Trump Executive Order Aimed At Addressing 'Serious' Pilot Shortage

An executive order issued by President Donald Trump on Friday would allow the U.S. Air Force to recall up to 1,000 pilots to address what is being called a "serious" pilot shortage.

The Air Force Times reports that the order expands on a previous order that would have limited the number of pilots recalled to 25 per year. Many pilots are leaving the service for more lucrative offers from airlines, which are facing a pilot shortage of their own.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Cmdr. Gary Ross said that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis requested the expansion of the recall to give him “additional authorities to recall retired aviation officers.” The pilots would be recalled for up to three years, according to Ross.

In an effort to stem the outflow of pilots from the Air Force, the service has increased monthly flight pay and is offering large retention bonuses totalling up to a half million dollars to get pilots to continue to fly for their country. It has also implemented several plans in an attempt to improve job satisfaction among pilots, according to the report.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Report