On the recordJuly 25, 2018
Since 1987, the number of pilots in the United States has decreased by 30 percent. Demand for pilots is up and the supply of trained pilots is down. Throughout the aviation industry, there is a desperate need for trained aviation employees. One way we can help end the shortage is to create paths for minority training. African Americans are significantly underrepresented in the aviation industry. They represent only 9 percent of airline mechanics and service technicians, 2 percent of aircraft pilots and flight engineers, and 12 percent of air traffic controllers. Creating opportunities to diversify the aviation field will help the critical shortage of pilots and aviation employees. Soon, I will be introducing a bill to establish an African American advisory board within the FAA. The advisory board will engage African American students through aviation training, mentorship, education, and outreach programs. I urge my colleagues to join me in my effort to decrease our Nation's pilot shortage by tapping into an underutilized population and creating a more inclusive aviation industry ____________________
