Retaining U.S. Air Force Pilots When the Civilian Demand for Pilots is

An increase in pilot hiring at major commercial airlines could increase the outflow of U.S. Air Force rated officers and create manning shortfalls. Because aviator retention pay is now a discretionary program, budget requests for it must be defended. The authors analyzed airline pilot supply, compensation, and demand to estimate possible changes in civilian pilot pay and hiring and the level of aviator retention pay needed as a countermeasure.