Month: July 2020

Aviators Reelin in the Years 2019

Here’s a summary of U.S. pilots by generation just “reelin’ in the years, and stowin’ away the time.” The FAA U.S. pilot population statistics were used to group pilots as close as possible into each generation.

Generation Age Group StatsPercentage
Silent Generation74-91         24,931 4%
Baby Boomers~55-74       184,786 28%
Generation X39-54       156,288 24%
Millennials23-38       206,823 31%
Generation Z7-22         91,735 14%
Total        664,563 100%
Summary by generation of FAA Statistics on Pilot licenses 2019.

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U.S. Pilot Population by Age 2019

For 2019, GAMA reported the FAA pilot population by age and certificate ratings. Here’s the summary by age group:

Age GroupTotal Pilots
14-15              465 
16-19         21,229 
20-24         70,041 
25-29         78,366 
30-34         66,742 
35-39         61,715 
40-44         52,044 
45-49         49,602 
50-54         54,642 
55-59         60,477 
60-64         55,915 
65-69         40,269 
70-74         28,125 
75-79         15,628 
80 & over           9,303 
Total       664,563 
Summary by generation FAA Statistics on Pilot licenses 2019.

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U.S. Pilot Population is Growing 2019

For 2019, GAMA reported annual aviator stats as follows: Active student pilot certificates reached 197,665, which was a 17.8% increase over the prior year. The number of Commercial and Airline Transport Pilot certificates also increased to 100,863 and 164,947 respectively. The number of Private Pilot Licenses dropped by 2% to 161,105.

The bulk of primary pilot training occurs in general aviation aircraft. FAA data shows more people are seeking flight training and obtaining pilot certificates.

The population of females holding U.S. pilot certificates climbed to 7.9%, one of the highest ratios on record for a total of 52,740 certificates.

FAA Data2019
Student Pilots       197,665 
Private Pilots       161,105 
Commercial       100,863 
ATP       164,947 
Total       624,580 
Summary FAA Statistics on Pilot Certificates 2019; excludes recreational & sport pilots licenses.

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Air Traffic Modernization Milestones 2020

GAMA’s annual report provided a brief update on an important milestone for U.S. Air Traffic Control modernization, which was reached January 1, 2020 when the automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast (ADS-B) mandate went into effect. Over 108,000 aircraft were equipped with ADS-B when the mandate went into effect. But the GAMA annual report did not summarize the overall ADS-B compliance rate in the U.S.

As of July 1, 2020 the FAA is reporting 142,000 aircraft equipped but only 129,000 are good installs. FAA data excludes experimental and Light Sport Aircraft.

There are approximately 212,000 aircraft in the U.S. General Aviation Fleet (excluding commercial and military aircraft). So, it appears the compliance rate is currently about 60% for ADS-B. Still a lot of work left to do.

Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, “Contributions of General Aviation to the US Economy in 2018,” PWC, Published 2020, page 6.

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Connecting Aviators® and related marks and logos are property of wikiWings®

Happy Independence Day! 2020

Happy July 4th 1776!

As we celebrate our nation’s two hundred forty-four years of freedom we honor those dedicated to its preservation. With respect and gratitude we thank the men and women of our armed forces, law enforcement, Homeland security, fire and rescue and many others that give us the land of the free because they are brave.

We hope that you have an enjoyable and safe July 4th weekend. God bless The United States of America.