Pilot shortage coming to America?
By: Donald Robinson
Updated: November 14, 2012
(WFRV) -- A new report shows that airlines in the United States are facing a serious pilot shortage.
The FAA estimates there will be a need for 80,000 new pilots over the next decade.
Airline officials say that's because pilots are leaving the job, and government rules require new pilots to have much more flight experience.
Pilots currently only have to have 500 hours of in-flight time to qualify to fly commercially. That number triples next year.
Fox Valley Technical College has an aviation program that takes students with no flying experience through their instructor certification within two years.
That's not a bad deal for a career path in high demand.
Local 5 Reporter Donald Robinson has the details.
