Most F-22 pilots pass on re-up bonus - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Quick Links

Webtools

Click here for Military Times Webtools
Print Email
Bookmark and Share
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/10/airforce_pilot_retentionbonus_102108w/

Most F-22 pilots pass on re-up bonus


By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Oct 21, 2008 20:11:26 EDT

In the end, 68 percent of eligible pilots signed up for the $125,000 retention bonus in fiscal 2008 — more than the goal of 66 percent — but the final numbers show troublesome trends among fighter pilots.

Fifty-nine percent of the 290 eligible fighter pilots chose to stay another five years beyond the end of their eight-year service commitment. The loss of these pilots, typically new majors on their third or fourth assignment, adds to ongoing concerns about having enough experienced pilots on hand to teach new pilots arriving at operational squadrons.

The fighters with the lowest retention rates were A-10s at 53 percent, F-16s at 51 percent and F-22s at 43 percent. Retention rates for other fighters were 81 percent for F-15Es and 68 percent for F-15s.

All other types of manned aircraft had retention better than 68 percent, ranging from 81 percent for combat rescue pilots to 71 percent for mobility pilots.

READ: Fewer fighter pilots taking re-up bonus

Videos You May Be Interested In

Leave a Comment





Contests and Promotions

Free Stickers


promo Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.

MIl-MALL

Browse and buy some of the awesome products we have at Mil-mall.com

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.