Conversation starters
Sometimes it’s a challenge to hold down conversation at the bar during the social. Here’s one article that sums up a lot of fighter pilot opinions and may help the banter. I’ll post more as they pop up.
forbes.com
It’s Time To Rebuild America’s Fighter Force, Not Cut It
The U.S. Air Force today is the oldest and smallest in its history. Consequently, it's experiencing a severe fighter gap between what it has and what it requires.
- 6 Replies
That’s a super interesting post. I didn’t realize how badly we need more fighters. Does that also coincide with needing more pilots?
what’s your opinion on that? Also do you think the AirForce is going to do something about making more pilots?
Let’s hope that more Aircraft roll off the assembly lines and more pilots are trained up to fly them!
anecdotally, there is never a shortfall of people who want to be a fighter pilot; however, our numbers of actual combat ready fighter pilots have been low. I think the problem like the article states is the decreasing amount of metal.
Im not sure about what the AF has been doing to remedy this problem, but they have made adjustment to training durations, making them shorter to produce pilots faster.
We certainly have always had plenty of volunteers to fly. The (USAF) pilot shortage you hear about sometimes is actually this super wonky programmatic problem.
Just one opinion. I think fighter pilot billets (the number of pilots we need) are stable for the next decade. But production will struggle a bit until the T-7a arrives in force.
What does that mean for you? Fierce competition to get in the door but a great career once you’re in. Buckets and buckets of flying.
Cheers!
Husky
damn boeing… :/
Interesting times for sure!
Finding a UPT slot can be about timing, but I also tell my clients that you must be persistent (not annoying) and always ready to take what comes your way!
Articles give perspective, but that doesn’t always mean that that is the situation of a particular unit.
I agree, know the landscape, but also remain vigilant and prepared for opportunities as they may come in ways you never thought they would!
D.J.
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