Improving the UPT Student Follow-On Assignment Selection Process
Abstract
The Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program at Sheppard AFB conducts Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) for 13 NATO nations with a focus on producing premier fighter pilots. As ENJJPT transitions to the new T-6 Texan II, leadership is examining if the current assignment model meets the needs of the U.S. Air Force for the U.S. students. To assign U.S. students, the Senior National Representative uses the Merit Assignment Scoring System (MASS) to rank order students and assign aircraft based on preference and availability of assignments. MASS accounts for every activity in pilot training as well as subjective input from the instructors as to the overall attitude and performance of the students. MASS is a formula of weighted scores taken from graded events throughout training in various categories of training. Students are rank-ordered and given assignments based on a raw score. Although the categories are weighted, no specific skill area is graded and there is no relation of core skills needed in flying modern day fighters to UPT grading, evaluation, and assignment selection. As a result, the potential exists for losing a student (washout) in follow-on training or requiring additional training when a deficiency could have been identified at an earlier stage in the pipeline. The goal of this research was to identify the core skills required to fly the various fighter aircraft through the use of a Combat Air Forces (CAF) wide survey instrument, interviews, and working group input. An assignment model was created that focuses on assigning students based on skill strengths. After the core skills were identified and related to UPT events, a value hierarchy was created and a model was developed to identify the best aircraft fit for each student based on his/her performance as related to the skill sets. Recommendations are presented on future changes to MASS, the UPT student assignment process, and the pilot training syllabus.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA450986
Entities
People
- Michael G. Messer
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology