Final Blog for AVT 422

Pilot Shortage

There are 4 reasons why the pilot shortage is a real thing; Generational problems, expensive training, ATP minimums being too high and taking too long to upgrade. I am going to go through each problem and discuss why it is a problem for the airlines and why there is such a shortage.

#1 Generational Problem

In the history of aviation, especially in the airlines, there has never been these many jobs available for pilots. Without researching it, my first instinct on why there is such a shortage currently is because of the baby boomer generation is starting to retire at a very high pace. When you do some more research, and take a better look at it, it seems that this could be a main reason why there is such a shortage. According to the Pew Research Center, The Baby Boomer Generation ranks 2^nd to the Millennial Generation in population size, with nearly 80 million people. Generation X, which is in between the Baby Boomers and Millennial’s is much smaller compared to the other two. Nearly 20-million-person difference (Fry, 2016). Looking at those numbers, it can only make sense that there is a pilot shortage. With nearly 80 million Baby Boomers on the brink of retirement and Generation X being much smaller than the Baby Boomers and the Millennials not quite old enough to take up the rest of the jobs is a perfect recipe for a shortage. However, there is many more reasons why there is a pilot shortage than it just being only a generational reason.

#2 Expensive Training

After doing much research, it seems that the biggest reason there is a pilot shortage is the cost of learning how to fly. According to an article in Market Realist, “The largest aviation program in the United States is offered by the University of North Dakota. It charges students ~$64,500 for flight training” (Schmidt, 2016). That also does not include possible room and board for flight students, with that included it could cost over $100,000 when it is all said and done. According to the Department of Numbers which retrieved its numbers from the US Census Bureau, the medium income for a family in North Dakota (where the University of North Dakota flight program is) is $79,642. Now I am not a math major at all, but it seems that income is sustainable to live comfortably as a family but makes it very difficult if a member of the family would like to attend flight school at University of North Dakota. Personally, I would not like to have almost a six-figure loan to pay back once college ends.

#3 Minimums Too High

The cost of flight school is not the only problem, the Airline Transport Pilot minimums are currently at 1,500 hours unless the student attends a Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot minimums school, which only requires pilots to gain 1,000 hours to become eligible for the airlines. Should the all minimums be reduced to where the Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot are at? The answer to that can be very difficult. Eastern Michigan University is a Part 61 school, students are only required to gain 1,000 hour to go to the airlines because they are under the Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot guidelines. I see this as no problem because the training at Eastern Michigan University is very advanced and students become very good pilots, therefore going to the airlines at 1,000 hours is an appropriate amount for them. However, not every school is at the same standards. It would be a huge risk if Federal Aviation Administration reduced the minimums to 1,000, however they could slowly reduce the minimums and see if airlines can higher at a lower hour total and possibly see if that will close the gap in the storage. However, since some schools are at the 1,000 hour minimums, maybe the Federal Aviation Administration could lower every flight school to 1,000-hour minimum and make ground school tougher for new hires to make sure they are fully ready for the airlines. If the airlines are properly training their students, they should be able to weed out which students are or are not going to make it through the training successfully. It is a huge risk to take for the Federal Aviation Administration and the airlines but if the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines can trust the Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot certifications then they should be able to trust the Non-Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot.

#4 Takes Too Long to Upgrade and Not Enough Pay

Perhaps the biggest obstacle that the airlines must overcome is money and time. Money is the driving force behind everything in our society. It has gotten better but the pay to start at the regional airlines is very low for new incoming first officers. There are many different areas in aviation that a pilot can go into and make a lot of money. Some of the bigger regional airlines that are associated with big parent companies are paying well. Currently at Endeavor Air, the first year pay for a First officer is around $60,000 (EndeavorAir.com/pilots). However, according to AINOnline, the first year First Officer pilots are making less than $30,000. That is something that is unsustainable for pilots who are trying to live comfortably with the cost of living being so high already. The other obstacle that is associated with the shortage is time. Pilots like to upgrade quickly. At some of the regional airlines, they are going to be stuck there for nearly 5 years at the regionals which is a very long time for a pilot to stay without upgrading to the major airlines. AS mentioned before, pilots/people are very impatient and want advancement and money as quickly, the longer they must be stuck in one spot the tougher it is going to be to get people to go into aviation. If the regional airlines can speed up the upgrade process and pay new pilots more money, they will be able to attract many new pilots ready to join the workforce and work their way up to the major airlines.

Ally Schmidt  | Oct 6, 2016 7:49 pm EDT. (2016, October 6). Why Is There a Pilot Shortage in the Airline Industry? Retrieved April 16, 2017, from http://marketrealist.com/2016/10/why-is-there-a-pilot-shortage-in-the-airline-industry/\

Cokely, K. (2017, April 16). Airlines Scrambling to Prevent Pilot Shortage. Retrieved April 16, 2017, from http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Airlines-Scrambling-to-Prevent-Pilot-Shortage-414903583.html

Fry, R. (2016, April 25). Millennials overtake Baby Boomers as America’s largest generation. Retrieved April 16, 2017, from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/25/millennials-overtake-baby-boomers/

North Dakota Household Income. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2017, from http://www.deptofnumbers.com/income/north-dakota/

Epstein, C. (2016, December 22). Starting Salaries On the Rise at Regional Airlines. Retrieved April 16, 2017, from http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-12-22/starting-salaries-rise-regional-airlines

Aviation Organizations - Scott Ansteth

Do not use AOPA or ALPA in your answers.

1.      What associations will it be important to belong to when you are employed and engaged on your career path?  Identify at least two organizations. 

I would like to join the Women in Aviation organization. It may seem odd, but the organization is not just for women. It if for everyone. I have actually applied for a couple scholarships through the Women in Aviation organization. I really want to see the aviation industry to grow in something that isn't just male dominated, I think it is important for women and people of other ethnicity, race, religion etc. to help build aviation to be better.

I am also an avid fan of skydiving as well, I have actually jumped out of an airplane on two separate occasions and since I do not plan on instructing to build my hours, I was thinking of trying to get hired as a pilot for a skydiving company. So I would like to join the United States Parachute Association to get more involved in that industry. 

2. Research the associations that you identified. Discuss the mission and functions of each association. 3. Also discuss the role of these organizations in the overall industry, including their support for other sectors of the industry.

"Women in Aviation International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests" (WAI.org), that would completely sum up the mission for the organization.

According to the the USPA, the mission is "promote safe skydiving through training, licensing and instructor qualification programs. To ensure skydiving's rightful place on airports and in the airspace system. To promote competition and record-setting programs" (USPA.org).

3. Discuss why is it important for you to belong to these associations.

As I mentioned earlier, I am a true believer that other people from walks of life besides just men that they can do anything that men can do. A women flying a plane or being interested in aviation proves that it is not just for men and that it shouldn't be regarded in that sense.

Also, I would like to continue skydiving as I get older because I enjoy the thrill of it and it could be a great way for me to advance my aviation career by building hours as a skydiving pilot.

Homepage | Women in Aviation International. (n.d.). Retrieved April 01, 2017, from https://www.wai.org/

United States Parachute Association > Home. (n.d.). Retrieved April 03, 2017, from http://www.uspa.org/

China, COMAC and The Future

On Monday, November 2, 2015, the first Chinese larger-airliner aircraft rolled out - the C919. This aircraft was built by COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) and will compete with the A320 and the B737, seating about 168 passengers. Although the hope is for western certification, the C919 has yet to be FAA-certified, currently limiting the countries where the aircraft can operate. Given this information, please answer the following questions:

1) Do you believe that the C919 will ever receive FAA certification? Why or why not?
2) For sake of argument, if the C919 receives FAA certification, what challenges do you see for US carriers? Look at various aspects - for example, what would in mean in terms of aircraft purchases? What would it mean in terms of public perception?
3) Discuss COMAC a little and its relationship with the Chinese airlines and the Chinese government. Are there other aircraft in the works? If so, what are the specifics?
4) If this aircraft were to receive FAA certification, do you feel that other companies would enter the market as competitors to Boeing and Airbus?
5) Finally, has Boeing or Airbus responded to this rollout in any way?

I believe that the C919 can eventually receive FAA certification only if the aircraft can keep up with all airworthiness directives and manufacturing directives (Press). China is a country that is outpacing the rest of the world with technology and definitely outpacing the United States, I believe that if they aren't able to get certified that they will work as hard a possible to get the FAA certification so it can be used in the United States. It

I believe it will just be another company that sells airplanes to US carriers. It is kind of like the auto industry. We have the big 3 auto companies that have formed a "tri-opoly". I do not think that the c919 will make it a tri-opoly right away but I think it is something that it can work up to. If US companies can use the aircraft that can help them raise revenue, I don't see why they wouldn't invest in them. It also is about $20 million cheaper than Boeing or Airbus so it is already a money saver (James).

The ARJ-21-700 has been developed which is a little bit smaller and would be use d of regional flights. There has been also 60 orders for the aircraft as well (Meszaros). There is a lot of models of the ARJ as well and with the production being very positive, there is no reason why the ARJ's won't be on the same path.

It is definitely possible but I don't think that with the Comac coming into play that means a bunch of other runs are going to pop out of nowhere. It would be a long and drawn out process just like the Comac.

There has not been too much of a response yet. I believe that Boeing and Airbus will just continue to do what they do and build the planes that in demand in the US and be the two aviation leaders.

Press, A. (n.d.). China has built this plane to go head-to-head with Boeing and Airbus. Retrieved March 04, 2017

Andrea James on July 1, 2009 at 6:00 AM. "How Much Is a Shiny New Boeing 737 Worth? Not $72 Million." Boeing and Aerospace News. N.p., 30 June 2009. Web. 04 Mar. 2017.

Meszaros, J. (2017). China’s Comac C919 Edges Toward First Flight. AINonline. 

The Current Status of UAVs

1) What civilian purpose, if any, are UAVs currently being used for in United States? How are these civilian UAVs currently regulated (if they are regulated)? What are some of the details of the regulations that apply to the commercial use of UAVs?

According to Wingfield at the New York Times drones or UAV's are used just for leisure for civilians. A lot of civilians also use drones for aerial photography. The FAA released regulations for drones last summer in which businesses or the civilians have to abide by; the drones must be under 55 pounds and to operate the drone the pilot must pass a written test and be at least 16 years old. The drones can only be flown below 400 feet and be at least 5 miles away from any airports.


2) Do you foresee UAVs integrating into the NAS? If so, how? Also, what problems do you foresee resulting from this? Be sure to include not only logistical problems, but also potential perception problems.

According to Hughes at CNSnews.com that if the FAA integrates drones in the NAS that it would be an $82.1 Billion economic benefit to the United States. If that is true I believe it could be a real benefit just for that reason. I think the problem that could occur from it is an over population of drones in the NAS. I also feel that the sectional charts would have to be completely rewritten and redrawn for adding those "airspace's". However, the economic impact could outweigh the other issues.

3) As for the military application of UAVs, how have they transformed military strategy? Has their integration been efficient (consider all aspects - from financial to ethical)?


According to Bowden at The Smithsonian the predator drone has made an incredible impact in how it has been used to track down enemies. I would say that it has been ethical to an extent, because it has been used for the safety of the United States but I think it could be abused if not done properly. There is a lot of issues in the United States with privacy and the NSA and if the military started abusing that, I think it could be an issue but for the safety of American's it can be very useful.

4) Finally, do some research and find out if their are UAV jobs that are advertised for civilians (both flight and management students). If so, include this as your link. If you are unable to locate a job posting, reference your above answers to brainstorm the potential for types of UAV jobs in the future.

I went to glassdoor.com which is a very useful job search site and looked up civilian UAV jobs and came up with nearly 924 openings throughout the United States. I believe that if the UAV's integrate with the NAS that there would be many more opening and positions available. I attached the link as well: https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/uav-operator-jobs-SRCH_KO0,12.htm

Works Cited

Bowden, M. (2013, November). How the Predator Drone Changed the Character of War. Retrieved February 09, 2017

Hughes, B. M. (2015, August 19). FAA Aims to 'Seamlessly Integrate' Drones Into National Airspace; Industry Report: $82.1B Economic Benefit to U.S. Retrieved February 09, 2017.

Wingfield, N. (2016, August 29). A Field Guide to Civilian Drones. Retrieved February 9, 2017.

Cargo Carriers Are Exempt from Revised Flight/Duty Rules…Should They Be?

1) As a result of the Colgan Air accident, the FAA institute new flight and duty regulations. Summarize  these new regulations and describe how they are different from the old flight and duty regulations.

The biggest change as a result of the Colgan Air accident is that there is a new provision in which you must feel "fit for duty", which means that if you do not feel physically fit to fly the aircraft then you are able to opt out of the trip without any penalty. The other provision that is current is that the flight crew must be given a 10 hour rest period of 10 hours instead of 8-9 hours depending on the necessity.

2) Cargo carriers are exempt from the Part 117 rules. What are the current flight and duty limitations for cargo carriers?

The difference between cargo carriers and other part 117 carriers is that each pilot must be able to work a 16 hour day and must be given an 8 hour rest period. Most of these 16 hour work days are night based as well.

3) Why do you feel that cargo carriers have been excluded from the new changes? Value of life? Public perception? Too much money for the carrier? Other reasons? All the above? You may find that reading the preamble of the final rule is helpful in answering this question.

I believe that cargo carriers are excluded from the new changes because it is not as much of a life and death situation as carriers under the part 117 regulations. Less people are technically at risk when it comes to cargo carriers. Also cargo is delivery of products and goods, if these cargo carriers are not delivering on time then they will lose business, in turn the flight crews suffer because of these hours.

4) Do you believe cargo carriers should be included in the new rules? Why or why not?

I obviously value life more than delivery of goods and products on time but it is not realistic because these carriers will not be able to continue as a business unless they operate this way. I also think that flight crews going in to this position know what they are getting themselves into so I don't believe it should be changed when it comes to looking at it from that perspective.

5) Finally, what would be the impact to your career if cargo carriers were to be included in these new rules - Pilots, address this from a pilot perspective, management address from a management perspective.

I have considered a career as a cargo pilot before I go to the airlines because it is a good way to build hours but I believe if cargo carriers operated under part 117 regulations that it would take me longer to get to the minimum hours needed so it would negatively impact me. Management would have safer flights going in and out but they would ultimately lose business and money because of companies and people not wanting to ships products and goods via flying because of it being a slower process.

Next Gen, ATC Privatization...The Whole Big Mess

1. The current ATC is a very outdated system that has been in use since the 1960s. The system is divided into 21 areas. Each area is guarded by 5 divisions; Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), Flight Service Station (FSS) and the Air Traffic Control Tower. The aircraft's use transponders to bounce off their whereabouts to each division so aircraft can be properly managed, The system works but again it is very outdated. However, there is an issue with people having trouble with radio frequencies and staying in solid contact between ATC and the aircraft. NextGen is obviously satellite based but what it was provide is digital communications which can and will provide better communication between all aircraft and ATC. 

2. General Aviation is strongly against the idea because they would lose a lot of their power when ti came tot he use of airspace. It would be privately controlled by a company and there would be no say in what the General Aviation aviators would want. Airlines would have priority over any other type of aviation when in part airlines is just a part of aviation and not the whole picture.

3. In 1996, Nav Canada was implemented in the country and has been governed by its board of directors ever since its creation. It has been widely successful since its creation and has also seen an increase of air traffic since it has been implemented. 

4. Congress is going to have to approve the privatization of ATC because it being associated with the FAA. There would have to be extensive lobbying for it and the bill would need to prove that it is worth being done and that it would be safe. With Canada being a great example of privatization, I believe we should follow their example and lobby hard for a bill to privatize. It will be useful and would provide more safety for air traffic with the digitized. I also think that if it is privatized that General Aviation will also come along and support it after it goes through. It will all take some time though and people would have to learn a whole new system It will not be a perfect switch but in the long run it will be beneficial in many different facets. 

Work Cited

Mark, Robert. "Canada's Private ATC System Offers Alternative for Cost-cutting Nations." Aviation International News. N.p., 1 Jan. 2012. Web. 27 Jan. 2017.

Carey, Bill. "FAA Declares Steady Progress on NextGen ATC Modernization."Aviation International News. N.p., 24 Oct. 2016. Web. 27 Jan. 2017.

Flying Cheap and Professionalism

I believe that the regional airline industry is going through a pilot shortage rather than having pilot pay issues for a couple of reasons. The first reason being is that in the major airlines all of the baby boomers are hitting the mandatory retirement age of 65, because of that regional pilots are moving to the major airlines a lot quicker than they use to. The second reason I believe that there is a shortage is that the regional airlines will hire you as soon as you have the correct certifications and the minimum amount of hours (either 1,000 or 1,500 depending on which flight school you attend) and they are currently getting paid a very reasonable price for a first officer position. According to the endeavor air website; first year pilots are making $60,000 in first year income (signing bonus and first year salary) and are also retention reimbursements for staying on as a pilot a second year. I honestly believe that Endeavor would not be offering such a big package if they did not have such a pilot shortage at their company. The pay is very fair and above average for many people who earn a living.

The regional airlines may be concerned with their hiring pool because they are hiring the bare minimum when it comes to requirements for hours and endorsements. I think something that is important to remember is you are hiring a person as well. It is very important to look at the potential pilot's personality i.e. does the interviewee have combative nature, or cocky attitude? Those personality traits can be very dangerous in the cockpit. It is important to have the hours and endorsements but it is even more important to be mentally fit for the job. 


According to the Job Monkey website; other industry unions include Association of Flight Attendants, National Association of Air Traffic Controllers and Transport Workers Union.

I believe that professionalism is a term that needs to be used by everyone in the workforce. This includes and is not limited to the employees and upper management. It involves having high employee satisfaction while also having a business mind set. You want to pay the pilots and other employees fairly for the hours they put in and treat them like they are your own family. It is hard to do that and make an exponential amount of money but if you have great employee satisfaction then the money will come in. Also employees needs to be willing to make sacrifices and work with upper management as well, it is a two way street for everyone.

Obviously upper management had no respect for their employees. They used skewed statistics on how much each pilot is getting paid. Employees were not being treated fairly by their bosses. Another lack of professionalism is the Colgan accident. Those pilots were overworked and should not have been flying aircraft at that time. The company did not give them adequate time to rest for their duty time in which they became overworked that caused mistakes in the aircraft that led to the death.

I absolutely believe the first year pay is a contributing factor in the lack of professionalism. When you are going to work for 16 hours a day and getting paid less than a full time McDonald's employee that will hurt your morale and deteriorate your professionalism in your position. It is no wonder why this accident happened at Colgan.

Two ways that you can expand your level of professionalism is by standing your ground and making sure that you are not overworked whatsoever. It is life and death in the air and I would not want to fly a plane after I have been on duty for almost 16 hours. The other way to maintain your professionalism is by making sure you are paid fairly for the amount of work you are putting in. If you know you are underpaid for your position, it will take away from your morale and low morale can cause a combative attitude which can be a contributing factor to mistakes in the cockpit.