The Ready Aircrew Program (RAP) sets continuation training requirements for pilots of combat aircraft. This report outlines a computational model to measure whether flying units can feasibly meet U.S. Air Force continuation training requirements, the model's specifications, and how the model was used in researchers' assessment of the RAP.
Independent Review and Assessment of the Air Force Ready Aircrew Program
A Description of the Model Used for Sensitivity Analysis
Download
Download eBook for Free
| Format | File Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PDF file | 1.1 MB | Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. |
Purchase
Purchase Print Copy
| Format | List Price | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add to Cart | Paperback52 pages | $17.50 | $14.00 20% Web Discount |
The Ready Aircrew Program (RAP) sets continuation training requirements for pilots of combat aircraft. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 directed the Secretary of the Air Force to arrange for an independent review of the RAP and its effectiveness in managing aircrew training requirements. The Air Force turned to RAND Project AIR FORCE to conduct the review and to make recommendations for improvements. As part of the analysis, researchers created a computational model to examine whether flying units can feasibly meet the continuation training requirements set by RAP and other training requirements when various constraints, such as the length and frequency of temporary duty assignments or deployment schedules, are taken into account. This report outlines the model, its specifications, and how it was used in the assessment of the RAP.
Key Findings
Potential negative effects of increasing annual pilot arrivals, increased time needed to meet sortie-based experience definition
- Simulations using the computational model revealed the potentially negative effects of increasing the number of new pilots entering a squadron each year or decreasing the squadrons' aircraft utilization rates.
- Simulations also showed that the new, sortie-based definition of experience adopted in 2018 may increase the amount of time needed for pilots to become experienced.
- The model can be used to prospectively simulate the outcomes of a wide range of policy modifications, to understand their implications in terms of pilot absorption and squadron health, and to inform selection between potential policy options.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Introduction
Chapter Two
Models of Fighter Pilot Absorption Capacity
Chapter Three
Simulation Studies
Chapter Four
Discussion
Research conducted by
The research described in this report was commissioned by the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and conducted by the Manpower, Personnel, and Training Program within RAND Project AIR FORCE.
This report is part of the RAND Corporation Research report series. RAND reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.
This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.
The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.