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A Swiss formation comprising Hunter, Mirage and Tiger aircraft. What these pilots have in common though is that for most of the year they fly for Swissair. A similar situation exists in the US where civilian pilots of the highly respected Air National Guard and the Air Force and Naval Air Reserves fly such sophisticated aircraft as the F-16, F-14, F-18, A-10 and KC-1O aircraft. A similar situation here, particularly in the multi-engine sphere, would go a long way towards arresting the costly and morale-damaging attrition that is presently afflicting the RAAF.
RAAF Resignations Becoming Critical
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Alternatives Being Examined To Stem Pilot Exodus From Raaf
The RAAF is instituting measures which it hopes may arrest the avalanche of resignations by pilots which, if maintained, could threaten the operational viability of its combat and support squadrons.
Resignations by highly trained Air Force pilots are running at about three times the average annual rate of 47 over the past 10 years. In the eight months since July last year, 100 pilots have resigned, many of them in the 25 to 35 age groups. Most have signed up with commercial airlines, particularly international carriers Qantas and Cathay Pacific and the two Australian domestic carriers, Ansett and Australian Airlines. Combined the civil airlines are said to be seeking to recruit 400 pilots.
The major lure of course is high pay and huge superannuation benefits on retirement, but there are other aspects contributing to the alarming rate of resignations by RAAF aircrew members. The situation is that at present the RAAF is losing more pilots than it trains annually. It expects between 60 and 65 pilots will graduate this year. If the current resignation rate continues, as seems possible, that could mean a net loss of 80 or more pilots. So the RAAF is studying pilot retention schemes which hopefully in time may offset the severe shortage of squadron pilots and flying instructors. Instructors at Point Cook (Vic) and Pearce (WA) flying CT-4s and Macchis respectively are all working extended hours.
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