The Effects on Pilot Retention as a Result of the United States Air Force's Banked Pilot Program of 1991 to 1993

The purpose of this study is to highlight the effects of the United States Air Force's banked pilot program of 1991-1993 on pilot retention. It was hypothesized and confirmed that retention would be negatively affected by the disillusionment resulting from the program. A sample population of 300 banked pilots, chosen randomly, was questioned about their views on the issue. When compared to Air Force pilot retention rates as a whole, the banked pilots were more likely to separate than their "non-banked" contemporaries. If not remedied, the USAF could lose approximately 200 more banked pilots than currently projected. When compared to the results of a 1994 study, the banked pilots were less likely to remain in the USAF after their pilot training commitment expired than at the beginning of their banked assignments.