Update on Operation EXPERIENCE: Pilot Occupation Analysis

Magazine Article / August 10, 2021

Ask anyone just about anywhere, “What is a pilot?” and likely you will get the same answer: “Someone who flies a plane.” Or is it? Does a pilot simply fly an aircraft, or is it much more than that? Even the CAF’s recruiting website describes a pilot as one who flies “a range of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) aircraft in a variety of roles: Search and Rescue, Fighter, Transport, Tactical Helicopter, or Maritime Patrol.” But is flying their only task?

An Occupation Specification (OS) digs much deeper into that question. It is the foundation document that describes all of the knowledge, skills and tasks inherent in a given occupation, along with the conditions under which one might operate. The Pilot OS outlines the pilot military employment structure, all pilot jobs by rank, required training, master task list, and the career progression model. According to the Director Personnel Generation Requirements (DPGR) website, the Pilot OS has not seen a review since 1981 – that’s 40 years ago! If the training and retention of pilots is a serious issue for the RCAF, then a review and update of the RCAF standard for pilot jobs, training and career progression is a must.

An Occupation Analysis (OA) for Pilot was initiated in 2019, just prior to the launch of Op EXPERIENCE, the CDS-directed program that focuses specifically on stabilizing and increasing levels of pilot experience. The requirement to complete the Pilot OA is an essential line of activity. This is a multi-year process, normally spanning two to three years with another couple of years allocated for the implementation of any changes. It is true the last OA was signed in the early 1980s and governs the occupation specification; however, despite the old OS in place, the entry standards, training specification and similar elements have been kept current to match today’s environment.

The Pilot OA is now in its second year of work as a full-time commitment, with a study lead and two pilots at the major rank posted to the project. This work includes almost daily interaction with the RCAF Occupation Authority, as well as with subject matter experts. In addition, a Qualification Requirements Assessment and a Structure Options Analysis (SOA) were recently conducted to further define occupational requirements. The end result will be a current Military Employment Structure Implementation Plan (MES IP), a foundational document that will be the basis of the occupation and its structure. It will include a master task list, qualification requirements, job descriptions, and entry and fitness standards. The SOA looked at options for potential changes to the overall make-up of the pilot occupation, such as: splitting it into separate occupations based on different capabilities; maintaining a single pilot occupation, but with sub-occupations based on distinct capabilities; expanding a single occupation that encompasses multiple platforms; and, of course, maintaining the status quo.

Given the advances in technology, the new aircraft platforms acquired and the increasingly complex roles and responsibilities pilots take on as leaders in the RCAF since the last analysis, an updated OS is all the more essential. More information on this will be made available when work is finalized, so watch for it!