opportunity for improvement
Airline Industry
The Young Airmans Association is committed to promoting aviation diversity and fostering equity and inclusion within the aviation industry. Our strategic intervention aims to address the pilot shortage by supporting initiatives like scholarship programs for aspiring youth pilots.
According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and supplemental diversity reports, the demographic breakdown of U.S. commercial airline pilots reveals concerning statistics:
Women pilots (all races) make up only about 6% of the workforce, highlighting a significant gender gap. Minority pilots, including Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian individuals, represent less than 10% combined. The profession remains predominantly male and White, with White men alone comprising more than 85% of all pilots.
These statistics underscore a systemic underrepresentation of women and minority populations in aviation. While White males constitute the majority of the pilot workforce (85%), Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals together account for less than 11%, and female pilots of all races represent only about 6% of the profession. Encouraging more diversity through programs like the FAA Private Pilot License and flight academy scholarships is essential for the future of aviation.
U.S Airline Pilot Shortage as of 2025
Projected shortage (2025): 24,000–28,000 pilots. Annual retirements: Approximately 5,000 pilots retire each year at age 65, with the average pilot age being 45-50 years old. The cost to become a pilot through a flight academy ranges from $80,000–$150,000. The high cost and limited flight school capacity make it challenging for new pilots, especially youth pilots, to enter the field. Additionally, the FAA ATP requirement stands at 1,500 flight hours. According to Boeing's Pilot Outlook, North America will need over 130,000 new pilots by 2042, with the bulk of near-term demand in the U.S. Furthermore, Boeing's 2023 Outlook estimates that 649,000 new pilots will be needed globally by 2042, highlighting the importance of aviation diversity and the role of scholarship programs in attracting a broader range of candidates into the industry.
Strategic intervention
Equity Gap: These figures highlight a critical need to develop aviation programs targeting female and minority populations in aviation diversity.
Pipeline Opportunity: As the industry grapples with a growing pilot shortage, The Young Airmans Association Inc. is focused in underserved communities to enhance workforce diversity and address the rising demand for FAA Private Pilot License holders.
Aligned Impact: Initiatives that improve access to flight training for underrepresented groups, including The Young Airmans Association Inc. scholarship programs for youth pilots, directly aim to close the significant demographic gaps in aviation.
Expanding Youth Minds One take off at a time
Servicing the 5 Boroughs of NYC
Servicing the 5 Boroughs of NYC
Servicing the 5 Boroughs of NYC
Changing the mentality of underprivileged youth to learn how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) opens doors to the exciting world of aviation diversity, including the wonders of flight. By fostering interest in flight academies and providing access to scholarship programs, we can inspire future youth pilots and encourage their aspirations.
Inner City Youth
Servicing the 5 Boroughs of NYC
Servicing the 5 Boroughs of NYC
We are the most impactful and valuable program, elevating the mindsets of youth pilots in underserved communities of NYC. The Young Airmans Association will diligently work to acquire the needed funds to support our mission of enhancing aviation diversity. These funds will be used to execute a strategic intervention in the Aviation Industry, including scholarship programs that help aspiring students obtain their FAA Private Pilot License or FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate through our Aviation Academy's
Flight Academy
Flight Academy
Flight Academy
Scholarship programs for students ages 13-18 will provide essential flight and ground school training, enabling youth pilots to log the hours required to achieve their FAA Private Pilot License. This initiative not only promotes aviation diversity but also equips the next generation of aviators with the skills they need at our flight academy.
Drone academy
Flight Academy
Flight Academy
Scholarship programs for youth pilots ages 16-24 will provide FAA required drone practice flight lessons and ground lessons, which are essential for obtaining the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate necessary for U.S. commercial drone operators. This initiative also supports aviation diversity by encouraging the next generation of pilots to pursue their FAA Private Pilot License through our flight academy.
help the cause
