SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Sioux Falls Regional and other smaller airports really feel the impact from the airline pilot shortage.
Airport Manager Dan Letillier says regional carriers account for about 90 percent of the flights at Sioux Falls, and those carriers are hardest hit by the shortage. The Major airlines not so much.
"They'll just hire from the regional airlines to fill what they need."
A lack of pilots is one more challenge for regional carriers that would otherwise desire to add flights at Joe Foss Field.
Letillier says the education for a commercial pilot is not cheap, totaling, in some cases, more than $150,000 in tuition. He hopes Congress can soften the blow with modifications in the student loan program or special grants for people wanting to be airline pilots.