Sharp drop in new helicopter pilot licences raises concerns about country's air ambulance service

Dawn Sabeski's vehicle was hit in a head-on collision on a Manitoba highway on May 28, 2017.

Sabeski's friend, who was in the vehicle with her, died on impact; Sabeski was taken to a rural hospital in western Manitoba.

Her injuries were extensive — internal bleeding and multiple fractures — and she needed more advanced medical care.

So she was transported to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg by STARS air ambulance (which stands for Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service).

"I would not have made it [if I were] transported by ambulance to HSC. I wouldn't have made it," said Sabeski, who lives in East Selkirk, Man.

Many parts of rural Canada rely on air ambulances flown by licensed helicopter pilots.

But the number of helicopter pilot licences being issued by Transport Canada has been declining over the last decade — raising concerns over what that means for air ambulances services.

According to figures provided to CBC News, Transport Canada issued 62 helicopter pilot licences in 2012. But in 2022, that number dropped by 80 per cent to just 12.

John Gradek, an aviation expert at McGill University in Montreal, said the dramatic drop in the number of licences could be due to several factors.

Gradek, who co-ordinates the school's aviation management program, said pilots have been retiring, and many have also been headhunted by regional and national airlines facing their own pilot shortages.

But he also said there are other reasons, including the cost of training, which can be about $100,000.

"It is an expensive career choice," Gradek said, adding that higher pay could be one way to attract those considering a career in the cockpit.

Cade Clark, vice-president of government affairs for Helicopter Association International, said members of the Virginia-based organization are looking at how to educate high school students about the industry.

"How do we reach out to high school kids, let them know that this industry is wide open and available for them? And as we bring in new students, how do we help them through that pipeline?" he said.