Reducing C-17 Pilot Training Delays
Abstract
The C-17 pilot training pipeline at Altus Air Force Base is perpetually behind schedule, straining financial and human resources. This research analyzes the extent, significance and sources of those delays. Additionally, the paper offers solutions to the predicament. This research examines most of the current databases used for tracking the flow and effectiveness of the different programs at Altus, including those employed by both training organizations, Boeing Aerospace and the 58th Airlift Squadron. This paper includes some basic analysis regarding the numerical statistics contained within those databases and describes the consequences of those delays, both from a training and operational perspective. The emphasis is on two of the more-troubled courses, the Aircraft Commander Initial Qualification and the Instructor Aircraft Commander programs. Despite a slight improvement over previous years, those two programs still suffered from poor graduation timeliness in 2003. The sources of those delays include higher-than-expected student retraining rates and under-sourced aircraft allocations. Potential solutions range from adding and protecting aircraft resources to revising current database tracking methods. Other viable options include adjusting program timelines to reflect a more accurate training environment and overlapping simulator and flight training phases. Fortunately, significant improvement in the C-17 training arena can be harnessed with the acceptance of these relatively simple
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA459040
Entities
People
- Eric J. Moritz
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology