AF Pilots Go For Big Bonuses

By the end of fiscal 2007, 571 pilots had signed up to stay in the Air Force for five more years, representing 66.9 percent of the 853 who were eligible, according to Air Force officials. The pool consisted of pilots who were reaching the end of their initial eight-years of obligated service. Under rules in force, it was a one-time choice that expired Sept. 30. Each of the 571 will receive a $125,000 bonus by the end of their five-year contracts. Bomber pilots led the pack with 75.8 percent signing up. At the lower end were pilots of C-17s and C-5s, with 62.5 percent who went for the bonus.