidenced by lowered requirements), and this is rapidly having a trickle down effect to the regionals and all the smaller (702, 703, and 605) operators. Historically, pilots who graduated with their CPL/multi-IFR or similar have gone first to these smaller carriers, then the regionals and finally the majors. This has contributed to the stellar safety record at the 704 and 705 (regional and major air carrier) level that has lasted for decades due to the experience of those pilots. That experience was often earned in northern and remote operations in both difficult weather and on difficult runways, and it helped to ensure that those individuals were ready to assume command on the larger more complicated aircraft after they operated from the First Officer position for a few years.
The expansion of many air carriers, and an aging & relatively cohesive pilot cohort approaching retirement, is also contributing to the need for pilots. Pilots are being recruited with less and less experience. The implications for safety, and adjustment to training techniques/timelines, are obvious. The question is, what can be done to mitigate this potential problem?
The College of Professional Pilots believes that part of our mandate is to assist in the transition from newly licensed Commercial Pilot to a pilot that works in a multi-crew aircraft for a regional or major air carrier. We plan to do this on several levels; through mentorship, a flight school initiative that assists with CRM and SOP training, educational material available on our website, and by promoting professional standards. Mentorship will be available for College Members at every level who will be matched to a mentor that is knowledgeable in the type of flying the Member would like to pursue. Flight schools who promote the College to their students will be given generic SOPs that use industry best practices. Assistance with multi-crew CRM and SOP training will be to ensure a smoother transition into complex 2 crew aircraft. The rigors of flying in difficult conditions will be addressed through education, and the examples of personal standards will be discussed along with realistic expectations and positive reinforcement of best practices.
The goal is to achieve the same or better level of safety that our industry has enjoyed over the last few decades by working together with flight schools, the air carriers, and the other stakeholders. Achieving this goal is key to our industry remaining strong and protecting our reputation as professionals and fostering trust for our occupation in the eyes of the traveling public.
