Aviation Outreach Model and Gap Analysis: Examining Solutions to Address Workforce Shortages

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine aviation outreach programs to identify best practices and areas for improvement in the endeavor to recruit youth to the aviation industry. The research includes creation of a model of aviation outreach and development and application of an aviation outreach gap analysis design. Three programs are analyzed, Women in Aviation Girls in Aviation Day, Experimental Aviation Association Young Eagles, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association High School Aviation Initiative. Each program takes a unique approach to recruiting youth and the strengths and weaknesses, based on the aviation outreach model, are discussed. Results of the research reveal that each of the three outreach programs should be considered a best practice. Recommendations for aviation outreach are provided with emphasis on increased attention to outcome measures. This research contributes a new method to assess outreach programs, a critical task in the effort to create solutions to the global aviation workforce challenges.