DOT Helps Vets Become Pilots ?

[bafanguy]

Not much detail in the article but the DOT is getting involved in the effort to fill the regional ranks. Hard to know just what this means:

"...an innovative research program aimed at supporting the country’s military veterans with airline pilot career preparation and training..."


Regional Airline Association Supports DOT's "Forces to Flyers" Initiative


The Google knows everything so we don't have to. Still not 100% clear on what "...provide financial support..." means:

“This is a three-year demonstration program with two main objectives: First, to assess the level of interest among our military veterans in becoming pilots. And second, to help American veterans who are not already military pilots to receive the training they need to become commercial pilots.

After the Department’s Volpe National Transportation Systems Center puts the finishing touches on the design of this program, it will provide financial support for training interested veterans.”

https://www.transportation.gov/brief.../forces-flyers

 

[bafanguy]

Bit of an update. Looks like a zero-to-CFI-1500 hour deal (typical route these days for organized pathways). Not sure how Delta benefits from this unless it promotes regional new hire feed...and they hire a precious few from their wholly-owned, Endeavor:

Delta Airlines Statement on Forces to Flyers

“The Department of Transportation’s ‘Forces to Flyers’ initiative is a great way to help military veterans bridge to careers as commercial pilots. Delta is firmly committed to supporting and recruiting from the military – nearly 15 percent of Delta's 80,000 employees, and more than half of our pilots, are veterans or on active military duty. We look forward to partnering with the DOT on this effort.” – Captain Steve Dickson, S.V.P.-Flight Operations, Delta Air Lines




https://www.transportation.gov/brie...aying-about-forces-flyers-research-initiative

 

[bafanguy]

Too many unanswered questions so far. Not sure how 40 program grads will do much for the "growing pilot shortage":

PILOT PILOT: Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced a new demonstration program Thursday geared toward getting more non-pilot veterans into the commercial pilot pipeline, our Lauren Gardner writes. The three-year program is expected to cost $2.5 million and help get up to 40 prospective pilots training up through certain flight instructor certifications, at which point they’d “be able to earn a living while they accrue the flight hours necessary for certification as commercial airline pilots,” Chao said at DOT headquarters. The goal, she said, is to address a growing pilot shortage and shrinking air service to rural communities while helping veterans find civilian jobs.





https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-transportation/2017/11/17/tax-shenanigans-026330

 

[bafanguy]

	A bit more info on this program. It appears similar to the GI Bill but the quote below adds details but not enough to fully understand the criteria for entry: "Aviation analyst Bob Mann of R.W. Mann & Co. expressed skepticism about Forces to Flyers, noting that veterans can already get paid flight training under the GI Bill. This year, veterans can receive up to $13,000 under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend a vocational flight school. In a statement, a DOT spokesman said that the department anticipates that the program will cover training costs beyond what is offered by the GI Bill." http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Program-will-help-train-veterans-to-c ombat-pilot-shortage

 

[bafanguy]

On one hand, they...the kakistocracy... say this about their Forces to Flyers program:

"In a statement, a DOT spokesman said that the department anticipates that the program will cover training costs beyond what is offered by the GI Bill."


And then another mob of the Perfumed Princes aim to pass legislation curtailing the level of funding for flight training via the GI Bill:

"The bill, H.R. 4149, would "significantly curtail educational benefits for veterans who pursue flight training degree programs..."


http://www.aviationnews.net/index.cfm?do=headline&news_id=270570

Who's on first ?

 

[bafanguy]

You have to wonder if the Perfumed Princes in DC have any earthly idea of the issues with which they're involved.


This statement from Sec. of Transportation is almost delusional thinking if she believes her "Forces to Flyers" program will have ANY impact on a pilot shortage (if there even is one...I remain a skeptic):



"Chao did say, however, that there is a pilot shortage in the United States, and that her department is working on an initiative to provide financial support for military veterans to be certified and trained as commercial pilots."



"I am supportive of this program because it will help veterans achieve the 1,500 hours needed, increasing the number of qualified individuals in the cockpit," Collins said. "The DOT is hopeful to have partnerships with accredited pilot schools by middle of 2018."


http://buffalonews.com/2018/01/12/c...-after-meeting-with-transportation-secretary/

 

[bafanguy]

Latest DOT statement on the Forces to Flyers program:

https://www.transportation.gov/brie...es-solicitation-proposals-flight-schools-part

 

[bafanguy]

Latest on the program. Not sure what to think about this deal:

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot3518

https://www.volpe.dot.gov/forcestoflyers

 

[bafanguy]

The program is getting a bit more exposure these days:

https://www.flyingmag.com/forces-to-flyers-puts-veterans-on-flight-deck

 

[bafanguy]

This appears to be the same idea as Forces to Flyers. Why are both programs needed ?

"Democrat Tammy Baldwin, along with Sen. John Hoewven, R-N.D., has reintroduced the American Aviator Act that would offer funding for veterans to train to become airline pilots."

Bill Would Fund Pilot Training For Veterans

Although there’s a healthy cohort of ex-military pilots in the pointy ends of numerous U.S. airliners, a Wisconsin senator says there are plenty of veterans of other trades who could...

www.avweb.com

Text - S.3322 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): American Aviator Act

Text for S.3322 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): American Aviator Act

www.congress.gov