RAA: Solutions to address pilot shortage are 'within reach'

Regional Airline Association (RAA) stated (29-Mar-2018) Great Lakes Airlines' decision to suspend operations is the "latest example of the pilot shortage and its damaging impact", pointing out the carrier once served "numerous routes in many states" and employed 1600 individuals. RAA president Faye Malarkey Black commented the problem of pilot supply is not limited to Great Lakes but is endemic throughout the regional airline industry, warning major airlines are hiring regional pilots at a rate that outpaces supply. The association said solutions "are within reach", with Ms Black explaining: "To resolve the pilot shortage, we must embrace safety-entered solutions that reduce the high barriers of entry to the pilot career, provide for more structured and qualitative training and lower the cost of training for aspiring pilots". [more - original PR]