U.S. Transportation Secretary Pitches Federal Support to Ease Pilot Shortage
Photo Credit: Secretary Buttigieg promises federal support to help ease the pilot shortage. Flickr / Justin Goff/UK Government
Skift Take
The federal government finally recognizes that there is a shortage of pilots in the U.S. But beyond platitudes, there are few new funds directed at easing it yet.
The Biden administration is moving forward with grant funding aimed at boosting the supply of pilots in the U.S. The move, highlighted by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, is the first recognition by a Cabinet member that more needs to be done to bolster the aviation workforce.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking proposals for $5 million in Aviation Workforce Development Grants, Buttigieg told the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during a hearing on Tuesday. These funds aim to boost the supply of pilots, and complement initiatives by airlines and other industry players.
"There won’t be a quick fix but we’ve got to work on shoring up that domestic aviation workforce," Buttigieg said in response to a question from Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.).
