May_June_2022 - 27

Flight Training
First, FAA statistics indicate the number
of licensed pilots in the U.S. has increased
every year since 2016, with 2021 having
the highest number of pilots over the past
30 years. For example, last year the FAA
recorded a total of 720,605 active airmen
certificates held, compared to 691,691 in
2020, 664,565 in 2019 and 633,317 in 2018.
It is important to remember that every
commercial pilot, regardless of whether they
are pursuing a career in the military or with
an airline, begins as a private pilot. Airlines
are ramping up recruiting and training programs
due to pilot shortages, and are offering
attractive salary and benefits packages
to students coming out of a growing number
of collegiate training programs.
Also, according to the " FAA Aerospace
Forecast Fiscal Years 2021-2041, " the general
aviation sector was less affected by the
COVID-19 crisis than the airlines. There are
new entrants to the high-end business jet
segment, as well as new student, private
and commercial pilots joining the general
aviation pilot population. Many are flying
piston aircraft out of airports that do not
have as many commercial flights due to
the pandemic. This makes the long-term
outlook for general aviation more promising
than before.
Charter Activity
Another continuing trend is for businesses
to transport employees to in-person meetings
and events via private aviation, by
either chartering aircraft, investing in a
company-owned aircraft or opting for a
fractional ownership program. With the U.S.
and other parts of the world moving COVID19
from being a pandemic to an endemic,
both commercial airline and general aviation
activity are expected to increase.
However, flying privately in smaller aircraft
continues to hold many advantages,
such as presenting a lower health risk when
compared to a commercial airline flight filled
with hundreds of potential virus-spreading
passengers. The elimination of federal mask
mandates on transportation networks may
also drive general aviation activity.
Relocation and Remote
Work Opportunities
Third, with many businesses providing
remote work opportunities, many individuals
are relocating from urban areas to
smaller communities. This trend to move
away from major urban centers, and farther
away from major airline hubs, increases the
desirability, flexibility and freedom of mobility
that come with general aviation.
Notably, this movement to suburban and
rural communities is resulting in increased
demand at the nation's general aviation airports
- presenting the challenge of how to
accommodate long-term operational and
facility needs. As a result, many airport
sponsors are gearing up to make major
investments in infrastructure improvements
and capital projects.
Aviation Investment
Finally, the general aviation industry is
attracting venture capitalists to the emerging
air mobility market (UAM) at a rapid
pace. The explosion of private companies
investing in the space sector has not only
changed the paradigm for space travel, but
provided an entrepreneurial model to infuse
dollars into electric propulsion and UAM
projects, such as eVTOL (electric vertical
take off and landing) aircraft. Aviation
investment is also fueled by the drive for
clean energy and environmental sustainability,
and could advance investments in
battery and electric motor technology for
general aviation aircraft.
While many challenges exist in how to
safely integrate air taxis into the national
airspace system, the general aviation industry
will play a major role in addressing the
regulatory, safety, economic and social
issues associated with making UAM a
reality. Ultimately, the infusion of venture
capital investment drives innovation and
creates new opportunities for general aviation
pilots.
Curt Castagna, president and CEO of
Aeroplex Group Partners, is the current
chair of the Los Angeles County Airport
Commission, president of the Van Nuys
and Long Beach airport associations,
and immediate past board chair of the
National Air Transportation Association.
A certified private and instrument-rated
pilot, he continues to instruct courses
in aviation administration at Cypress
Community College, and Calif State
Los Angeles for over two decades.
AviationPros.com/10134757
http://www.pentagon2000.com http://www.AviationPros.com/10134757
May_June_2022

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