LABOR MARKET REPORT: Aircraft Maintenance and Piloting Occupations

LABOR MARKET REPORT: Aircraft Maintenance and Piloting Occupations SAN DIEGO AND IMPERIAL COUNTIES April 2015

Table of Contents Executive Summary... 3 Introduction... 4 Industry Overview... 5 Occupation Overview: Aviation Technicians/Mechanics... 7 Occupation Overview: Aircraft Pilots... 12 Conclusion & Recommendations... 14 Appendix A Methodology... 15 Appendix B - NAICS & SOC codes that define Aviation Industries and Occupations... 16 Appendix C - GIS Maps of Aviation Companies in San Diego and Imperial Counties. 17 San Diego & Imperial Counties 2

Executive Summary Aviation in San Diego and Imperial Counties, part of the larger Advanced Transportation industry sector, includes approximately 660 businesses and more than 12,000 employees in aviation and aviation-related work such as aircraft parts suppliers. More specifically, 2,400 of these workers are directly employed in four general occupational titles that are the focus of this study. These are: Avionics technicians Aircraft mechanics and service technicians Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging and systems assemblers Airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers To determine in which companies these occupations are typically employed, this study defines the aviation industry with the following NAICS 1 codes: 334511 Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing 336412 Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing 336413 Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing 481111 Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation 481211 Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation 488119 Other Airport Operations 488190 Other Support Activities for Air Transportation Using secondary data and research, this study finds that avionics technician, aircraft mechanic and aircraft assembler positions are all projected to grow over the next five years. Technicians, mechanics and assemblers are required to have technical abilities such as trouble-shooting, repair, and knowledge of composite materials. Those without prior experience need some type of vocational training while workers with related certifications are better positioned for employment. The growing shortage of pilots nation-wide due to mass retirements, stricter regulations and training requirements is impacting piloting positions in San Diego. Nonetheless, data indicate that airline and commercial pilot positions are projected to decline over the next five years. Pilots are now required to have a four-year degree, previous piloting experience, on-the-job training and piloting certification. To assist in enhancing industry growth and closing gaps between employer job demand and available labor supply, this study seeks to address industry challenges and identify recommendations for employers, educators and workers in the aviation industry. In light of report findings, aviation training programs should focus on training for aircraft assemblers, which is poised for continued growth in the San Diego region. Specific technical skills such as troubleshooting and repair should be a strong component of aircraft mechanic training programs. Newer markets such as composites and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) employ related occupations with similar, transferable skills that community colleges should explore for potential coursework or training programs. While there is not a current demand for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers, community colleges should continue their current rate of training in pilot courses and programs. Industry trends and regulatory changes suggest that San Diego may face increased demand for commercial pilots nationally, if not regionally, due to stricter training requirements limiting the number of future qualified pilots. Training programs should also stress the importance of both technical and soft skills, which employers find lacking in job seekers. 1 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is a coding standard used by federal agencies to collect and disseminate data related to the economy and employment. San Diego & Imperial Counties 3

Introduction Advanced Transportation in San Diego and Imperial Counties is a diverse and changing sector. San Diego s location in Southern California positioned the region to play a prime role in kick-starting the aviation industry during World War II. This study documents the opportunities in San Diego and Imperial Counties in the aviation industry, specifically for aircraft maintenance and pilot occupations, and provides details on job growth and employer needs for these positions. This report is one of a series on the Advanced Transportation sector. To better understand the workforce demands of this rapidly evolving sector, the California Community Colleges Chancellor s Office Advanced Transportation and Renewable Energy (ATRE) program collaborated with the Regional Centers of Excellence 2 and the San Diego Workforce Partnership 3 to conduct this research and provide insight on employment opportunities and employer needs related to aircraft technicians/mechanics and pilots. 4 Additionally, this study gives a brief overview of composites in the aviation industry and explores other areas outside of aviation where composite skills and knowledge are applicable in the labor market. The purpose of the report is to guide regional community colleges and other workforce development agencies as they plan and administer their education and training programs related to Advanced Transportation. The aviation study was conducted using secondary literature and data sources such as Economic Modeling Specialists, International (EMSI) 5 and Burning Glass. Data in this report are presented primarily for four occupations: avionics technicians; 6 aircraft mechanics and service technicians; 7 aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging and systems assemblers; 8 and airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers. 9 For more information on the methodology see Appendix A. 2 coeccc.net 3 workforce.org 4 The California Community Colleges Chancellor s Office Advanced Transportation and Renewable Energy (ATRE) program represents an array of clean energy technologies that form a critical part of California s strategy for reducing its climate change impact. Through the Advanced Transportation Technology and Energy Center at San Diego Miramar College, the ATRE initiative works with industry and colleges to provide up-to-date technical training, ensuring that graduates are ready and able to actively participate in the workforce as part of the Doing What Matters initiative (doingwhatmatters.cccco.edu). 5 economicmodeling.com 6 SOC 49-2091 7 SOC 49-3011 8 SOC 51-2011 9 SOC 53-2011 San Diego & Imperial Counties 4

Industry Overview Globally, the aviation industry has an annual economic impact of $2.4 trillion and employs almost 60 million people. 10 The amount of air travel is expected to double by 2033 with growth in both passenger and freight traffic. As demand for global deliveries increases, the expected number of new aircraft will reach over 31,000 by 2033. 11 Aviation has remained relatively resilient to external shocks and grew 73 percent in the past decade. 12 With continued growth in the urban middle class, demand for air travel will rise despite short-term economic crises. 13 The San Diego International Airport now has 46 non-stop domestic destinations (six were added in 2013) and eight non-stop international destinations. In 2014 alone, 18.8 million passengers flew through the airport. 14 The airport continues to expand following completion of the Terminal 2 remodel and expansion project (The Green Build) in August 2013. 15 There are approximately 660 businesses involved in aviation-related manufacturing, maintenance and/or operations in San Diego County. These aviation-related manufacturing companies earn an estimated $2.3 billion in sales per year and employ over 12,000 workers. 16 However, this study focuses specifically on the aviation industry, which is defined by the following NAICS 17 codes: 334511 Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing 336412 Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing 336413 Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing 481111 Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation 481211 Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation 488119 Other Airport Operations 488190 Other Support Activities for Air Transportation There were 104,100 airline and commercial pilot jobs in the United States in 2012, though this number is projected to decline by 1 percent over the next 10 years. On the other hand, aircraft mechanic positions in the U.S. are projected to grow by 2 percent, from 121,700 jobs in 2012 to 124,700 jobs by 2022. 18 Comparatively, the concentration of aviation industries in San Diego County is much higher than the rest of the nation, 19 with approximately 2,400 aviation industry jobs located in the county. 20 Not surprisingly, San Diego County s aviation industry and its employers are primarily 10 Accessed by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), Airbus GMF booklet 11 ICAO, Airbus GMF 2014 12 Airbus_GMF booklet 13 economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2011/09/aviation-industry 14 timesofsandiego.com/business/2015/01/23/18-million-passed-lindbergh-field-record-settingyear/?utm_source=voice+of+san+diego+master+list&utm_campaign=c6fc98c842-morning_report_format_updated _3_24_14_new_replicat&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c2357fd0a3-c6fc98c842-84037773&goal=0_c2357fd0a3- c6fc98c842-84037773 15 san.org/desktopmodules/bring2mind/dmx/download.aspx?entryid=2883&command=core_download&language=en- US&PortalId=0&TabId=197 16 Estimates from InfoUSA and Inside Prospects company databases and EMSI data for San Diego County 17 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is a coding standard used by federal agencies to collect and disseminate data related to the economy and employment. 18 bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/print/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm; bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm 19 The Location Quotient (LQ) for NAICS 334511 (Aviation Systems Manufacturing) is 3.87, and the LQ for NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts Manufacturing) is 4.46. 20 economicmodeling.com San Diego & Imperial Counties 5

concentrated near the region s airports. Those that are located outside of these aviation hotspots tend to be smaller employers. In contrast to San Diego County, Imperial County lacks a concentrated area of aviation activity and has very few aviation companies, all with fewer than 10 employees (see maps in Appendix C). Composites and Their Applications Historically a hub for aerospace development and activity, San Diego now boasts a strong military and defense presence and is home to a number of aerospace companies including General Dynamics NASSCO, SAIC, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems and General Atomics. Aviation and defense are currently some of the largest markets for the composites industry, using composites in aircraft, spacecraft and helicopters, as well as military equipment such as aerial drones, armored fighting vehicles, submarines and body armor. Totaling $7 billion in 2013, the U.S. composites industry grew 5.8 percent in 2014 and is expected to continue its current growth. 21 The need for larger but lighter commercial aircraft is the primary factor driving the growth in composites. 22 In addition to aviation, composites are widely used in the renewable energy sector in environmentallyfriendly products ( green composites ). Composites are particularly well suited for sustainability initiatives because of their durability, lightness, flexible design and low thermal conductivity. 23 Composites applications are also used in the automotive, wind energy, oil and gas, construction, and maritime industries. 24 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Drones There is an increasing presence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, over commercial airports, raising risks of collisions with commercial planes and increasing calls for regulation. 25 Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) rules regulating drones are still in development. On February 15, 2015, a rules proposal announced that drones weighing less than 55 pounds would be allowed to fly up to 500 feet above the ground at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. Additional rules would direct drone operators to have special certifications and follow restrictions such as keeping the drone in sight and avoiding hazards (e.g., airports, other planes). A final decision on the proposed rules may take up to several years to finalize. 26 San Diego s largest UAV manufacturers are Northrop Grumman and General Atomics. Combined with smaller UAV manufacturers, they account for $547 million in production and drone R&D in San Diego County about 3 percent of all worldwide spending on drones. 27 UAVs also require pilots with specialized skills to fly them. Under FAA rules, commercial drone pilots are required to have a pilot license. 28 Salaries for these in-demand pilots can reach $50 per hour (over $100,000 per year) with a large employer. Some predict that within 10 years of the FAA allowing commercial drone use, 100,000 new jobs will be created nationwide. 29 21 compositesworld.com/articles/composites-industry-outlook-positive 22 avaloncsl.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/avalon-the-use-of-composites-in-aerospace-s.pdf 23 compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/2014/01/big-opportunities-bio-based-resin-market/ 24 compositesworld.com/articles/composites-industry-outlook-positive 25 buffalonews.com/city-region/washington-politics/drones-above-airports-pose-threat-in-buffalo-nationally-20141207 26 cnn.com/2015/02/15/politics/drones-faa-rules-commercial-flights/index.html 27 2013. USASpending.gov data analysis of drones and unmanned aircraft 28 Bachman, Justin. Not an Airplane Pilot? You Won t Be Flying Commercial Drones. Bloomberg Business. bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2014-11-28/faa-drone-rules-not-an-airplane-pilot-you-wont-be-flying-drones 29 Drone pilot wanted: Starting salary $100,000. CNN Money. money.cnn.com/2014/11/25/news/drone-pilot-degree/ San Diego & Imperial Counties 6

Occupation Overview: Aviation Technicians/Mechanics For the purposes of this report, aviation mechanics include avionics technicians, aircraft mechanics and aircraft assemblers. Avionics technicians (SOC 30 49-2091) install, inspect, test, adjust or repair avionics equipment such as radar, radio, navigation and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians (SOC 49-3011) diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging and system assemblers (SOC 51-2011) assemble, fit, fasten and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles or missiles. 31 Employment and Growth There are currently approximately 2,400 workers employed in the three aircraft technician and maintenance occupations in the two-county region. In five years, they are expected to grow by 3 percent in San Diego County and 15 percent in Imperial County, with an average of 71 job openings (both new and replacement positions) per year in San Diego County. There is not enough data for Imperial County to calculate average annual job openings (Table 1). While air traffic is projected to increase over the next decade, some predict that newer aircraft will require less maintenance and some airlines may choose to outsource maintenance and repair work to specialized shops, thus increasing efficiency for airlines and shifting new job openings to other companies outside traditional aviation. 32 Table 1: Current and Expected Employment for Aircraft Technicians/Mechanics San Diego County Imperial County Occupation (SOC code) 2014 Jobs 2019 Jobs % Change Annual Openings 2014 Jobs 2019 Jobs % Change Annual Openings Avionics technicians (SOC 49-2091) Aircraft mechanics and service technicians (SOC 49-3011) Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging and system assemblers (SOC 51-2011) 301 304 1% 7 6 6 0% -- 1,262 1,233-2% 33 33 35 6% -- 810 897 11% 31 6 10 67% -- Source: EMSI, 2014 TOTAL 2,373 2,434 3% 71 45 51 15% -- 30 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) is a national system that classifies occupations for the purpose of collecting data and comparing across occupations. 31 onetonline.org 32 monster.com/transportation/a/job-of-the-week/aviation-mechanic San Diego & Imperial Counties 7

Overall, the number of aviation technicians and maintenance workers in San Diego County declined slightly during the Great Recession, but has been growing steadily and is projected to return to prerecession levels of employment in 2015 (Figure 1). Figure 1: San Diego County Aviation Mechanic Employment, 2007-2019 Avionics technicians Aircraft mechanics Aircraft assemblers 717 739 678 671 736 791 808 810 832 851 868 884 897 1230 1351 1301 1311 1218 1238 1267 1262 1253 1246 1240 1235 1233 285 305 298 304 293 300 303 301 302 302 303 303 304 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Dashed line indicates 2015-2019 projections Source: EMSI, 2014 (Staffing Patterns) Imperial County, which also experienced a decrease in the number of workers, has yet to reach prerecession levels of employment for these occupations (Figure 2). Figure 2: Imperial County Automotive Mechanics Employment, 2007-2019 Avionics technicians Aircraft mechanics Aircraft assemblers 9 8 18 5 5 66 58 60 17 6 7 7 9 8 10 10 32 36 37 33 33 33 34 34 35 35 5 6 10 9 11 7 5 5 6 6 7 6 6 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Dashed line indicates 2015-2019 projections Source: EMSI, 2014 (Staffing Patterns) San Diego & Imperial Counties 8

Wages While aviation technician/mechanic occupations are not prominent in San Diego or Imperial Counties, these positions pay wages much higher than the median wages for all aviation occupations in the two counties. 33 Hourly wages for these workers range from $24.16 for entry-level employment to $39.56 for experienced employees in San Diego County and from $23.64 to $36.93 in Imperial County (Figures 3 and 4). Figure 3: Hourly Wages for Aviation Mechanics, San Diego County Entry-level (25th percentile) Median Wage High Skilled (75th Percentile) Aircraft assembler Aircraft mechanic $27.46 $31.38 $34.22 $24.16 $27.04 $31.40 Avionics technician $25.67 $31.64 $39.56 Source: EMSI, 2014 Figure 4: Hourly Wages for Aircraft Mechanics, Imperial County 34 Entry-level (25th percentile) $23.64 Median Wage $30.45 High skilled (75th percentile) $36.93 Source: EMSI, 2014 Employer Expectations These occupations typically require a post-secondary, non-degree award such as a vocational certificate from an accredited institution, but do not emphasize the need for workers with extensive work experience or on-the-job training. In analyzing 306 online job postings for avionics technicians, aircraft assemblers and aircraft mechanics in San Diego and Imperial counties, the top technical skills employers are seeking include the ability to repair and inspect aircraft or aircraft parts. Many jobs also require knowledge and/or experience working with composites in aircrafts. Baseline skills that employers post in online job ads include troubleshooting, quality assurance and quality control, as well as organizational and communication skills (both written and oral in English). Top Technical Skills for Aviation Technicians/Mechanics Repair Inspection of aircraft and aircraft parts Reading blueprints Testing equipment Using hand and power tools Writing and editing technical documents Understanding electrical systems Source: Burning Glass Labor Insight 33 San Diego median wage is $22.05; Imperial median wage is $17.82. 34 There is not enough data for aircraft assemblers and avionics technicians in Imperial County to conduct an analysis. San Diego & Imperial Counties 9

The majority of aviation mechanics learn their skills through an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technical school or program. For working on any commercial or company owned vehicle in the U.S., aviation mechanics must have an Airframe and Power plant (A&P) certificate (certifications for body and engine work). Even for privately owned aircrafts, the FAA requires that aircraft maintenance either be done by or under the supervision of a certified mechanic with the appropriate ratings or authorizations. One could work on a privately owned airplane without an A&P, but it must be inspected by an IA (aircraft inspectors certification) before it could be flown. Mechanics with an A&P are better positioned to find jobs since these ratings demonstrate basic knowledge and abilities that aviation mechanics should have. 35 Technological advancements are inevitable with newer aircraft, which require mechanics to update their skills and knowledge through training and self-learning in order to keep up with changes. This includes the ability to retrofit avionics in older aircraft and familiarity with improvements in composite materials. 36 Composites Skills and Job Titles Composites cover the design, inspection, servicing, testing and repair of aircraft wood, composites, plastic enclosures, interior furnishings and seatbelts. Skills necessary for composite work include: Repair design Bonding techniques Damage assessment Material identification Working with plastics and fiberglass Composite fabrication Knowledge of composites is critical for aviation technicians/mechanics, but composites are also utilized in other manufacturing fields. Technicians who engage in hands-on work with composite materials normally develop specialized skills through on-the-job training. Most of them hold associate degrees or a certification from an accredited vocational institution. Job titles that employers use to describe composites related jobs in online postings include mechanical test technician, test technicians, etc. Most job postings that list composites as a skill required or desired are for engineer positions, such as composite materials engineer, structural design engineer, production engineer, composites, composite manufacturing engineer, advanced composites testing engineer and other. These positions provide potential career ladder opportunities for aviation technicians with expertise in composites, but would require technicians to get additional education (Bachelor s degree or higher). Education & Training The San Diego and Imperial counties community colleges provide five education programs at two colleges for aircraft maintenance and related positions. Table 2 shows the total number of students who completed training programs from 2010 to 2013 and the annual average completions for each program. 35 bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/print/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm 36 aviationpros.com/article/11303709/maintenance-trends-mechanic-job-prospects San Diego & Imperial Counties 10

Table 2: Community College Aviation Technology Programs and Number of Completers Community College and Program Name (TOP Code) 37 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 3-Year Average (2010-13) San Diego Miramar Aeronautical and Aviation Technology (095000) 22 43 19 28 Aviation Airframe Mechanics (095010) 17 17 8 14 Aviation Power Plant Mechanics (095020) 12 19 14 15 Aviation and Airport Management (302000) 7 9 11 9 Palomar Aviation and Airport Management (302000) 8 3 13 8 Grand Total 66 91 65 74 Source: California Community Colleges Chancellor s Office Data Mart The average number of program completers is 74, which closely matches the demand of approximately 71 annual job openings over the next five years, indicating that the community college system sufficiently trains the appropriate number of workers to meet the demand for these positions. Aviation maintenance and aviation technology training programs will incorporate composite skills into its curriculum, but no standalone program currently exists to teach these skills outside of aviation courses. 37 From the California Community Colleges Chancellor s Office (CCCCO), the Taxonomy of Programs (TOP) is a system of numerical codes used at the state level to collect and report information on programs and courses in different colleges throughout California that have similar program outcomes. TOP codes were designed to aggregate data on programs, and each community college course must be assigned a TOP code. San Diego & Imperial Counties 11

Occupation Overview: Aircraft Pilots Airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers (SOC 53-2011) pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes for transportation of passengers and cargo. 38 Employment and Growth In 2014, there were approximately 70 commercial pilots employed in San Diego County with approximately six annual job openings projected for the next five years, while Imperial County had less than 10 pilots overall (Table 3). Compared to the rest of the country, the density of pilots in these two counties is almost zero. Pilots may also be called upon to fly UAVs, which may require a new set of skills and additional workers; however, this trend is not yet captured in traditional labor market statistics. UAV jobs could include work in agriculture, city planning, retail trade (e.g., home delivery), videography, home and commercial realty, meteorology and others. 39 Both the U.S. airline and military industries are reporting a growing shortage of pilots in light of new FAA regulations, stricter training requirements for new pilots, as well as mass retirements. 40 New U.S. commercial copilots are now required to log at least 1,500 hours of prior flight experience (six times greater than they previously needed), increasing the time needed to train new pilots. 41 There is a growing emphasis on manual flying skills, a departure from the traditional reliance on automated aircraft systems, in order for pilots to revert to manual flying in emergency situations. Table 3: Current and Expected Employment for Pilots Occupation (SOC) Airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers (SOC 53-2011) Source: EMSI, 2014 2014 Jobs San Diego County 2019 Jobs % Change Annual Openings 2014 Jobs Imperial County 2019 Jobs % Change Annual Openings 70 84 20% 5 2 2 0% -- Wages Commercial pilots are the highest paid among the four occupations studied in this report, with entrylevel pilots earning over $30 per hour and more experienced pilots receiving about $42 (Figure 5). Imperial County does not have sufficient data to conduct a wage analysis for pilots. Figure 5: Pilot Wages, San Diego County Entry-level (10th Percentile) Median Wage High Skilled (90th Percentile) $30.99 $36.51 $42.10 Source: EMSI, 2014 38 onetonline.org/link/summary/53-2011.00 39 cnn.com/2015/02/15/politics/drones-faa-rules-commercial-flights/index.html 40 wsj.com/articles/sb10001424052702304851104579361320202756500 41 Exceptions made for military pilots and graduates of accredited university training programs San Diego & Imperial Counties 12

Employer Expectations Employers typically require bachelor s degrees, previous piloting experience, a pilot certification and moderate on-the-job training. 1,042 online job postings for pilots were analyzed nationwide for top skill sets. The most frequently mentioned skill was aircraft inspection. Other specialized skills include equipment maintenance, personnel management, engine repair and navigation. Baseline skills include planning, organizational skills, written and oral communication, and supervisory skills. Employers also expect pilots to have the ability to use a computer, specifically the Microsoft Office suite, Oracle and other related products. Education & Training The community college system in San Diego and Imperial counties provides two pilot training programs for the region, resulting in an average of 12 completers each year. Table 4 shows the programs and completions by year. Table 4: Community College Aircraft Pilot Programs and Number of Completers by Program Year Community College and Program Name (TOP Code) 42 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 3-Year Average (2010-2013) San Diego Miramar: Piloting (302020) 9 12 9 10 Palomar: Piloting (302020) 2 4 1 2 Grand Total 11 16 10 12 In addition to the community college training programs, there is a long list of flight schools that train pilots in the San Diego region, most of which are based at, or near, the smaller airfields in San Diego County (e.g., Montgomery Field). 43 San Diego Flight Training International American Aviation Academy ATP Flight School Pinnacle Aviation Academy Coast Flight Training San Diego Christian College California Flight Academy Pilot Ground School Learn to Fly San Diego Golden State Flying Club San Diego Flight Center Skyline Flight Training Gibbs Flying Service From 2010 to 2013, an average of 12 students completed the piloting training programs in San Diego. While there are only five annual job openings projected in San Diego over the next five years, there are still ample opportunities for pilots throughout the country. Additionally, some program completers may choose to pilot just for recreational purposes. Those who choose to fly personal aircraft for recreation as opposed to commercial or private aircraft for employment still need to be certified. Therefore, program recruitment efforts should ensure that interested students have realistic expectations about job prospects. 42 From the California Community Colleges Chancellor s Office (CCCCO), the Taxonomy of Programs (TOP) is a system of numerical codes used at the state level to collect and report information on programs and courses in different colleges throughout California that have similar program outcomes. TOP codes were designed to aggregate data on programs, and each community college course must be assigned a TOP code. 43 This is not an exhaustive list of pilot training schools in San Diego only a sample. Additionally, there are a number of helicopter pilot training schools. San Diego & Imperial Counties 13

Conclusion & Recommendations While the demand for traditional pilots is expected to increase due to retirements, demand for workers in the aviation industry remains low in San Diego and Imperial Counties. However, aviation mechanics (aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, and aircraft assemblers) are growing in San Diego and Imperial counties as a result of the region s strong aerospace and defense presence. The following are recommendations for the community college system for these occupations: Aviation technology training programs in San Diego and Imperial counties should focus efforts on training for aircraft assemblers. Of the three aviation mechanic occupations in this study, aircraft assemblers are projected to grow, while aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians are expected to decline or remain the same, respectively. For aircraft mechanic training programs, emphasis should be placed on troubleshooting or diagnostics, repair, inspection of aircraft and aircraft parts, quality assurance, quality control and knowledge of electrical systems. Employers and their job postings did not focus on past work experience, but did emphasize the need for these specific skill sets. The provision of program licensures or certifications (e.g., Airframe and Power Plant or A&P) is critical to demonstrate attained skill levels. These certifications indicate to employers that these candidates have the basic knowledge and abilities required in the aircraft mechanic profession and are certified to work on aircrafts. Community colleges should continue their current rate of training for pilots in San Diego and Imperial counties, but prepare for the possibility of increased demand. Though the current supply of workers meets the demand for pilot positions in the region, training programs should take into consideration the increasingly stringent requirements placed on pilots in the industry. These training programs must review updated FAA regulations and adapt their programs accordingly to meet the changing requirements. With current workers retiring from this profession and transitioning to flying for leisure instead of employment, the region may see a shortage of qualified workers if it is not well-prepared to address the gradual attrition in the profession. While the UAV market is relatively new, it is a relevant and related field, which pilot training programs should keep in mind when developing curriculum. Pilots may not be in high demand for traditional commercial airlines in San Diego County; however, the region is a hub for UAVs and requires similar technical skills as traditionally trained pilots. The community college system could promote and ensure that transferrable soft and technical skills are developed in these training programs. Skills developed in aircraft mechanic training programs can be transferred to related occupations such as automotive master mechanics. Additionally, employers indicated a need for oral and written communication, which can be used across industries and occupations. Further study should be conducted on composites and their applications in aviation. Composites present a wide array of potential employment opportunities for job seekers who are interested in the components that feed into the aviation industry. With a growing number of aerospace firms beginning to use composites, the composite industry has strong potential for job growth. 44 Because composites are a relatively newer field, job seekers would benefit from a greater amount of coursework to provide instruction on various aspects of composites and practical experience working with composite materials. Recommendations include identifying composite industries linked to the aviation industry in order to determine opportunities available in the region, as well as skills required by employers that job seekers would be required to have. 44 compositesworld.com/articles/composites-industry-outlook-positive San Diego & Imperial Counties 14

Appendix A Methodology Labor Market Report: Aircraft Maintenance and Piloting Occupations was conducted by the San Diego Workforce Partnership and the Centers of Excellence, commissioned by the California Community Colleges Chancellor s Office Advanced Transportation and Renewable Energy (ATRE) program. This study analyzed qualitative and quantitative data from local research and over 250 online job postings between December 2013 and November 2014 in San Diego County and over 13,000 online job postings nationwide, and employment data. Local Research and Interviews The study began with a literature review of the available secondary resources regarding the San Diego and Imperial counties aviation industry and labor market. An extensive list of research from various San Diego organizations can be found at workforce.org/external-reports. Employment Data The research team reviewed online job postings from the Burning Glass database, Labor Insight/Jobs between December 2013 and November 2014 for San Diego and Imperial Counties. Labor Insight/Jobs is a specialized program that collects listings from online job boards or websites, compiles them in one database and de-duplicates the same posting from multiple sites. Economic Modeling Specialists, International (EMSI) compiled the employment data used in this research in its Analyst database. Analyst collects data from over 90 sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS provides the demographic data for San Diego and Imperial Counties and BLS provides employment and wage data. This study analyzes EMSI data as of December 2014. The industries studied in this report were defined by North American Classification System (NAICS) codes, and occupations were defined by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. SOC and NAICS are coding standards used by federal agencies to collect and disseminate employment data related to industries and occupations. The full list of NAICS and SOC codes used in this study can be found in Appendix B. Limitations of the Data It should be noted that there are certain limitations to the data used in this study. Employment projections from BLS are based on historical trends and do not involve changes in market demand or legislation that might support additional employment. Therefore, employer responses to surveys were included to assist in gauging labor supply and employer demand. Additionally, while Burning Glass Labor Insight/Jobs database collects online job postings and de-duplicates similar job postings, some duplication may still occur. San Diego & Imperial Counties 15

Appendix B - NAICS & SOC codes that define Aviation Industries and Occupations Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) SOC Code SOC Description 49-2091 Avionics technicians 49-3011 Aircraft mechanics and service technicians 51-2011 Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging and system assemblers 53-2011 Airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) NAICS Code 334511 NAICS Description Search, detection, navigation, guidance, aeronautical and nautical system and instrument manufacturing 336411 Aircraft manufacturing 336412 Aircraft engine and engine parts manufacturing 336413 Other aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing 481111 Scheduled passenger air transportation 481211 Nonscheduled charter passenger air transportation 488119 Other airport operations 488190 Other support activities for air transportation 541380 Testing laboratories San Diego & Imperial Counties 16

Appendix C - GIS Maps of Aviation Companies in San Diego and Imperial Counties Figure C1: Map of Aviation Companies in San Diego County 45 Figure C2: Map of Aviation Companies in Imperial County 46 45 Map developed from InfoUSA database 46 Map developed from InfoUSA database San Diego & Imperial Counties 17