Become a Pilot
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics is dedicated to providing all resources possible to promote, develop, and foster the aerospace and aviation industry and the next generations of aviation professionals within the State of Oklahoma. Aerospace and aviation is the second largest industry across the state with a soaring $44B annual economic impact. We are excited to provide you with important information on how you can get flying. Imagine That!
The new study released by Boeing, 2022 Pilot and Technician Outlook, forecasts a worldwide demand for 602,000 new pilots, and 610,000 new maintenance technicians, and 899,000 new cabin crew over the next 20 years. Over the same time period, Boeing predicts North America’s specific demand will require 128,000 new pilots, 134,000 new maintenance technicians, and 173,000 new cabin crew members. Over the same time period, Boeing predicts North America’s specific demand will require 212,000 new pilots, 193,000 new maintenance technicians, and 176,000 new cabin crew members.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, under the guidance of Commissioners, started the Pilot Shortage Committee in 2019 with the mission to discover solutions for the State of Oklahoma to implement in regards to the global shortage of general and commercial pilots. On February 12, 2020, the Commission recommended these solutions:
- Continue to promote and encourage high schools across Oklahoma to implement the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) STEM, Aviation High School Curriculum which focuses on educating students on how to become a pilot through their You Can Fly initiative.
- Create a central website (Clearinghouse) for pilot information and resources.
- Discuss the development and implementation of scholarships to help relieve collegiate pilot students from a portion of their flight costs.
- Advocate to the Congressional Delegation regarding what is considered and included in the 1500-hour Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate requirements in order to relieve the total number of actual flight hours required.
The Department and the State of Oklahoma are dedicated to supplying the next generation of aviation professionals with the resources they need to be successful. For any assistance, contact the Department's Aviation Education Coordinator at (405) 604-6900.
How to Become a Pilot
The new study released by Boeing, 2019 Pilot and Technician Outlook, forecasts a worldwide demand for 804,000 new pilots, and 769,000 new maintenance technicians, and 914,000 new cabin crew over the next 20 years. Over the same time period, Boeing predicts North America’s specific demand will require 212,000 new pilots, 193,000 new maintenance technicians, and 176,000 new cabin crew members.
The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, under the guidance of Commissioners, started the Pilot Shortage Committee in 2019 with the mission to discover solutions for the State of Oklahoma to implement in regards to the global shortage of general and commercial pilots. On February 12, 2020, the Commission recommended these solutions:
- Continue to promote and encourage high schools across Oklahoma to implement the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) STEM, Aviation High School Curriculum which focuses on educating students on how to become a pilot through their You Can Fly initiative.
- Create a central website (Clearinghouse) for pilot information and resources at oac.ok.gov/becomeapilot.
- Discuss the development and implementation of scholarships to help relieve collegiate pilot students from a portion of their flight costs.
- Advocate to the Congressional Delegation regarding what is considered and included in the 1500-hour Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate requirements in order to relieve the total number of actual flight hours required.
The Commission and the State of Oklahoma are dedicated to supplying the next generation of aviation professionals with the resources they need to be successful. For any assistance, contact the Commission's Aviation Education Coordinator at 405.604.6900.