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.

FMI: www.dwc.edu