Jeff_G
Um, what does FAA reauthorization have to do with a pilot shortage? Controller shortage maybe. What is this guy talking about?
Um, what does FAA reauthorization have to do with a pilot shortage? Controller shortage maybe. What is this guy talking about?
So, senator are you going to rescind the 1500 hr rule, revamp the Pilot Development Program Rules to permit a real apprentice pilot program to work and expend the loggable simulator rules so that better, more affordable training can be included in a training curriculum? That’s what we need to assure a dependable pipeline of trained, qualified and experienced pilots to the flight decks.
Was he there to dedicate a new pot shop? There are more of them in Denver than Starbucks, a disaster for Colorado industry that struggles to find qualified people who can pass a drug test.
Is Sen Hickenlooper (D) going to oppose the efforts in Jefferson County (D) to close all the flight schools at the Denver Metro Airport (BJC), or in Boulder County (Super D) to redevelop Boulder Municipal Airport (BDU)? I sincerely doubt it. He did this tour so he can look like he is playing the middle. Those who live here know what side he is on: he wants to be the one picking winners and loosers in those battles. He will not oppose the voters in those counties who gave him the margin he needed to be in office.
A pilot shortage at the major airlines?
That’s NOT what I care about when I fuel my plane or when I hear that my airport is closing, or when I need to spend $450 on an “approved” 12V battery where an equivalent could be had for $90. You gotta have the small planes to get to the big planes.
One simple thing our legislators can do is pass the Aviation Workforce Development Act. This would allow aspiring pilots and maintenance technicians to legally use 529 college savings money to get trained and into the industry that will desperately need them. It has widespread bipartisan support but is languishing.
This is great that he visited AIMS Community College and states he see the need for helping the pilot shortage.
My first impression of reading this article is does he know of all the backlash every municipal gets from specific community groups, like the group in Boulder, KBDU, that are trying their hardest to get that airport closed and have the airport turned into affordable housing? Longmont, KLMO, the city allowing huge residential housing developments that go against the agreement with the FAA, in the traffic pattern and building to tall? Rocky Mtn Airport, KBJC, continuous fight against neighbors, who knowingly bought their homes next to a large airport and now are fighting for mental health and well being from “noise and lead pollution”?
Senator Hickenlooper, if you are going to be in support of training more pilots, then you better take action and stand against these groups who are trying to close the local airports that are historical; Boulder built in 1928 with a renowned glider operations, to the numerous flight schools that are helping train and shape the pilot shortage.
Everyone can’t be trained just at KFNL, AIMS Community College, we need to keep all of our airports open throughout the state. We need every grass airstrip to stay open. We need the aviation community supported and the local community educated about the need for these airports. From education to help saving all the communities from natural disasters, flooding and wildfires.
I could go on and on, but I’ll take action and start writing him letters. Not just one, but weekly. I want to hear how much he knows about all the local airports issues. Also, does he recognize that there are other aviation colleges in our state and there is a huge need to inform students state wide that this is a future career option. Provide financial help and inform students from rural to urban schools that the aviation world is a diverse program from ATC, mechanic, pilot, engineer, management to teachers.
I am in hopes that he responds to me with a personal letter stating he will continue to stand by his word and help the aviation community.
For everyone posting here I recommend reaching out to your federal reps to communicate your points of view. Anytime I’m chatting with someone locally about the 100LL issue I make sure to point them to their national representatives to put pressure on the FAA to resolve this issue. Local and state officials are unable to make the fuel changes.
The pilot shortage will shortly solve itself. Its the Maintenance Technician shortage that is the longterm problem.
Senator Hickenlooper’s visit was a positive step, as it focused on the need for more pilots, ATCs, and maintenance technicians (Workforce Development). The FAA Reauthorization Act supports this effort; however, it is clear that expanding financial aid for training is essential. The high cost of aviation education is a significant barrier, but increasing scholarships and grants would make it more affordable and accessible.