Air Force Strategies Chipping Away at Pilot Shortfall

Ramped-up retention efforts and new training programs are helping, slowly.

Monday, January 17, 2022 at 10:22 AM ET

Verified

U.S Air Force Lt. Col. Cheryl Buehn, 71st Fighter Training Squadron T-38A Talon instructor pilot, prepares for takeoff at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, March 13, 2018. Buehn commissioned through the U.S Air Force Academy and, while there, she was selected to train in the Euro-NATO Joint-Jet Pilot Training Program. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Natasha Stannard)

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force is actively combating a persistent pilot shortage (currently over 1,600) through intensified training and retention strategies.
Key initiatives include accelerating pilot training programs (e.g., UPT 2.5, Civil Path to Wings) and bolstering retention efforts, which have seen some success.
The Rated Preparatory Program (RPP) is a significant strategy, providing foundational flight training and mentorship to active-duty airmen with limited prior experience, substantially increasing their chances for selection into rated positions.
Although the shortage is most acute in fighter communities and impacts career development, the Air Force states that operational readiness is currently maintained.