Here Comes the Future

HERE COMES THE FUTURE

THE NEW FACES OF AVIATION

With a tremendous commercial pilot shortage on the not-so-distant horizon, everyone knows that change is coming. But what will it look like? Who will fill the void as baby boomer pilots retire, creating opportunities for a new group of aviators to pursue their dreams?

An exciting aspect of Republic Airways LIFT Academy is the opportunity it has created for a new era of diversity in the aviation industry. Those taking control in the cockpit will be a more diverse group of pilots like the ones taking flight at LIFT. With an intentional mission of making aviation a more attainable and affordable reality than it has traditionally been, LIFT is widening and transforming the pilot pool. The days of a white male-dominated industry may not be gone yet, but they are starting to be part of the past. Meet the future of commercial airline pilots.

Jared Hadley

As an eight-year-old boy, Jared Hadley knew the first time he flew in an airplane that he wanted to be a pilot. The cost of attending an aviation program through a traditional four-year university was too high and became a barrier for him to begin flight training. Hearing about LIFT changed that. “LIFT is providing people like me who have just graduated high school a program that is more affordable, and it’s also geared to have students achieve their licenses in a timelier manner,” says 19-year-old Hadley.

In addition to being excited about his own future, Hadley is also pumped about more people like him becoming pilots. “I believe that with the shortage of pilots today and with schools like LIFT making a career as a commercial pilot possible for a more diverse population, the aviation industry will be able to hire from a much different pool of individuals than it has in the past. It will still include people who have a proven track record of responsibility, education, determination, leadership and professionalism, but gender, race or socio-economic status will not be a factor,” he states. “I see myself changing pilot stereotypes because I am young, and I am Asian. As society is more diverse and expects equality in all aspects of life, the aviation industry has to become open to a more diverse pool of pilots.”

Hadley plans to complete a degree while working as a pilot at Republic Airways and encourages others to pursue their goals. “I am more than thrilled in my decision to become a commercial pilot. Anyone can be a pilot if you have the passion and determination.”

Sean Bell

Men and women who are looking to change their careers are also discovering this vocation as an option they had never previously considered. Sean Bell, 26, was working as a flight dispatcher for Republic when he decided to pursue what he has loved since he was a kid. “I didn’t want to sit at a desk for 10 hours a day dispatching and watching other pilots fly when I knew that could be me,” says Bell. “It took a lot to really think about doing it because of the training, and I already had a nice-paying job as a flight dispatcher. But I knew what my goal was and wanted to take action.”

Like his fellow classmates, diversity in aviation is also important to Bell, and he’s encouraged by what he’s observed. “I do see the industry leaning in that direction. I believe having pilots with the right attitude and perspective on how the industry is moving and growing will help. Aviation is a big industry, and it’s really important to represent all colors and genders in the field.”

For those who are wondering if this career could be right for them, Bell has some words of advice. “If you’re stuck in a career and want to become a pilot, make that jump. Life is full of risk but the reward of becoming a pilot is extremely great. I know that this is the best decision I have ever made.”

“AVIATION IS A BIG INDUSTRY, AND IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT TO REPRESENT ALL COLORS AND GENDERS IN THE FIELD.”