§334a Special aviation incentive pay and bonus authorities: enlisted members who operate remotely piloted aircraft

Summary

The Secretary can pay extra aviation incentive pay and bonuses to enlisted members in the regular or reserve forces who are paid under section 204 or section 206 and who are designated as remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) pilots or are training to become one. To get incentive pay, a member must do, or be training for, regular operational or proficiency flying, stay in aviation service for a set time, and meet any other rules the Secretary sets. The Secretary can also keep paying incentive pay to someone who is not currently flying if, under rules under section 374, it is in the service’s best interest. Incentive pay is capped at $1,000 per month. A reenlistment or extension bonus can be up to $35,000 for each 12-month block of required service. A bonus requires a written agreement that names the amount, how it will be paid (lump sum or installments), the required service time, and the type or conditions of service. Reserve members paid under section 206 may get prorated incentive pay for inactive-duty training. These payments are in addition to other pay, but a member cannot get overlapping aviation payments for the same skill and time under sections 331, 351(a)(2), 353(a), or 353(b). If a member fails to meet the terms or complete the required service, they must repay under section 373. No new agreements may be made after December 31, 2018. Definitions: - Aviation service: doing aerial flight as an RPA pilot under Secretary rules. - Operational flying duty: flying under orders in jobs where basic flying skills are kept or training leading to RPA designation. - Proficiency flying duty: flying under orders in jobs where flying skills are not normally kept in daily duties.