AMC Pilot Retention: A Delphi Study

Abstract

This research studied AMC pilot retention in the forthcoming decade and what influences millennial pilots to stay or leave active duty. Furthermore, this study asked if a dual track (fly only career path) would help with retention in AMC. A Delphi Study consisting of 16 AMC aviation experts was utilized to answer the research questions. The expert panel was comprised of officer ranks spanning from Major to Colonel and included instructor pilots, flying squadron commanders, and operations group commanders. This analysis determined that AMC will have a difficult time with pilot retention in the next ten years. Additionally, the high operations tempo coupled with outside employment opportunities are the main causal factors influencing pilots to leave active duty. While career autonomy is proven to positively affect retention, a dual track option is not believed to have a significant impact on AMC pilot retention. Finally, the panel concluded that the AF was not likely to employ any of the panels responses on how to bolster AMC retention.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 16, 2016
Accession Number
AD1054247

Entities

People

  • Ryan K. Thornton

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Duty
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Business Administration
  • Commercial Aviation
  • Commercial Pilots
  • Delphi Method
  • Employment
  • Families (Human)
  • Flight Crews
  • Flight Training
  • Instructors
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Pilots
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Students

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.