Use and Funding of Peacetime Airlift Cargo Capacity. A study of ways to use and fund unsubscribed peacetime airlift capacity generated as a by-product of readiness training.

摘要

Our strategic airlift fleet exists to meet the wartime airlift requirement. In peacetime, MAC aircraft fly in order to maintain the readiness of all of the components of the airlift system. Pilot training requirements commonly measured in flying hours, are the driving readiness requirements. Simply stated, MAC can haul cargo in the back of the planes while the pilot and the rest of the airlift system complete required training events. When 50 new C- 5s join the strategic airlift fleet starting in fy 88, the by-product capacity is projected to significantly expand. By fy 90, 21% of the peacetime by-product cargo capacity is projected to be unsubscribed by users. The airlift services industrial fund may not be able to pay for airlift operating expenses, and would have to be further subsidized by air force O & M funds. This study examines the significance of the use and funding of peacetime airlift cargo capacity. Keep in mind that the focus of this study is based on the by-product cargo capacity produced as a result of peacetime flying hour programs derived to provide readiness training for the airlift system. This should not be confused with wartime cargo requirements. There is a definite shortage of wartime airlift capacity and airlift enhancements are currently programmed to correct these wartime shortfalls.