Market Intelligence: -General Aviation

US Air Force Reservists Help Youngsters Soar at AIM HIGH Flight Academy

Three Reserve Citizen Airmen are spending their summer in Florida helping a diverse group of young adults grow their love of aviation at the Air Force’s AIM HIGH Flight Academy.

Based at the Peter Prince Airfield in Milton, the academy is hosted by Air Force Recruiting Service’s Detachment 1, which was created as the execution arm of the chief of staff of the Air Force’s Rated Diversity Improvement strategy.

“In the Air Force pilot community, we don’t see the diversity that we see in other communities,” said 1st Lt. Jonathan Rothe, a Reservist assigned to the 944th Operations Group, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, who is serving as AIM HIGH’s director of operations this summer. “That is something General Brown (Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.) has tasked Air Force Recruiting Service with improving. So Recruiting established Det. 1 to inform, influence and inspire young people of all ethnicities and backgrounds to consider a career in aviation.”

“Air Force Recruiting Service and Detachment 1’s AIM HIGH Flight Academy are in the business of positively changing lives,” said Brig. Gen. Lisa Craig, AFRS deputy commander. “The flight academy exposes participants to this broad range of training, as well as the professional Total Force Airmen trainers and mentors, and creates pathways to potential future service. As a part of our nationwide diversity outreach program, participants come from across the fabric of the nation. For many, they have to ‘see one to be one.’ This program opens that aperture.”

The AIM HIGH Flight Academy is one of Det. 1’s major programs. Over the course of three summer sessions, a total of 72 students have the opportunity to spend three weeks immersed in aviation education, character development and mentorship. They split time between ground school instruction, simulator work and actual time in Cessna 172L/M/N aircraft. About half of the students complete their first solo flight during the academy.

In addition to Rothe, two other Reserve Citizen Airmen are comprising the academy’s permanent party staff this summer. Col. Josh Flatley, a traditional Reservist assigned to the 954th Reserve Support Squadron at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the academy commander, and Tech. Sgt. Glenda Nathaniel, an Individual Mobilization Augmentee assigned to U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the assistant director of operations.

The trio of Reservists are leading a Total Force team of active-duty and Guard instructors during each summer session.

Flatley said he is amazed by the transformation he sees in the students during the three-week sessions.

“It is so cool to have the opportunity to work with these amazing young people,” he said. “They go through some trials and challenges, and the growth you see from the beginning of the class to the end is just phenomenal.”

Rothe said the academy serves two major purposes. “We’re a STEM-based aviation program designed to inspire the love of aviation in the youth of America, but we also try to ensure the students who come through here leave as better people than when they came,” he said.

The lieutenant said that about 70% of the people who come through the academy have their sights set on an Air Force career, but there is no service commitment associated with AIM HIGH.

“At the end of the day, there’s no commitment, no having to sign on the dotted line,” he said. “We just want kids who want to come down and get some flight hours and some training and help encourage their love of aviation. At the end of the day, we look at these students as our future leaders. Some of these youngsters are going to go on to bigger and better things than any of us. Knowing that we were able to help them on that journey is awesome.”

Full-time high school or college students or enlisted members of any service between the ages of 16 and 23 can apply for next year’s AIM HIGH Flight Academy. If selected, 100% of academy costs are paid for by Air Force Recruiting Service.

Source: Air Force Reserve Command Press Release

Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force Photo by Darius Caldwell | Air Force Reserve Command

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Leading US University Aviation Program is Convening a New National Aviation Symposium in November

The School of Aviation and Transportation Technology in Purdue University’s Polytechnic Institute, located in Indiana – United States, is convening a new National Aviation Symposium to address the rapidly re-approaching shortage of pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians.

The symposium will be held November 8, 9 and 10, 2022, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Representatives from all the stakeholders in the national aviation community are invited to attend. These stakeholders include airlines, manufacturers, associations, labor unions, government agencies, academic institutions and the media.

Featured Pilot Training Industry Speakers include;

  • Captain Philip Adrian – CEO of Simulator Manufacturer MPS
  • Kit Darby – President at KitDarby Aviation Consulting
  • Captain Jeffrey Carlson – Leads Flight Operations at Atlas Air
  • Dr Nancy Shane Hocking – Director of Gateway Programs at JetBlue
  • Paul Kinstedt – Senior Vice President and COO at Republic Airways
  • Robert L. Low – Vice President of People and Culture for Republic Airways
  • Allison McKay – CEO of Woman in Aviation International

For more information about the symposium and its agenda please see this page.

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US Airline Pilot Union, ALPA, – “New Government Data Shows U.S. Pilot Production Remains Strong”

Pushing back on the erroneous claim that the United States is experiencing a shortage of pilots, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) released updated data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that shows 8,823 newly certificated commercial pilots have been produced in the last 12 months. ALPA also released an analysis that showed the union’s seven largest passenger carriers have more pilots and conduct less flying than they did before the pandemic, offering further evidence that pilot availability is strong and the debate about supply is really an attempt by some airlines to divert attention away from their operational mismanagement.

“Once again, the data demonstrates that the United States is producing a record number of pilots. However, there are still some in the industry that continue to mislead the public about pilot supply to cover up bad business decisions and their attempts to negatively impact aviation safety,” said ALPA president Capt. Joe DePete. “Rather than focusing on trying to avoid proven aviation safety regulations, these airlines should instead follow ALPA’s lead and promote one level of safety across the industry. ALPA is prepared to work with any stakeholder to ensure we are attracting and retaining the best and the brightest to the piloting profession—and we are determined to make certain that any effort to shortcut safety fails.”

In addition to the updated FAA pilot-supply data, ALPA’s Economic and Financial Analysis team looked at the number of pilots currently employed by the Association’s seven largest all-passenger carriers and, while the airlines are operating 8.8 percent fewer block hours today than they did prior to the start of the pandemic, they have 6.5 percent more pilots now.

“The facts are clear: there are more than enough qualified pilots available to fly for the right opportunity while continuing to protect the strong safety system that has made our nation the gold standard of aviation,” added DePete. “Last week, we marked the 12-year anniversary of the passage of one of the most effective aviation safety laws ever enacted, and our pilots remain resolute in our defense of the highest standards for professional aviators.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 65,000 pilots at 40 U.S. and Canadian airlines.

Source: ALPA Press Release

Photo Credit: ALPA

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US Airline, SkyWest, Invests in Next Generation of Aviation Technicians With Donation of Aircraft and Parts

SkyWest Airlines is pleased to announce a significant donation of retired aircraft and parts to aviation maintenance schools. These donations, valued at approximately $2 million, will provide students with enhanced experience as they have a chance to learn and hone their skills working on the same type of aircraft they will work on once they complete their training program.

“We’re excited for the opportunities this donation will provide for students pursuing their A&P by giving them real-world, hands-on experience with commercial aircraft and components,” said Wade Steel, SkyWest Chief Commercial Officer. “This investment of resources is just another step SkyWest is taking to support students as they advance toward becoming aviation technicians.”

SkyWest’s donations consist of four retired CRJ200 airframes and parts. These items will be donated to: Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah; Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah; San Joaquin Valley College in Fresno, California; and Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona. The arrival of the donated items is being coordinated through each school and is expected to be complete in the coming months.

In addition to these donations, SkyWest is supporting future aviation technicians through our AMT Pathway Program. This program allows student mechanics to qualify for elite access to SkyWest benefits, such as mentoring by experienced mechanics, enhanced company seniority, and a final job interview to become an A&P mechanic at one of SkyWest’s maintenance locations.

SkyWest Airlines is the largest regional airline in the world and is committed to working with local communities to grow the future of aviation.

About SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW), operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines carrying more than 36 million passengers in 2021. Headquartered in St. George, Utah, its  fleet of over 500 aircraft connects passengers to over 230 destinations throughout North America.

Source: SkyWest Airlines Press Release

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US University Leaders Discuss State of Aviation Industry, University’s Role in Feeding Pipeline

The country’s aviation industry is currently experiencing a substantial staffing shortage, from pilots and airport staff to mechanics and management personnel. Leaders from Auburn’s School of Aviation—James Witte, department chair, and James Birdsong, aviation program coordinator and winner of the 2020 Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award—recently discussed the state of the industry, how the situation developed and what leading national programs like Auburn are doing to help feed the pipeline with qualified professionals who are ready to make an immediate impact after graduation.

It has been widely publicized that the airline industry is struggling with personnel shortages in several categories, including pilots, airport staff and mechanics. Can you talk about how this came about and how long this issue might persist?

Birdsong: The combination of an aging aviation workforce (pilots, airport staff and mechanics), coupled with the early retirement incentives offered by airlines early in the pandemic as airlines worked to cut operating costs as demand plummeted, followed by rapidly increasing demand for air travel on the backside of the pandemic, led to the current situation where the industry is struggling with personnel shortages. Additionally, about 50% of all Air Transport Pilot certificate holders (the license required to serve as a pilot at the airlines) will reach the mandatory retirement age of 65 within 15 years, meaning half of the current pilot workforce will need to be replaced over the next 15 years. The industry is onboarding many young talents, but training pilots and other professionals takes time. In the short term, airlines are working to balance their capacity with demand by adjusting schedules, but in the long term, they are planning for an extended period of hiring new talent over the next decade.

Auburn’s School of Aviation is producing highly skilled graduates via both professional flight and aviation management majors, and their job placement has been extremely high in recent years. How have programs like Auburn Aviation helped meet the demand for high-quality personnel and how has that demand helped increase the number of students interested in working in the industry?

Birdsong: Graduates of both degrees, professional flight and aviation management, are joining the aviation workforce in record numbers. Prospective students see the many opportunities graduates enjoy and see Auburn as an excellent onramp to a career in the airline industry.

The aviation program at Auburn has grown exponentially in the last seven to eight years, with nearly 700 students expected to participate in the two majors this fall. Can you talk about that growth and Auburn’s evolution into one of the nation’s premier programs?

Birdsong: The growth of the Auburn School of Aviation is a reflection of the times. We are certainly in a period of growth and replacement of personnel retiring throughout the aviation industry. A fair window for the current expansion would be a 10-year consideration of expansion and prediction concerning the market forces.

Auburn Aviation has already forged partnerships with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines that have benefited all involved. What other alliances is the program currently working on for the coming months and years?

Witte: We are incredibly fortunate to have a working relationship with Delta and United. These agreements allow for a smooth transition from a school setting to active employment with a major airline. We are also looking at similar arrangements with Southwest Airlines.

The School of Aviation at Auburn boasts a top-notch group of instructors and faculty members. Could you discuss the importance of students receiving instruction from veteran pilots who have excelled in the military and commercial sectors of the aviation industry?

Witte: As a Part 141 flight school, we have a very high standard of acceptance into our school. As we expand our academic offerings to the graduate level, a doctorate degree plus flight experience is a requirement. Competent aviators with a high level of formal academic education are desirable, sought after and scarce. Entering aviation academics is highly competitive.

Auburn’s growth is expected to continue in the coming years. What will that look like in terms of additional facilities and resources, and how can program supporters donate to the cause?

Witte: The future of the aviation program at Auburn is centered around three factors: Facilities, Faculty and Funding. All three areas are germane to the success of the school. We are finalizing the introductory process of developing a significant expansion to the existing Delta Building to support the needs of the professional flight program. At the same time, we are exploring the steps to secure an administration building for the school at the airport to support the expanded faculty, house teaching labs and better facilitate student learning.

Source: Auburn University Press Release

Photo Credit: Auburn University

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US Aviation Academy Partners with Avelo Airlines to Provide A Path for Pilots and Maintenance Technicians

Avelo Airlines and US Aviation Academy (USAA) are partnering to create a pathway for aviation-career minded students.

Students and instructors at USAA can soar to become pilots or maintenance technicians with Avelo Airlines through accelerated aviation programs available at USAA. USAA and Avelo share a common goal: develop safe, responsible and effective pilots and technicians who are fully certified through an industry-leading training program. Avelo and USAA’s partnership will support students in successfully completing their training and launching their careers.

USAA CEO Mike Sykes said, “US Aviation is proud to partner with Avelo Airlines to make pilots’ and mechanics’ dreams come true.”

The Avelo story begins with the simple purpose of Inspiring Travel. Led by a team of world-class airline executives, they endeavor to build a different and better kind of airline. On April 28, 2021, Avelo Airlines took flight for the first time — ushering in a new era of convenient, affordable and reliable air travel.

Avelo Airlines Head of Flight Operations Scott Hall said, “We are always looking for great Crewmembers at Avelo, including Pilots and Technicians. USAA has an impressive track record of developing exceptional aviation professionals. We are excited to be collaborating with USAA to help create this pathway to opportunity for these aspiring aviation professionals.”

Today, Avelo serves 30 destinations across the U.S. from its bases at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Avelo currently operates a fleet of 10 Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737s.

The addition of USAA to Avelo’s existing portfolio of pilot recruiting partners will further supplement Avelo’s aggressive growth plans. Avelo expects to hire as many as 160 pilots over the next year. The airline is accepting applications now for anticipated First Officer openings beginning in October.

USAA has been training professional pilots since 2006. Students become instructors as they fulfill the requirements to become a career professional pilot. The accelerated programs put students on the right track to obtain a commercial or flight instructor certificate in as few as nine months at any of our five locations: Denton (DTO), Fort Worth (AFW), Conroe (CXO), Cape Girardeau (CGI), and Poughkeepsie (POU). USAA started training professional aviation technicians in 2021 and offers one of the fastest paths into the career through its full-time 12-month training program.

About Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines was founded with a simple purpose — to Inspire Travel. The airline offers Customers time and money-saving convenience, low everyday fares, and a refreshingly smooth and caring experience through its Soul of Service culture. Operating a fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, Avelo serves 30 popular destinations across the U.S., including its three bases at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

About US Aviation Academy
US Aviation Group came under current ownership in 2006 and has grown from a hand full of Piper Warriors and a Seneca to one of the largest Part 141 flight academies in the country with over 120 aircraft at five locations. US Aviation’s growth is a product of professionalism, a commitment to safety, and excellence in training. These core values have made US Aviation Academy the choice flight training partners for colleges nationwide. In 2021 US Aviation launched its first Part 147 airframe and powerplant mechanic program which is rapidly expanding. 

Source: US Aviation Academy Announcement

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