KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A new idea is taking flight at Western Michigan University: Delta Airlines is partnering with the school to train commercial pilots.
“I think it’s great foresight on Delta’s part, because there is a tremendous personnel shortage — in particular a pilot shortage — not only throughout the United States, but truly affecting the entire world,” said Tom Grossman, chief flight instructor for WMU’s College of Aviation.
It wasn’t always that way. Grossman says this is the first program of its kind, and it’s all because airlines are having a hard time finding people to fly their planes. A strong economy is partly to blame, but pilots are also getting older.
“Airline pilots must retire, must step down from the flight deck, by the time they reach 65,” Grossman told 24 Hour News 8.
Delta Airlines says its company alone plans to hire 8,000 pilots over the next decade. To help students earn their wings, Delta is launching its Delta Propel Career Path Program.