Flying is great! Airplanes and jets have greatly reduced the amount of time it takes to travel from one place to another. Yet, as this high flying infographic points out, there is a looming shortage of pilots! This could lead to higher costs or less safe traveling conditions.
Each year some 12,000 people train to become pilots. And yet, while that might seem like a lot of people, the actual need for pilots is closer to 19,000 people per year! And across the world there’ll be a need from some 460,000 new pilots over the next 20 years! Even worse, certification numbers have been plummeting! In 2010 some 3,200 fewer pilots were certified than the year before!
So why is the airline industry facing such a huge shortage in such a prestigious career? For one, fewer pilots are leaving the armed forces to join the civilian service. In 1992 some 90 percent of pilots could claim military experience. Now? Less than 30 percent!
Of course this isn’t all bad. If you have ever dreamed of being an airplane pilot, now might be the time to fly! Wondering about benefits?
Many airlines provide attractive salaries, health benefits, and retirement plans that get better with seniority.
So if you want to spend your time in the clouds, become a pilot might be the right choice for you! Check out this infographic by San Diego Flight International for even more details.
