Personnel shortages may force US Air Force pilots to fly non-fighters
U.S. Air Force pilots graduating from training courses with the T-38 Talon may be required to fly non-fighter or bomber aircraft as a result of pilot shortages, according to a new Air Force policy.
The challenges in pilot inventory were outlined in an August service memo reviewed by Defense News and confirmed by an Air Force official.
Described in the document as a "significant but necessary policy change," the move shifts the traditional assignment flow for T-38 pilots, who now may be matched to fly non-fighters or bombers.
"We are 1,848 pilots short, with 1,142 of those being fighter pilots," the memo states. "While we would prefer to send every qualified T-38 graduate to a fighter [Formal Training Unit], circumstances dictate that we utilize available capacity to maximize pilot production. In the near term, in addition to traditional fighter/bomber assignments, T-38 graduates will be matched to additional T-6 [First Assignment Instructor Pilot] assignments and opted for non-fighter/bomber aircraft."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/personnel-shortages-may-force-us-air-force-pilots-to-fly-non-fighters/ar-AA1qF8UP?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=a99a7604820e4cfca0c3dafc760fb18f&ei=85
