The Causes of Attrition in Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training

In recent years Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training (IERW) has had a relatively high attrition (washout) rate. While current figures show a reduction in the rate, losses still represent a large dollar investment in the student in training and in allocated but unused resources when the student washes out or resigns. In addition, setbacks, some of whom eventually wash out, add to training costs. A study of the causes of washouts and setbacks which identifies factors not currently incorporated in student selection and recruitment would provide the basis for improving student input. This improvement would increase throughput and reduce training cost per graduate. (Author)