Cost/Benefit Analysis of Independent Scheduling of Aircrew/Aircraft: The First Step Towards an Interchangeable Aircraft Management Construct
Abstract
Air Mobility Command (AMC) has historical stationed the USAF fleet of C-17 aircraft to Air Force bases around the world. Associated C-17 flying squadrons are established at these bases to operate and execute assigned/tasked C-17 missions worldwide. Since each base is assigned specific aircraft (tails), their unit specific tasked missions originate and terminate at their base of assignment. This construct has led to numerous C-17 flights operated empty to pre/de-position aircraft for required cargo missions, potentially costing AMC/DoD millions of dollars in flight hour costs, reducing the operational life of the C-17 fleet, and creating an overall process inefficiency. This construct is contrary to the way that commercial and civilian cargo/passenger airlift operations are conducted. These companies/entities choose to leave the empty aircraft at the last offload location when mission capable, and commercially fly aircrew to/from the aircraft. This could potentially save aircraft wear/tear, and allow operations to be conducted at a significantly reduced rate. This research paper focused on conducting a cost benefit analysis of AMC's current operations of operating empty aircraft to/from their assigned base of record compared to the cost/efficiency savings of conducting C-17 operations in a manner comparable to commercial carriers. The research methodology included extensive analysis and filtering of all C-17 channel and contingency missions for fiscal years (FY) 2017-2018. The total cost of the 2-year flying data was then analyzed against an alternate construct of utilizing commercial carriers to the max extent possible. The presented cost comparison data is designed to offer AMC leadership with an alternate COA potentially identifying the logistical way-ahead and projected cost savings of operating under a centrally manned aircraft/aircrew construct.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1079713
Entities
People
- Sharon R Gilliland
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology