THE ANNUAL OTOR PRO U.S. PILOT SALARY & BENEFITS SURVEY 2023—2024


On the personnel supply side of the


rotorcraft pilot equation, our new annual U.S. Pilot Salary & Benefits Survey indicates that things seem to be getting slightly better, but not much! There are still many external forces impacting the supply of working helicopter pilots. These forces are not only keeping the supply lines short of personnel, but stifling the growth of the base pilot pool as well.


As published in previous salary survey reports, the factors impacting operators stem from many issues including aging pilots retiring en masse, aggressive airline recruitment of helicopter pilots, and the retraction of pilot training pipelines from traditional sources like civilian academies and the U.S. military.


Don’t just take it from us that operators from every sector are feeling the pinch; the issue has garnered the attention of our industry’s trade organization, Vertical Aviation International (VAI).


“Currently, there are few bigger industry issues than the demand for qualified pilots, engineers, and maintenance technicians. That’s why workforce development is a part of VAI’s strategic plan and the focus of a dedicated working group,” says Bailey Wood, director of strategic communications with VAI.


Cultural - Generational Attitude Shift?


Rotor Pro asked several civilian flight training organizations to give us their take on the challenges of getting pilots into the industry at the entry-level, and what types of creative solutions they have employed to find the next generation of pilots.


One interesting observation from Alex Chaunt, owner of Anthelion Helicopters, is that there seems to be a shift in attitude of pilot applicants at the entry level. “The general attitude of applicants is not what it used to be. In the past, people have wanted to prove themselves, to demonstrate a strong work ethic, learn the job, and be the best they can be. Nowadays, it’s more about what you can do for them straightaway, how much time off they get, and what benefits there are,”


54 Mar/Apr 2024


According to VAI, the Workforce Development Working Group was established two years ago to bring together representatives from across the industry and create programs that develop the workforce for both present and future needs. The Working Group is developing a pathway to guide the industry in recruiting and retaining the next generation of workers.


Additionally, VAI is expanding its state- based Rotor Pathway Program, creating a seamless journey from high school through


Chaunt says. We’re not sure if this attitude is a generational change or more related to pilot candidates perceiving they have more bargaining power. Perhaps it’s a little of both.


Regardless, schools like Anthelion have had to not only change the pilot pay structure, but also the hourly amount, as well as create promotional opportunities and offer new benefits like 401K matching. The downside is that it’s quite a slippery slope with respect to profitability. “Overall, it is very challenging to do all of this in the context of budgets. The reality is, we cannot charge what we really need to. To achieve a sustainable model for basic flight training, to pay and attract good instructors when faced with the existential threat of the airlines, and with margins that can accommodate inflation in all areas,


we really need to be $75 to $100 more an hour on flight training. If something does not change soon, I fear many smaller operators will simply not want to or be able to stay in business with the slim to nonexistent margins,” Chaunt says.


As most are aware, salaries are directly impacted by the size of the labor force. Typically in a shrinking pool of available pilots, salaries and benefits will rise across the board. This has been the case for the last several years, according to the data. In short, with the traditional training pipelines (military and civil) producing fewer helicopter pilots while more working helicopter pilots are leaving the industry altogether, HR professionals, recruiters, and helicopter operators industry wide are attempting to work together on how to solve the issues.


Insight: As noted in the graph, 80% of respondents answered “Yes” that the companies they fly for are short of pilots. It also appears that shortages are impacting working pilots personally. We asked pilots, “How are personnel shortages impacting you personally?” 25% checked the box that it was impacting them “Negatively: Fatigued and upsetting work / life balance.” On the other hand 32% indicated a “positive” impact as they were making more money in overtime. The remainder were unaffected or unsure.


professional licensing to


internships


and mentoring opportunities. And VAI is boosting professional ranks through its Mil2Civ program that seeks to help service members transition from military to civilian life.


“From outreach to maintenance technician schools to mentorship programs, VAI is committed to growing the next generation of industry professionals,” Wood says.


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