Jamail Larkins Of Aviation Start Says Almost 50 Percent Of Commercial Pilots In U.S. Will Age Out Over Next Decade
Jamail Larkins, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) first Ambassador for Aviation and Space Education, presented at the Aero-News Innovation Preview his views on future hiring needs for aviation.
Larkins, also the founder of Aviation Start, pointed out that 83 percent of current aviation mechanics are scheduled to retire in nine years. By 2028 the FAA must hire 2.4 million people for aviation-related jobs. And the FAA must replace or add hires for the almost-60 percent of the current controller workforce by 2028.
“We currently do not have the pipeline to be able to do that. Aviation Start is working with the industry to help change that. We are developing programs and opportunities to get the next generation involved inside the aviation industry - to attract them, to engage them and support their career inside the industry."
Larkins cited as an example the company’s DreamLaunch Tour, which saw more than 7,600 aspiring aviation professionals attend at more than 23 events around the country in 2025.
He said Aviationstart.org has become a digital entry point where in less than a year, “We have had 20,000 people sign up, whether for scholarships or career guidance, inside the aviation industry,” Larkins said. That represents about a third of all student pilots who register with the FAA.
“One of the things we have been able to do is help new people find resources. The No. 1 barrier many face is overcoming the cost, and by connecting them with over $20 million in scholarships through partnership with Signature Aviation,” (the AI scholarship finder where a person can enter their details and find scholarship resources). “The new career zone launching here this year at SUN ’n FUN (will) give students information they need to have a successful career journey inside the industry.
“People can use these free resources to be able to get their start inside the aviation industry,” Larkins said.
