The combination of fewer pilots and fewer regional jets in the airline industry could have a significant impact on future air service in North Dakota, Minot’s airport director said.
On Aug. 26, Andrew Solsvig presented information from a July forum in Minneapolis to the Minot City Council’s airport committee that showed a looming pilot shortage, Minot Daily News reported.
“Fewer people are learning to fly, and those who do are less willing to pursue an airline career,” Solsvig said. “We are starting to see the early effects. It’s something that’s coming in the near future.”
As regulations limiting pilot flight hours ground some crews, replacements aren’t always readily available, especially in smaller markets. A few flight cancellations have occurred in Minot in the past six months due to lack of crews to fly the planes, Solsvig said.
Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/7/north-dakota-airports-prepare-for-pilot-shortage/#ixzz3Cblfu9kk
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