More than 60 Air Force senior leaders recently discussed the Air Force's aircrew crisis, which has left the service more than 1,500 pilots short of its requirements. Leaders were briefed on proposed retention initiatives to limit non-command 365-day deployments, production initiatives that offer alternative methods of aviator training and requirement initiatives that adjust crew ratios and balance instructor pilot numbers. Participants also discussed various options for increasing pilot production through contract support or additional aircraft, which would enable the Air Force to train more pilots. Also, briefers presented options for limiting staff positions and lengthy deployments for fighter pilots, which currently account for the majority of the service's pilot shortage.
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