FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR PILOT SHORTAGES CONTINUE TO IMPACT INDUSTRY
The helicopter industry is continuing to face a pilot shortage that threatens to impact operations across sectors, such as emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, law enforcement, offshore transport, and tourism. As seasoned pilots retire and fewer new aviators enter the workforce, companies are struggling to maintain flight schedules and meet increasing demands for aerial services.
Several factors contribute to this shortage. One of the primary challenges is the high cost and long duration of helicopter pilot training, which can exceed $100,000 and take several years to complete. Unlike fixed-wing aviation, which often benefits from more direct career pathways and funding opportunities, the vertical-lift industry lacks sufficient structured programs to attract and retain new talent.
Demographics are another concern. A significant portion of today’s helicopter pilots are nearing retirement age, and replacements are not entering the industry quickly enough to fill the gaps. This is particularly concerning in critical service areas like EMS and firefighting, where experienced pilots are essential for high-risk, low-altitude operations.
To combat the shortage, some operators are increasing salaries by offering signing bonuses and also improving work- life balance to attract and retain pilots. Others are investing
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Editor-In-Chief Lyn Burks
lyn.burks@rotorpro.com Account Executives Teri Rivas
teri.rivas@rotorpro.com Circulation Manager Laura Lentz
Production Team Leader Bryan Matuskey
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in partnerships with flight schools to create clearer career pathways that include mentorship and fast-track training.
Despite these efforts, industry leaders warn that without broader initiatives — such as enhanced funding for training programs, better public awareness of career opportunities in vertical-lift aviation, and regulatory support — the shortage could worsen.
Inside this issue, we offer our 2024-2025 helicopter pilot salary and benefits survey report. In this annual report, 77% of respondents indicate that their employers are short of pilots and impacts are being felt. Also in this issue, Vertical Association International (VAI) and operators offer their insights about how shortages are impacting the industry and what can be done to correct the situation. Unfortunately there’s no fast, silver-bullet fix. However, several creative long-term solutions are being implemented.
Addressing the helicopter pilot shortage is essential not just for the industry, but also for the communities and sectors that rely on our versatile aircraft every day. Strategic action will be key to ensuring a sustainable and resilient vertical-lift workforce for the future.
Lyn Burks, Editor-In-Chief
Online Accounts Manager Lynnette Burks
lynnette.burks@rotorpro.com Copy Editors Rick Weatherford Joanna Nellans Social Media Guru Laura Lentz
Content Creators James Careless Randy Mains Joanna Nellans Jennifer Ferrero Rick Weatherford Wes Van Dell Randy Rowles Mark Tyler Matt Johnson Uros Podlogar
Corporate Officer Lyn Burks, CEO
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Mar/Apr 2025
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