Pilot Staffing Conundrum: A Delphi Study

摘要

In this study, 23 MAJCOM/FOA-rated management experts were surveyed. In a three-round Delphi Study, the expert panel determined a list of unique pilot knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and staff issues that benefited from those KSAs. The value of this study is that it highlights a conundrum in pilot manning that is exacerbated by current trends in budget and manning reductions. Traditionally, the Air Force wants and needs pilots in some staff positions because of unique KSAs, and in other positions to develop future leaders. Currently, the Air Force can no longer afford to fill even the most essential positions, much less those positions which further career development, and meet increasing operational requirements. The impact of this study is that it underscores the importance of a concrete understanding of pilot staff requirements and supports a requirements review of all 3,005 pilot staff positions. It also demonstrates that the Air Force should discuss what it expects future leaders to look like. Are pilots part of the future leadership of the Air Force, or not. If so, how will anticipated staff reductions affect force development. While this study does not make recommendations for specific staff reductions, it does address a critical supply/demand issue (for pilots, specifically on staff) from a demand-side perspective where most past efforts have concentrated on the supply side of the equation.