全球智库信息集成服务系统

Factors That Determine the Fighter Pilot Inventory

• The key elements that determine the size of the pilot inventory are the capacity to train new pilots (production), the capacity to introduce new pilots into operational units and give them enough flying time to turn them into experienced pilots (absorption), and the retention of experienced pilots that largely determines how many new pilots are required each year (sustainment).
• Absorption is typically the most binding constraint: Production in excess of absorption capacity results in unacceptable degradation of training and readiness in operational units, as available flying hours are spread too thinly across inexperienced pilots, slowing their development.
• During the past several decades, the Air Force has faced reductions in its fighter aircraft inventory that have caused its absorption capacity to fall below its sustainment needs.

Addressing Fighter Pilot Shortages

• A feasible path toward addressing fighter pilot shortages would involve increased use of simulators, more first-assignment instructor pilots going into fighter units, an optimistic retention outlook, more active associate units, and limited use of reservists filling AC requirements.
• However, this path would still leave a shortfall if retention remains at current levels. Overcoming this shortfall will require reductions in demand. A reduction of 400 requirements (primarily by converting staff or other nonoperational positions from fighter pilot to other workforce types) would result in a relatively robust system.