Major Collaboration Formed To Address Global Pilot Shortage, Inspire Careers In Aviation

The Ohio State University Center for Aviation Studies, the EAA and The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation have launched the Career Eagles Aviation Initiative. Career Eagles engages and encourages today's youth to pursue careers in aviation through academic and extracurricular programs, scholarships and hands-on experiences.

Career Eagles' launch comes at a crucial time in the aviation industry, as a global shortage in trained pilots threatens the booming global airline carrier industry. Over the next 20 years, nearly 500,000 new professional pilots will be needed to fulfill the global forecasted demand. The lack of available trained pilots is affecting the industry now. Small regional airlines have already reduced service due to the lack of pilots.

"Career Eagles addresses the pilot shortage with a unified, national effort to meet the demand for future professional pilots," said Seth Young, director of The Ohio State University Center for Aviation Studies. "By investing in education and research, the Center for Aviation Studies supports this initiative so that the United States can get on track in training enough professional pilots to sustain the growth in the aviation industry."

According to Jack Pelton (pictured), EAA board chairman, engaging youth and providing them a pathway to a career in aviation is critical. "Career Eagles is the stepping stone for youth from their first flight to a career in aviation," Pelton said. "By inspiring children to pursue aviation education, we can make an impact on the shortage that faces the nation today and in the future."

Aviation industry experts all agree that an initiative like this one helps to better position the nation with future leaders in education and aviation.

"We are delighted to partner with the EAA and Ohio State in supporting this important initiative. Inspiring youth participation in aviation careers through Career Eagles will not only grow the pool of professional pilots to meet that critical national need, but also provide great exposure to advanced science, technology, engineering and math topics for middle and high school students," said Eric Lindberg, trustee of The Knowlton Foundation.

The launch also marked the kickoff to Aviation Week Activities at COSI where visitors can participate in hands-on aviation themed experiences, including learning how to fly in a flight simulator, constructing and launching paper airplanes from a mock runway and discovering what a career in aviation has to offer.

(Image provided by COSI)

FMI: www.cosi.org