Nearly 10% of the estimated 11 million to 12 million people who attend airshows each year have a pilot’s license.
Another 39.5% say they are considering taking flying lessons, according to the most recent airshow spectator survey from the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS).
The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team are favorites at airshows.
“Airshows and the experiences young people have at airshows are a driving force behind attracting the next generation of pilots,” said ICAS President John Cudahy. “With 14% of adult airshow spectators between the ages of 18 and 25, the industry can clearly influence whether someone decides to explore aviation as a career.”
“There are dozens of stories in the airshow industry about someone seeing a particular pilot or performance and that experience driving them toward an aviation career,” Cudahy continued. “Extraordinary, memorable experiences have influence. Seeing … any of our industry’s top pilots do what they do at airshows can certainly make a person thinking about becoming a pilot take the next step into aviation.”
Source: http://generalaviationnews.comSurvey finds airshows a great way to attract next generation of pilots