Availability and Use of Aircraft in the Army

The Congressional Budget Office’s report provides a comprehensive analysis of U.S. Army aircraft availability and use from 2000 to 2023. Despite a decline in the total number of manned aircraft, which stood at 3,900 in 2023, the Army saw a notable increase in aircraft availability, reaching an average of 68 percent.

This upward trend contrasts with other military branches, and the Army’s helicopter use peaked during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily boosted availability rates while flying hours dropped, with levels normalizing by early 2021.