The Air Force predicts a shortage of nearly 2,000 pilots by 2002. The Navy and Coast Guard also are expecting shortfalls. The Pentagon has responded to the crisis by offering re-enlistment bonuses and increasing pay. Still, no relief is expected for several years. The Navy also has cut down the time it takes to train its fliers.
Analysts say the changes are unlikely to help as long as the airlines are hiring at record rates.
A recession could cool it off.