Book Description

This report responds to your request that we study the Air Force's budget formulation process for its flying hour program for fiscal years 1997 through 1999. During fiscal years 1997 and 1998, the Air Force reported funding deficits of $171 million and $200 million, respectively, in its flying hour program, and it projects a similar deficit for fiscal year 1999. Concerned that shortfalls in this program would curtail flying operations and in turn pose a serious risk to the readiness of Air Force aviation units, the Air Force requested and received additional money for the program in each fiscal year. The requests for additional funding raised concerns in Congress about the validity and accuracy of the Air Force's budget formulation process for its flying hour program. As agreed with your offices, this report (1) identifies the extent to which the Air Force has flown the hours requested in its budget, (2) describes the process that the Air Force uses to determine flying hour requirements, (3) discusses how the requirements and specific cost factors are used to develop the budget estimate for the flying hour program, and (4) compares program funding and obligations incurred in fiscal year 1997 and fiscal year 1998 and provides reasons for the differences.