Aircargo

Cargo airlines also feel the pinch of pilot shortages

: Latest News; Wednesday, 15 March 2017

While much of the media interest is focused on pilot shortages at passenger airlines globally, US regional air cargo carriers say they also are concerned that there is no 'pipeline' of trainee pilots to handle future demand.

All US airlines, passenger and air cargo, have been affected by a 2013 qualifications rule that requires pilots to have 1500 flight hours instead of the previous 250 hours.

"Even if things change tomorrow, the pipeline has dried up," said Tim Komberec, the ceo of Empire Airlines.

The Regional Airline Association has predicted the 1500-hour rule will leave the USA short of 15,000 pilots by 2026.

Commentators say the cost and time required to build the hours has stopped young pilots pursuing an airline career, while low entry-level carrier pay also is a disincentive.