Combatting Pilot Attrition in the USAF in the 1990s
Abstract
Manning of the United States Air Force pilot positions in the late 1980s again fell to crisis levels. The Aviation Career Improvement Act (89) and shrinking USAF force requirements have ameliorated the worst effects of this problem: however, the current relief from heavy attrition may only be a temporary lull in the action. The USAF remains the major training stream for the US commercial air carriers, and the draw on the USAF pilot population over the next ten years is projected to be extremely heavy. The USAF pilot attrition situation will be compared to the recent Canadian experience, along with several supporting ideas from the British attack on the problem. This study will show that the high motivation and morale that has kept many pilots in the USAF beyond their ADSC during the 1980s will become more and more difficult to maintain as tighter budget restraints and shrinking resources combine to limit future career options. The 1990s budget reductions and associated structure modifications offer the USAF one unique opportunity to revisit and decapitate this persistent problem. This study suggests that few new policy modifications remain to mitigate future crises. It recommends several policy refinements, including the implementation of a dual track pilot career system, to cure the effects of future pilot attrition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA241128
Entities
People
- James C. Parker
Organizations
- Air War College