Pilot Captain Robert McRath of St. Louis, Missouri, advocates for mentorship and career guidance in aviation
ST. LOUIS, MO / ACCESS Newswire / February 26, 2026 / Captain Robert McRath, a seasoned airline pilot with Endeavor Air and lifelong aviation advocate, today announced a renewed effort to raise awareness of the importance of mentorship and hands-on guidance for aspiring pilots. McRath's initiative seeks to spotlight how mentoring young aviators can help address ongoing industry challenges and strengthen career pathways for future pilots.
"I wouldn't be where I am without mentors and people who took the time to guide me," McRath said. "Mentorship isn't just advice - it's support that helps people make real progress."
Aviation Faces Growing Pilot Demand
The aviation industry continues to face workforce challenges, with demand for pilots expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Global forecasts estimate a need for 649,000-674,000 new pilots between 2024 and 2043 to keep up with airline growth and retirements.
In the United States alone, the pilot shortage is projected to persist through 2026, as retirements and expansion outpace new pilot training and hiring.
"For many young people, choosing aviation can feel overwhelming," McRath said. "But having someone walk alongside them - even just once or twice - can make all the difference."
Mentorship Works - Across Industries and Aviation
Research shows that mentorship impacts career outcomes in more ways than one. Across professions, individuals with mentors tend to advance faster, report greater job satisfaction, and build stronger professional networks.
In aviation specifically, mentorship helps aspiring pilots navigate complex training paths, understand real-world flying culture, and connect with opportunities that may not be obvious from textbooks alone.
"Mentors helped me see what was possible," McRath said. "Not just how to fly - but how to grow as a pilot and as a professional."
Aviation mentorship also builds confidence at crucial decision points in a pilot's education. A strong support structure can help students overcome barriers like training costs, long certification timelines, and industry uncertainty, all of which can slow career momentum.
"Passing It Forward" - McRath's Approach
McRath credits his involvement with the Saint Louis University Flying Billikens Flight Team as a pivotal turning point in his development. He now dedicates time to giving back to that community as a mentor. "I stay engaged because I know what it meant to have support early on," he said. "Somebody believed in me - and I want to do the same for others."
His advocacy emphasizes that mentorship doesn't require a formal program or organization. Instead, it can begin with simple, meaningful actions:
Connect with local flight schools or college aviation programs to offer guidance.
Volunteer to speak to student pilots about real-world career paths.
Help others build confidence, even through one-on-one conversations.
"You don't need a title to be a mentor," McRath said. "You just need the willingness to share what you've learned."
Why This Matters to the Aviation Community
As the industry works to close workforce gaps and support career development, simple but intentional acts of mentorship can help bridge the experience divide. With tens of thousands of new pilots needed globally, encouraging young people - especially those from underrepresented backgrounds - to pursue aviation is critical to long-term growth and safety.
"When students see that pilots are real people - not just figures in a classroom - it makes the career path feel accessible," McRath explained. "That's where mentorship really shines."
Call to Action
Pilots, flight instructors, and aviation professionals are encouraged to:
Reach out to aspiring pilots in your community to offer guidance or support.
Share your experiences and lessons learned with students and early-career flyers.
Help others make meaningful connections that support their aviation goals.
"Every connection matters," McRath said. "If we each take a moment to help someone else, we elevate the whole industry."
About Robert McRath
Robert McRath is a professional pilot and Captain at Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he developed a passion for aviation in middle school and went on to pursue that interest at Saint Louis University. He graduated Cum Laude in 2019 with a degree in aviation and received an aviation science research project award.
During his time at SLU, McRath was an active member of the Flying Billikens Flight Team, where he strengthened his skills in teamwork, discipline, and leadership. An Eagle Scout, he credits his early experiences in scouting for shaping his sense of responsibility and service.
Today, in addition to his role as a Captain, McRath remains committed to mentoring aspiring pilots and supporting the next generation of aviation professionals.
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SOURCE: Robert McRath
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