Global pilot shortage

Global Pilot Shortage: Your Opportunity to Soar

The aviation industry is facing a significant pilot shortage, creating an exciting opportunity for aspiring pilots. With growing air travel demand, a wave of pilot retirements, and a recovering industry, pilots will be highly sought after in the coming years, especially in the U.S. under the FAA system. If you are ready to invest in your future, now is the perfect time to start your journey toward becoming a commercial airline pilot.

649,000 |

New Pilots Needed by 2042

New Pilots Needed per region

252k new commerical pilots needed over the next 10 years

Parked planes waiting for pilots

The pilot supply issue can already be seen in the United States, where several regional airlines are cutting service and parking airplanes due to a lack of qualified crew. 
‍
Several thousand pilots took early retirement at the height of the pandemic, and thousands more will be facing mandatory retirement at age 65 in the next few years. At the same time, traditional pilot entry points, including the military and self-funded trainees, are producing fewer pilots.

growth in pilot demand from 2023 to 2032

0 %

active civil pilots forecasted for 2032

0 k

commercial pilots

0 k

business aviation pilots

0 k

The Future

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re considering becoming a pilot, the current pilot shortage represents a huge opportunity to secure long-term employment with excellent job security and high earning potential. Here’s why investing in your pilot training under the FAA system is a smart choice:

Strong Job Prospects: FAA-certified pilots are in high demand, and this shortage means that airlines are actively recruiting and offering attractive packages to new pilots, including sign-on bonuses, higher starting salaries, and fast-tracked career progression. With pilot demand expected to outstrip supply, job opportunities will be abundant.
Work-Life Balance with Modular Training: One of the advantages of pursuing your pilot license in the U.S. is the flexibility provided by part-time modular training programs. This allows you to continue working while training, balancing your current career or obligations with your aviation ambitions.
High Earning Potential: U.S. commercial pilots enjoy competitive salaries that grow over time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers in the U.S. was $202,180 in 2023, with senior captains earning upwards of $350,000 per year at major airlines.
FAA-Certified Training with Global Opportunities: Earning your FAA pilot license is a globally respected certification, recognized around the world. Whether you choose to fly for a U.S.-based airline or pursue international opportunities, your FAA certification opens doors to a wide variety of career paths, from passenger airlines to cargo operations or private aviation.

Currently, only 10% of the 757,000 FAA registered pilots of all categories are women

What the Industry is Saying

Leading industry experts and airlines are sounding the alarm about the looming pilot shortage. The Regional Airline Association (RAA) has emphasized that regional airlines, which serve many domestic routes in the U.S., are feeling the impact of pilot shortages the hardest. Major U.S. airlines like United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines are actively recruiting pilots and investing in pilot training programs to address this issue.

In fact, United Airlines projects it will hire 10,000 new pilots by 2030, and American Airlines has recently increased its pilot salaries to remain competitive in attracting talent.

According to Boeing, North America will need more than 130,000 new pilots by 2042. These figures highlight the urgency of training and recruiting new pilots to fill these gaps.

Start Your Journey with Pilot Path

At Pilot Path, we provide comprehensive support, structure, and financing options to help you start your pilot training under the FAA system. With our modular training approach, you can complete your training at your own pace, while balancing full-time work or other commitments. We work with industry-leading flight schools to ensure you receive the best FAA-approved training available.

Don’t wait to invest in your future. The demand for pilots is here, and with the right training and support, you can be part of the next generation of highly sought-after pilots.

Hear from our Founder and Managing Director.

CRAIG LANCASTER HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL AVIATION INDUSTRY. PREVIOUSLY HEAD OF DEPT AT RYANAIR GROUP, LANCASTER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REGIONAL PEOPLE MANAGEMENT, COMPLEX OPERATIONS STRATEGY, SAFETY OVERSIGHT, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT, ANCILLARY REVENUE MANAGEMENT, FINANCIAL CONTROLS, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE DELIVERY ACROSS RYANAIR BASES IN EUROPE AND NORTH AFRICA.

Aviation – a place for all, but explored by few!

Generations of pilots have come and gone and the vast majority have dedicated their lives to evolving an industry close to their heart. Our mission is to diversify that pool of vocational lead professionals as we enter the next great era of travel across the globe.

Passion, clarity of direction, and that special feeling of love for your job are typically hard to come by in any role. The fast-paced environment that is ever changing will become your natural habitat. Pilot Path offers a unique opportunity to come and explore past your boundaries and comfort zone.

Are you ready to place yourself at the centre of your investment, follow your passion, and join the tiny 5% of people who have operated an aircraft in their lifetime?

Take Action Today

Flexible Financing Options: We offer financing solutions to make your pilot training affordable and manageable.
Expert Guidance: We help you navigate each step of your training journey, ensuring you’re on the right track toward achieving your pilot career goals.
Employment Prospects: Our partnerships with top flight schools and airlines give you an edge when it comes to career placement.

Start your journey today with Pilot Path and be ready to meet the demand for qualified pilots in the years ahead.

BOOK YOUR TRIAL LESSON

Confirm

Subject

Where did you hear from us?

Opt in to Marketing

Please sign me up to marketing and other flight related communications for Pilot Path

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Global pilot shortage