In July 2016, United States Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein and then-Secretary Deborah Lee James revealed their plan to fix what they referred to as a “quiet crisis.” The Air Force, they wrote for Defense One, faced a shortage of 500 fighter pilots that would grow to 700 by the end of the year. In all, the USAF was short 1,500 aviators, including 1,300 fighter pilots.
Air Force Pilot Shortage Reaches 2,000
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. Air Force is facing a severe and worsening pilot shortage, with a deficit of 2,000 aviators, which is stretching the force to its limit and impacting operational readiness.
- Key causes of the shortage include a high operations tempo, pilots leaving for more lucrative commercial aviation jobs, and budget instability from sequestration leading to reduced flying hours and perceived decline in quality of life.
- Air Force leadership is urgently requesting Congress to end sequestration to secure a stable budget, which they deem essential for expanding pilot training and retaining personnel, as a recent executive order to recall retired pilots has seen minimal participation.
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