Originally Posted by Drum

Sled, informative. A bit more on production. Basically the AF has lost the capability of throughput in the pipeline as a result of downsizing over the last 2+ years.

Even if they wanted to ramp to 400+ 11X's a year, the capacity to do so does not exist. Those planes are long gone to AMARC and the pilots have moved on to other things.

There is a fighter pilot shortage. Further the USAF will experience an overall shortage of drivers in all MDS's - if not there already. No amount of voodoo is going to rectify this situation in the near to mid term.

"That" pool of separating and/or retiring military pilots from all branches shrinks each year.

I find it interesting that the SWA chief of pilot hiring was out at Travis AFB on a recruiting drive - I think that tacitly speaks volumes.

Yes, there is a want. But the USAF pilot selection process is very rigorous, and once through that process there are no guarantees of getting all the way there. I've seen FEB's at the ops units more than once.

Where this goes regarding mainline hiring is anyone's guess, but my bet is barring any external calamity (knock on wood), the future is bright for many of you out there.

BTW, spent 20+ years flying fighters in the USAF. Recently retired. My going away gift was a 2 year staff job, making me non-current. Thus why I am posting on this regional forum.

Take care everyone and best of luck to all of you.