There is a shortage of F-16 pilots in the Polish army. The training takes years

47 fighters and about 40 pilots

The findings of "Rzeczpospolita" show that the number of F-16 pilots in the Polish military aviation does not meet the needs related to the operation of these machines. After last year's disaster in which one plane was lost, the fleet now numbers 47 fighters of this type.

According to estimates quoted by the daily, there should be at least 1.5 pilots per plane. With this assumption, the Polish Air Force would need at least about 70 properly trained pilots.

The difference between the current status and the estimated demand raises questions about the possibility of using the full potential of existing machines. However, the problem is not limited to the number of full-time positions. The preparation of pilots is crucial and requires time, appropriate facilities and access to specialized training.

Training limits the pace of staff replenishment

As "Rzeczpospolita" describes, difficulties appear already at the initial stages of education. Future pilots undergo training in Poland and then acquire specialized skills, among others, in the United States.

However, the capabilities of the national training system are limited. According to the newspaper's interlocutors, only a few jet pilots are trained each year. With such a scale of training, quickly increasing the number of pilots ready to serve on the F-16 remains a major challenge.

The reasons for the shortage of pilots include resignations of candidates during training, strict health criteria and a limited number of places on foreign courses. However, increasing financial outlays alone may not be enough. It may also be necessary to improve the recruitment and training process, as well as to provide more places on specialized courses.

New planes also mean the need for new staff

Personnel shortages become more important in the context of the modernization of Polish military aviation. Poland is developing its combat capabilities and introducing F-35 fighters into service, but F-16s still play an important role in the potential of the Air Force.

However, modern aircraft will not provide full operational capabilities without an appropriate number of trained crews. Since it takes many years to train a military pilot, increasing personnel requires long-term planning. Delays in training may also be felt when more machines enter service.

The next challenge: Apache helicopters

According to "Rzeczpospolita", the problem may also affect helicopter aviation in the future. AH-64E Apache attack helicopters are to be delivered to Poland from 2028. A total of 96 machines of this type were ordered, and each requires two pilots.

According to the daily, by 2032 just providing two-person crews for the entire fleet would mean the need to train almost 200 pilots. If we assume a ratio of 1.5 pilots per machine, the needs would increase to almost 300 people. The army plans quoted by the newspaper assume the preparation of over 400 Apache pilots.

The scale of these needs shows that the development of military aviation must go hand in hand with the expansion of the personnel education system. Otherwise, the deliveries of subsequent planes and helicopters may exceed the ability to prepare the appropriate number of crews.