Las Cruces flight school instructor sees doubling of students as need grows for pilots

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Unlike many industries during the pandemic, the demand for learning how to fly an airplane has only increased. 

Donald Donahue, who has been flying for 35 years and teaching for 22 at Air Speed Flying Services in Las Cruces, told ABC-7 that the amount of students he’s teaching has now more than doubled from pre-pandemic days.

They weren’t allowed to fly for a few months due to Covid-19 rules in the state of New Mexico, but now the demand for pilots is growing as travel begins to resume.

Due to Covid-19, everyone wears masks while in the plane for flight instruction and all surfaces are disinfected after landing.

Donahue told ABC-7 that by 2025 there are estimates up to 50,000 commercial aviation pilots will be needed.