Opportunity Knocks

Future & Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA) is a Nevada-based organization about the noble work of providing career and financial advice to professional pilots at all stages of their careers—from first paying cockpit gig to retirement and beyond.

On 11 May 2023, FAPA announced its Second Annual Pilot Retirement Event—a recruitment initiative undertaken for purpose of addressing the ostensible shortage of pilots in certain sectors of the aviation industry. In addition to featuring pilot recruiters, employers, and financial advisors, the event—which is slated to take place at Las Vegas, Nevada’s MGM Grand Hotel from 22 through 24 May 2023—will serve as a celebration to be enjoyed by pilots coming to or already arrived at the ends of their respective flying careers. Golf tournaments, giveaways, chances to win prizes, and other pilot-friendly activities are planned.

The mandatory retirement age for airline pilots is 65 years. However, salty aviators seeking to extend their careers are eligible for Part 135 and Part 91 flying positions to which age-limitations do not apply.

The FAPA Pilot Retirement Event will be punctuated by featured speakers the likes of leading pilot talent scout Todd Wesoloskie and representatives of SkyWest Charter. What’s more, attendees will have opportunity to arrange on-site interviews with pilot recruiters from Wheels Up, SkyWest Charter, and Ameristar.

According to FAPA’s data, the demand for both new and veteran aviators is high—as evinced by airline hiring, which currently surpasses all previous records. To address the apparent demand, FAPA is hosting both a Pilot Job Fair for journeyman aviators and a Future Pilot Seminar for aspiring flyers. The two events will be held on 27 May 2023 at Honolulu, Hawaii’s Prince Waikiki Hotel.

FAPA chief advisor Tim Genc stated: “The pilot staffing crisis is a significant concern in the airline and charter industry and in-person functions like our Pilot Retirement Event, Pilot Job Fairs, and Future Pilot Seminars are crucial in addressing this issue.”

Mr. Genc added: “Our last two pilot events drew more than three-hundred job-hunting pilots. We continue to impress leading airlines, charter, and business aviation carriers with our innovative approach to talent acquisition.”

FAPA’s Pilot Job Fair affords qualified pilots—those holding FAA Commercial Pilot certificates or having logged 250-or-more hours—opportunity to meet with pilot recruiters looking to fill current job openings. Aviators interested in attending the event may register online at www.fapa.aero/jobs. To date, the following organizations have committed to attending: Air Wisconsin Airlines, Atlas Air, the FAA, Hawaiian Airlines, National Nuclear Security Administration, SkyWest Airlines and Wheels Up. Pilots actively seeking employment may attend FAPA Pilot Job Fairs free of charge; a current pilot résumé is required for admission, however.

For low-time pilots or those who’ve yet to begin flight training, FAPA’s Future Pilot Seminar will feature pilot recruiters from Wheels Up and Air Wisconsin Airlines as well as school representatives from California Aeronautical University. Subject individuals will offer guidance to persons aspiring to pursue careers in aviation. Prospective attendees must register online. The seminar will conclude with a quiz upon which a one-thousand-dollar training scholarship is contingent. The attendee with the highest quiz score will be awarded the boon.  

The FAPA Future Pilot Seminar is free to attend and is open to students of all ages, career changers, and non-aviation-separating military personnel. The monthly event brings flight school representatives together to meet with prospective students seeking a new professional pilot career.

FMI: www.fapa.aero, www.fapa.aero/future