Florida-based Stratos Jet Charters has launched a scholarship programme which aims to address the current pilot shortage in the United States, the effects of which the company claims are being felt across both the commercial and private aviation sectors. The programme aims to counteract this trend and lighten the financial burden for aspiring pilots, for whom flight training can often exceed $100,000.

President and CEO Joel Thomas is keen to assist the next crop of would-be pilots, while simultaneously promoting the industry he loves: “I'm also a pilot, so I know how expensive the training can be. Aviation has done so much for me and I want to share it with others.”

To be eligible for the $2,000 Stratos scholarship, students must be on track to a career in aviation, have a 3.0 grade point average and be enrolled in post-secondary studies.

In July of this year a report by CNN suggested the pilot shortage in the US is reaching critical levels. The reason for the shortfall is a classic case of supply and demand: the number of working pilots has continually decreased over the past three decades while the demand for both private and commercial air travel has risen.

The shortage of skilled pilots can be attributed to a range of factors, including retirement and mass furloughs stemming from the economic recession in 2008. Furthermore, the US military, which was once a significant source for recruitment, is producing fewer pilots than it once did.

In order to work in the private jet charter industry, pilots are typically required to have an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certificate, which represents the highest standard of training in civilian aviation in the United States. On top of that, companies like Stratos Jets will only work with operators whose pilots meet set standards for skill and experience.

For example, to serve as the captain of a charter flight, a pilot must have a minimum of 3,000 flight hours, half of which are logged as captain. Similarly, the first officer needs a minimum of 1,000 hours, half served as captain.

“Client safety is our highest concern,” Thomas continues. “Working with reputable operators that maintain their aircraft and invest in ongoing pilot training is just one example of how we provide the widest margin of safety possible."

He notes that in many cases, a pilot working for a jet charter operator will have started his or her career in the commercial sector. Once they accumulate enough flight time they can then transition into private aviation. However, thanks to the pilot shortage that trend is now starting to reverse itself. Major airlines are recruiting heavily to maintain their staffing levels. Many are luring corporate pilots by offering superior salary and benefit packages, as well as more predictable scheduling. The result is increased costs for consumers.

Thomas is confident that the jet charter industry will continue to attract skilled pilots, thanks in part to initiatives such as the pilot scholarship. “Part of our challenge will be in promoting private aviation and letting pilots and flight schools know that there is plenty of opportunity in our industry,” he says. “This scholarship is a step in the right direction.”