§334a Special Aviation Incentive Pay and Bonus Authorities: Enlisted Members Who Operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Summary

The law lets the military pay extra money to enlisted members who fly or are training to fly remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). To get monthly aviation incentive pay, a member must be in the regular or reserve forces, receive basic or reserve pay, be designated or in training as an RPA pilot, do or train for regular operational or proficiency flying duties, serve for a required period, and meet any other rules the service secretary sets. The secretary can also pay incentive pay to someone who is not currently flying if doing so is in the service’s best interest. The secretary may offer an aviation bonus to members who qualify and who, within one year of finishing their enlistment, reenlist or extend for at least one year or sign a one-year agreement if they have an indefinite reenlistment. Incentive pay is capped at $1,000 per month. Bonuses may not exceed $35,000 for each 12-month period agreed to. Bonuses can be paid all at once or in installments, and the total is fixed when the secretary accepts the written agreement. If a member fails to meet the service or eligibility terms, they must repay under the law’s repayment rules. Aviation service means flying work done by an RPA pilot under the secretary’s rules. Operational flying duty means flying under orders in jobs that keep basic flying skills, including training toward RPA designation. Proficiency flying duty means flying under orders in jobs where flying skills are not normally used. No new agreements under this authority may be made after December 31, 2018.