Young Pilots Take to the Skies
Aiming to Fill the Pilot Shortage Gap
In the midst of a national pilot shortage, a program in Upstate New York is working to address the issue by training young pilots. High school seniors at Questar III Boces locations in Hudson, New York, are taking to the skies at just 16 and 17 years old.
A Simulator Experience
A group of students, including high school senior Nicholas Rutenauer, have been learning to fly through the program. Rutenauer described the experience, saying, “It’s definitely scary, but it’s kind of fun if you know what to do in the situation.” He operated the simulator, navigating through simulated turbulence with ease.
Breaking Stereotypes
Adele Heuer, 17, is one of only two girls in the class of 13. According to the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, only 6 percent of pilots in the world are women. Heuer said, “It makes me feel good. It’s really empowering for women and it teaches other girls that you can do it, even in a male-dominated field.”
A Passion for Flying
Anastasia Marcy, 17, is another licensed private pilot in the program. She said, “It feels good to be one of the first people to get our pilot’s licenses in this class. It shows that women can do it too.”
Meeting the Demand
According to teacher Radek Wyrzykowski, the program aims to fill a current void in the aviation industry. “Official predictions are that by year 2030 we’re going to have a 30,000 pilot shortage,” he said. The shortage is attributed to retirements during COVID and the industry taking time to recover and hire new pilots.
A Free Program
The program offers free training to local students, making it accessible to those who may not be able to afford it otherwise. Wyrzykowski explained, “Flying is unfortunately an expensive thing. The cost of the training here is an equivalent of roughly $25,000 per student.”
Getting Involved
If a student is interested in joining the program, they can talk to their school’s counselor to learn more. The program aims to not only fill the pilot shortage but also to inspire the next generation of pilots.
Conclusion
The young pilots at Questar III Boces are a testament to the power of training and perseverance. By providing free training to local students, the program aims to fill the current pilot shortage and inspire a new generation of pilots.
FAQs
Q: Who can participate in the program?
A: High school seniors at Questar III Boces locations in Hudson, New York, are eligible to participate in the program.
Q: Is the program free?
A: Yes, the program is free to local students who may not be able to afford the training otherwise.
Q: What is the goal of the program?
A: The program aims to fill the current pilot shortage by training young pilots and inspiring the next generation of pilots.
Q: Is the program open to students of all backgrounds?
A: Yes, the program is open to students of all backgrounds and is not limited to those who can afford the training.
