In light of the current pandemic and the subsequent pilot layoffs in the
airline and the corporate aviation sectors, the FAA’s grant resources
should also be eligible to help transition pilots into the agricultural aviation sector of General
Aviation.
Last week, NAAA sent comments to the FAA regarding the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program. This grant program is designed to generate interest in and prepare students to become aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers or unmanned aircraft systems operators. NAAA commented that in light of the current pandemic and the subsequent pilot layoffs in the airline and the corporate aviation sectors, these grant resources should also be eligible to help transition pilots into other areas of aviation, mainly into the agricultural aviation sector of General Aviation.
A shortage of agricultural pilots is a concern that was expressed by 60% to 76% of experienced ag pilots and operators during the 2019–2020 Compaass Rose educational sessions. Agriculture and aviation have both been considered “essential services” during the current pandemic. Some Compaass Rose participants also expressed concern about losing pilots to the Single Engine Air Tanker, or SEAT, aerial firefighting program since agricultural aviation is a gateway to the SEAT program. SEAT pilots also provide an essential service.
In NAAA comments, the FAA was asked to consider modifying the grant to facilitate the transitioning of currently certificated pilots into Part 137 operations and to include Part 137 certificated operations as eligible applicants. NAAA’s comments are available here. To read more about the program, go here.
The FAA also announced a second grant program. The second program is designed to support proposals that generate interest and prepare students to pursue aviation maintenance careers. If you are interested in the Aviation Maintenance Technical Workforce Development Grant Program, the FAA has more information on its development grants webpage.
The FAA expects to release the notice of funding opportunity on or around Nov. 13, 2020.
