The 2019 Aviation Bonus Program, unveiled Wednesday, offers mobility, special operations and unmanned aircraft pilots more money — and the option of a shorter service commitment.
The percentage of eligible mobility pilots signing up for the Aviation Bonus Program dropped sharply, to 37.9 percent -- a six-percentage point decline from the previous year that is raising concerns among Air Mobility Command leaders.
The percentage of manned aircraft pilots accepting hefty bonuses to stay in the Air Force stopped its slide in fiscal 2018. But turning on the cash spigot appears to have had limited effect in some areas.
The Air Force expects to continue to grow in 2018 as it works to reverse years of downsizing. But massive shortages remain in its crucial pilot career fields — and top Air Force leaders are afraid they’re going to keep growing worse.
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