All the big headlines about pilot shortages are centered around airlines. For instance, a new report from consultancy firm Oliver Wyman warns that the post-COVID recovery in pilot demand could be felt as early as later this year and escalate to a crisis level by 2023. So why should you be concerned, especially if you’re not at the age of 22 and aiming for those gold-striped epaulets and a hefty paycheck? Well, there is a ripple effect of a pilot shortage that can be a boon for all general aviation (GA) pilots.
Firstly, a rising tide in training operations will benefit all. While many career-driven students enroll in aviation colleges or training academies, there is a significant spillover to the smaller, airport-centric flight schools. The more flying that takes place, it not only benefits those flight schools but also all service providers. This includes airports, FBOs (fixed-base operators), fuel vendors, maintenance shops, avionics sales, pilot supplies (including epaulets), aviation finance companies – virtually any business that thrives on light airplane flying. It also attracts new startups to ride the wave, increasing the competition. Additionally, economics dictates that as the overall cash flow volume increases, businesses can afford to reduce margins and lower prices to attract even more customers.
Secondly, leaseback opportunities are more likely when flight schools are actively training fresh certificate holders. Potential aircraft buyers, whether it’s brand-new or used aircraft, have more and better options to offset a significant portion of the ownership cost of an aircraft that can be used as a part-time trainer. Moreover, a trusted and experienced flight school manager can serve as a comforting expert support system for a first-time aircraft buyer.
Finally, the traditional first step for career-oriented pilots is to become instructors to accumulate flight hours. As airlines strive to hire more young pilots more quickly, flight schools need to replace these instructors as the turnover rate accelerates. This presents great opportunities for “seasoned” GA pilots who are looking for a fulfilling second career as they approach the end of their working years and wish to be more involved in flying while also giving back some of the magic they have experienced during their flying years.
