Implements Plans To Address CFI Shortage
It's a familiar tale... the result
of recent trends in the aviation industry. Faced with a shortage of
experienced pilots, regionals and other carriers have lowered
minimum hours for the right seat.
That's good news for aspiring airline pilots, who until recently
were building time as CFIs with flight schools throughout the
country... but it leaves those flight training operations --
especially aviation colleges, universities, and other schools
nationwide -- struggling to find and keep well-qualified flight
instructors.
Daniel Webster College tells ANN it is using the challenge as an
opportunity to refocus its flight instructor hiring on more
career-oriented professional flight educators... moving away from
new grads who used their brief CFI time as the first rung on their
professional ladder to the major airlines, in favor of attracting
pilots who desire to teach, not simply build time.
While many flight schools have gone out of business and some
higher education institutions "work the problem" to develop
short-term solutions, Daniel Webster says it is looking at the
"now," as well as what can be anticipated 10 to 15 years out.
"Within the College, we have always wanted and have tried to
recruit the career-oriented professional flight instructor," said
Daniel Webster Chief Instructor Aidan Wilps. "However, industry
norms and expectations have always been a huge burden to overcome.
With recent the recent and expected hiring trends expected over the
next ten to 15 years, we know we need those career flight
instructors more than ever.
"As a result, Daniel Webster has instituted incentives
specifically targeted towards recruiting that career flight
instructor," Wilps said.
Representatives with Daniel Webster say the school is looking
for a CFI who wants to be a full-time employee, with an associated
benefits package; who can choose from working a three, four, or
five-day work schedule; who wants to be home every night; who
receives both base and block pay, and more.
Daniel Webster says it is committed to having the best and
brightest professional flight educators -- and has recently
instituted additional benefits, including Master CFI, Master
Instructor, upgrade, and semester bonuses, along with an annual
$1,000 professional development allocation -- to attract those
candidates.