The Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA) invites you to participate in virtual online focus groups aimed at better understanding and addressing workforce shortages within the pilot and flight instructor professions.

As the aviation industry continues to experience an increased demand for commercial pilots, due to growth in global travel and air freight, organizations are facing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining experienced pilots. The increased need for pilots increases the need for pilot instructors. Shortages impact operational efficiency, workforce sustainability, and future industry growth.

Global forecasts project the need for roughly 300,000 to 674,000 new pilots over the next two decades, driven by mandatory FAA/global retirements at age 65 and rising passenger demand.[1]

Your participation and expertise are an important part of ensuring the Canadian aviation workforce has the resources it requires. We hope you take advantage of this unique opportunity to convey your challenges as we recommend practical solutions to the Federal government to address current and future workforce needs.

We will discuss questions such as:

  • What challenges are you facing when trying to find pilots and flight Instructors?
  • What barriers do you face when hiring, and retaining pilots and flight Instructors?
  • What are the most urgent challenges organizations are facing today?

CCAA will compile and analyze the findings from these focus groups and convey them to the government in support of future workforce development strategies, and training investments. This analysis will also allow us to make policy recommendations aimed at mitigating pilot and flight instructor shortages and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry.

Select one of the links below to secure your spot in this important discussion!

Monday, November 9, 2026 @ 1:00 - 1:30 PM EST; or

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 @ 11:00 – 11:30 EST

Feel free to share this with your colleagues, as applicable. If you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact one of the organizers of these focus groups:

Bev Picton: bpicton@avaerocouncil.ca   Kachi Ikwueto:  oikwueto@avaerocouncil.ca    Leslie Hogan: lhogan@avaerocouncil.ca

[1] https://www.cae.com/2025-aviation-talent-forecast/pilot/