Press Release

Issued by Response Aviation Search.

April 2, 2025

Response Aviation Search, a premier U.S. talent acquisition firm with over 35 years of experience, has launched Career Navigator, a new service designed to provide business aviation pilots with personalised coaching, strategic guidance and the tools needed to compete for career-defining roles in a fast-evolving industry.

The business aviation industry is experiencing significant hiring pressure. According to the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), there are approximately 10,000 to 15,000 Part 91 flight departments in the United States alone. Industry analysts project a shortfall of nearly 80,000 pilots globally by 2032, driven by a wave of retirements, surging demand for private travel and a limited supply of qualified flight crew. Flight departments increasingly face longer time-to-hire, higher costs and difficulty finding candidates with the right mix of experience, discretion and cultural fit.

To meet this need, Response Aviation Search has developed Career Navigator, a new coaching and advisory service focused specifically on pilots. The offering includes four distinct tiers:

- Career clarity and strategy session ($199): A one-hour consultation focused on goals, direction and creating a tailored plan of action.

- Pre-flight check ($249): A resume and cover letter tune-up with detailed, expert feedback to improve positioning.

- Flight plan ($499): Comprehensive interview preparation, including mock sessions and tactics to stand out with hiring managers.

- Final approach ($1,499): A full-service package combining strategic coaching, resume support and ongoing advisory throughout the job search.

Each tier is designed to equip pilots with the clarity, confidence and tactical edge needed to navigate career transitions.

Response Aviation Search is offering this in the context of;

- Pilot shortage: A looming shortage of aviation professionals is creating urgency for both employers and job seekers.

- Hiring complexity: Private flight departments face high stakes when making a hire. Cultural fit, confidentiality and retention all matter.

- Career crossroads: Many pilots lack access to trusted advisors as they navigate transitions, especially between contract, charter and corporate roles.

Response Aviation Search is a tactical recruiting partner, not a staffing firm. Response uses a proactive, high-touch approach to identify and place elite candidates, many of whom are not actively looking for new roles. Employers benefit from a contingency-based model. They pay only when a successful placement is made. This reduces their financial risk while raising the bar on quality.

“Response isn't about checking boxes. We're about understanding the people behind the resume and the long-term vision behind each hire,” said Andrew Gutterman, president of Response Aviation Search. “Career Navigator brings that same philosophy to individual pilots, helping them take control of their careers with focus and strategy.”

Neil Capano, flight department consultant and aviation media strategist, joins as envoy to support Response Aviation Search's face-to-face engagements on the West Coast.

“The job board is an archaic tool for lazy HR careerists. Pilots deserve real guidance, so they can make smarter career moves,” said Capano. “This service is good for them and for the Part 91 market.”

Response Aviation Search is strategic in identifying and securing high-calibre candidates. The firm works closely with aviation employers to ensure each hire is aligned with long-term goals, culture and operational needs.