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Flight Training: Helicopter FAQ

Need for Pilots

Anticipated Lack of Qualified Commercial Helicopter Pilots in the Future

From ROTOR Magazine - Fall 1998

Over the past 10 years, there has been a decline in the number of active commercial helicopter pilots. This decline is partially due to the number of Vietnam-era helicopter pilots who are retiring from the industry, and the fact that the military has made significant reductions in the numbers of helicopter pilots they are training. Furthermore, the increasing costs associated with flight training are discouraging many new students from obtaining new and advanced ratings.

While the number of commercial helicopter pilots has been declining, there has been an increase in the use of helicopters in many fields - such as air medical services, law enforcement, off-shore oil exploration and production, etc. - which is creating additional demands on the market for qualified commercial helicopter pilots.

Statistics show that the number of active commercial helicopter pilots has dropped from 26,766 in 1987 to 19,239 in 1996. That is over 7,500 commercial helicopter pilots - a 28 percent decrease! While the number of private and airline transport helicopter pilots has increased, it appears the private pilots are not pursuing advanced ratings and only a few of the current commercial pilots are obtaining their airline transport certificates.

Another shortage is the number of certified flight instructors (CFI) and certified flight instructor instrument (CFII) helicopter certificates issued over the last few years. Statistics show the even if the numbers double between now and the end of 1998, there will still be a significant decrease from 1996. Couple with the fact that existing/experienced CFI's are being hired up to corporate positions, the situation could become exacerbated.

If the trends continue (which is expected), there will be a shortage of qualified commercial helicopter pilots and instructors to train them in the upcoming years.

This deficiency will impact everyone in the helicopter industry. Obviously, no operator will be able to function without qualified commercial helicopter pilots. The need will begin to outweigh the supply, driving pilot salaries up. While this may be beneficial to pilots, it could be devastating to some operators and for the industry as a whole.