Editor’s note: this article first appeared on AVweb.com.
The U.S. Air Force confirmed last week it will not meet its goal of adding 1,500 new pilots this year.
Air Force Pilot-Training Numbers Come Up Short of Aspirations
The service had set a goal of adding 1,500 new pilots this year.
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. Air Force confirmed it will miss its annual pilot training goal, falling approximately 120 pilots short of its 1,500 target for the current fiscal year.
- The shortfall is attributed to maintenance issues with T-38 trainer jet engines, staffing shortages, and other unexpected setbacks.
- Slow repairs on T-38 engines have notably limited the dispatch reliability of these critical intermediate training aircraft.
- The Air Force plans to pursue the same 1,500 new pilot goal in fiscal 2024 and is considering in-house parts production to address T-38 engine problems.
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