Avoiding empty cockpits: Addressing the Air Force’s pilot shortage problem

Avoiding empty cockpits: Addressing the Air Force’s pilot shortage problem
Avoiding empty cockpits: Addressing the Air Force’s pilot shortage problem

Fielding the best aircraft in the world won’t matter if the Air Force can’t retain enough well-trained pilots to fly them, argue FDD’s Bradley Bowman and Maj. Brian Leitzke.

Recruitment is now a real threat to a frail force facing formidable foes

Recruitment is now a real threat to a frail force facing formidable foes
Recruitment is now a real threat to a frail force facing formidable foes

“Under-manned units over-operate, resulting in an unrested and less specialized force. And the only real solution to this issue is to add fresh bodies to the force,” writes Mackenzie Eaglen of AEI.

Air Force Pilot Shortage Worsens; 10% Of Billets Empty

Air Force Pilot Shortage Worsens; 10% Of Billets Empty
Air Force Pilot Shortage Worsens; 10% Of Billets Empty

PENTAGON: Despite a year of offering bonuses, trying to bring back former pilots and talking up the glories of being an Air Force pilot, the service’s most precious resource continues to dwindle. At the end of fiscal 2016, the service needed 1,500 pilots. On Oct. 31 of this year, that number had swollen to about…

Airlines Step Up Hiring So Air Force Boosts Retention Pay

Airlines Step Up Hiring So Air Force Boosts Retention Pay
Airlines Step Up Hiring So Air Force Boosts Retention Pay

  PENTAGON: Eager to stem the flow of Air Force pilots chasing bigger paychecks and cushier gigs with America’s airlines, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson announced today the service is increasing what used to be called flight pay for the first time since 1999. US airlines hired 4,000 pilots last year, many of them former…