By Captain John Bent, FRAeS

Historically, commercial aviation has faced various shocks, but none have affected manpower availability as severely as the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will take many years to adjust the fleet to the new realities and return to stable growth. Even after 10 years, the industry will not have fully regained all that it has lost with the pandemic.

This essay looks at the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on commercial pilot experience and consequent safety, noting the financial devastation1 faced by airlines and their key employees, and an underlying reduction in pilot proficiency.