Tool of The Man

There are a few programs being looked in order to increase the number of pilots. The AUS plan was hatched from AU and is the test case to explore the use of VR in pilot training. The direct to T-1 is a different path. Realize that most of these good ideas are not from the staff, rather much higher on the food chain. Both of these are...interesting...at best. The first is "Technology will save us" the second is "Of course civilian time/training is the same as military time/training." They both operate on the premise that the current training model is outdated and is the reason why we have a pilot shortage. Again...leadership thoughts, not the staff.

The decision to merge the streams is going to be based on $$$. Training someone in a T-38 to go to heavies is not the issue, but trying to absorb that cost for another 700 studs that the T-1 currently trains is a huge bill. Buying enough T-Xs to cover that is even more. At some point, even Congress will have to ask "Is there a way to do this cheaper?" As we enter the era of bringing F-35, KC-46, and a new bomber on line, AETC is going to be at the back of the money line.

The Eclipse 550 has been studied and even flown on a typical SUPT profile. Very underwhelming. Climb performance was a big issue, no jumpseat, lack of sortie duration(had to stop mid profile to get gas), base model lacks some instruments, side stick is not transferable to most heavies...a lot more. Fuel savings is one thing, but if you can't execute the mission, it really doesn't matter. As for Nextant option, some of what Moose said is accurate. However, I am sceptical about the $1M cost per airframe. Also, the AF didn't place the hour limit on the airframe, that came during the initial contract.