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Canadian Program Helps Student Pilots Pay for Training

Northwest Territories government has updated financial aid regulations to cover private certificates for aspiring professionals.

Getting into the cockpit is becoming easier for some aspiring professional pilots. [Credit: Jonathan Welsh]

For years we have heard about pilot shortages affecting a range of aviation operations in North America. Now a territorial government in Canada appears to have a potential solution.

As with many imbalances between supply and demand, the lack of pilots available to airlines and other commercial operators revolves around money. While there are plenty of young people interested in aviation careers, and many employers looking for pilots, the high cost of initial training is enough to discourage potential candidates.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot and lifelong aviation enthusiast who has been a reporter, writer and columnist for 35 years. His career includes stints with the Wall Street Journal, Flying Magazine and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He recently returned to Firecrown to lead Aviation Consumer.