Air Force Pilot Retention: A Look at 1996
Abstract
The United States Air Force retention of pilots who are between 6 and 11 years of service is approaching an historic low rate. The FY 89 cumulative continuation rate (CCR) for pilots entering 6 years of service and staying through 11 years fell to 36%. The decline started in 1984 when the CCR dropped from 78% to 72%. The decline has continued steadily since then to 36% with no apparent indications of a reversal. The lowest CCR was experienced in 1979 when the rate bottomed out at 26%. Losing pilots at this rate jeopardizes the ability to fill mid-level staff positions with experienced pilots. The apparent cause of the low CCR in 1979 and again in the years following 1983 has been a steady demand for new commercial airline pilots. All services are experiencing low pilot retention problem, but this paper focuses only on how the Air Force is attempting to reverse the trend. Though no one incentive seems to be effective, their combined and synergistic effect may produce positive results. If not, then the alternatives recommended in this paper may be useful.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA223312
Entities
People
- Daniel F. Crum
Organizations
- United States Army War College