High demand keeps pilots in cockpit, out of HQ

[unhappycamper]

Capt. Jonathan Airhart prepares to start the engine while strapped in an F-22 Raptor prior to a mission Jan. 14 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The F-22 is deployed from the 27th Fighter Squadron Langley Air Force Base, Va., in support of U.S. Pacific Command. Captain Airhart is a 27th FS pilot.


High demand keeps pilots in cockpit, out of HQ
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jan 25, 2009 11:08:55 EST

Staff assignments — a gateway to command positions — have become a rare opportunity for Air Force pilots.

During the assignment cycle for positions open this spring, only 48 pilots received staff positions, filling just 3 percent of the staff jobs set aside for pilots.

The outlook for the summer assignment cycle — now in the planning process — is improving, but how much is not certain.

“It will not be in the single-digit range,” promised Col. Stan Perin, the Air Force Personnel Center’s director of assignments.

The number of pilots assigned to staff jobs in the summer cycle will be higher because many of the pilots needing new positions are majors coming straight from one year at Air Command and Staff College and similar programs, Perin said.


Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/01/airforce_pilot_assignments_012509/%2e

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

1. I hope this is still one of the few jobs that can't/won't be exported !