Air Education and Training Command doesn’t see much change in its pilot production needs, or capacity, for the next 10 years, and it will remain at about 1,000 pilots a year, AETC chief Gen. Robin Rand said Wednesday. Talking with reporters during AFA’s Air & Space Conference in National Harbor, Md., Rand said the 1,000 figure pertains to cockpit pilots and is exclusive of the need for remotely-piloted aircraft operators. However, Rand noted that the extension granted to commercial airline pilots allowing them to retire at 65 has simply postponed a big commercial hiring surge, and “we have to be prepared” to replace pilots who want to go fly for the airlines “in the next year or two.” Some mobility pilots are getting an early start and have taken voluntary separation opportunities as part of the current drawdown, but Rand said fighter pilots are ineligible.
A Golden Dome task force established under U.S. Northern Command earlier this year has a broad remit, which includes fielding the capability to defend the U.S. against missile and drone attacks, its leaders said this week. Some of the primary focuses right now are ensuring Golden Dome can defend itself…