The Navy's Pilot Shortage: A Selective Bonus and Other Actions Could Improve Retention

While all the services have some pilot shortages, only the Navy has a severe shortage of pilots. As of September 1979, there were 24 percent fewer pilots in the Navy than it needed. GAO reviewed the Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP) program which covers all military officers with flight duties. The objectives of this program include creating an equitable system of flight pay, attracting enough candidates for undergraduate pilot training, and inducing these pilots to make the service a career. Proposed changes to the ACIP have been made to help retain pilots. The changes include a 50 percent increase in flight duty pay for officers and enlisted personnel and added authority to give bonuses. Other factors influencing pilots' decisions to remain in or leave the military service were of concern. The causes of Navy pilot attrition and management actions that could counteract this trend were studied.