Attrition in the Air Wing: An Empirical Study on Flight Hours and Marine Pilot Retention

Abstract

The retention of Marine Corps pilots is challenged by civilian sector demand, aging fleets, and work-life balance issues. Despite extensive qualitative research on retention factors, the quantitative link between pilots’ flight hours and their retention decisions remains underexplored. This study investigates the correlation between individual flight hours and Marine pilots’ decisions to stay or leave the Service, aiming to offer insights into future retention strategies. Findings reveal that aircraft type, years of experience, and level of qualification own most of the contribution toward flight hour variance among pilots. Models also suggest that pilots who fly more frequently are more likely to separate, as they may be more marketable or more acutely experiencing burnout. Finally, the study suggests that the timing of flight hours is more critical than the average monthly hours for retention, with different patterns observed among rotary-wing (RW), fixed-wing (FW), and tiltrotor (TR) pilots. The research recommends a tailored approach to retention strategies specific to each aircraft community, emphasizing the timing of milestone-driven aviation bonuses and the need for non-monetary incentives. Future studies should expand the dataset and observation period for a more comprehensive understanding of retention dynamics.