For years Australia’s aviation industry, indeed the industry worldwide, has tepidly danced around the issue of what to do about the falling number of young people attracted to aviation. It’s not a new issue. But it’s an issue following a repetitive script, with an incomprehensible lack of engagement of the young people walking away to more lucrative careers in other industries.
For an industry that prides itself on innovation and renewal, why are the hangar doors so firmly closed to young people?
My new #AvGenY series launched in March Australian Aviation is about bringing recognition to this incredibly important issue – written from a young perspective. It’s an issue that has been revisited again and again, but never by anyone young – at least that I’ve come across. Every time it’s by a generation seemingly disconnected from the next, believing they know better, but delivering the same conclusions.
I’m part of a generation that is full of ideas, and I believe there’s an amazing opportunity to develop a conversation incorporating as many of these as I can.
The industry is flying through promising times. If it is to grow at the levels IATA and ICAO predict there needs to be serious debate and recognition of the people who will carry it forward.
As the series progresses we want to hear from you by commenting here, on Facebook or Twitter using #AvGenY.
- What makes it hard to enter the industry?
- Can we encourage a change in thinking?
- Do you think young talent is recognised?
- Is help readily available?
- Would age quotas help?
- What role can social media play to attract you?
Pro to age quotas……
Everyone else did the hard yards and there is enough of these free rides given out to all those other so called other quota groups
I think the main thing by far in keeping young people away from a career as a pilot is the prohibitive cost of licencing and the relatively poor remuneration for a long time after qualification. I know a number of young people that really wanted to go down the piloting path but simply couldn’t afford it.
All comes down to dollars.
I agree with the above comment. I started my training at 28 years old and I’ve recently attained my CPL and have completed IREX theory and now studying ATPL theory. Luckily for me I also have a trade behind me which has helped me pay my way but if it wasn’t for my wife’s support there was no way I could afford to do what iv’e done. Even as I write this I’m paying off a $50000 aviation loan and trying to save for my Multi-Engine Instrument Rating which will be another approx $16000. I’m working in my trade at the moment to save as quick as I can but then there’s the issue of keeping recent/current. Im yearning to get into a full time flying job but its the financial burden thats holding me back. Definately takes strong determination, support from spouse/family and a LOT of money. I just wish there was a company who would employ me and train me and cover the related costs in return for an agreed term of employment and have my wages garnished over time to pay them back. I understand the liabilities and risks involved for the company and aware of cadetships etc though that’s different again. I have a great respect for those who have made it ( especially the hard/GA way ) and wish all budding young aviators the best of luck.