Flight Pay Requirements

What Is Military Flight Pay?

Military flight pay, officially known as Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP) or Aviation Incentive Pay (AvIP), is special compensation paid to service members who perform flying duties. This pay recognizes the specialized skills, training investment, and inherent risks associated with military aviation careers.

Flight pay rates vary based on years of aviation service, rank, and the type of flying duty performed. In 2025, qualified aviators can earn between $125 and $1,000 per month in addition to their base pay, depending on their experience level and duty status.

Types of Aviation Pay

Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP)

ACIP is the primary form of flight pay for career military aviators. It’s designed to retain experienced pilots and flight officers by providing continuous monthly payments throughout their aviation careers. Key features include:

• Eligibility: Officers who hold or are training toward an aeronautical rating
• Duration: Paid for up to 25 years of aviation service
• Rates: Increase with years of aviation service, peaking at 14+ years
• Gate Requirements: Must meet specific flying hour requirements at career milestones

Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay – Flying (HDIP-F)

HDIP for flying duty compensates crew members and non-rated personnel who perform regular flight duties:

• Aircrew members: Up to $250 per month
• Non-aircrew members: $150 per month
• Flight surgeons and aeromedical personnel: Varies by duty requirements

2025 Flight Pay Rates by Years of Aviation Service

Note: Officers in pay grades O-7 and above have capped rates of $200-$206 per month regardless of aviation service years.

Flight Pay Requirements and Gates

To receive continuous ACIP, aviators must meet specific “gate” requirements throughout their careers:

The Gate System

• First Gate: Perform operational flying duties for at least 8 of the first 12 years of aviation service
• Second Gate: Perform operational flying duties for at least 12 of the first 18 years of aviation service
• Alternative Gate: If you complete 10-12 years of the first 18, you receive continuous pay through year 22

Monthly Flying Requirements

To maintain flight pay eligibility, aviators typically must:

• Perform a minimum number of flight hours per month (varies by service and aircraft)
• Maintain current aeronautical rating and medical certification
• Be assigned to a flying billet or authorized flying duty position
• Complete required training and proficiency checks

Aviation Bonus Programs

Beyond monthly flight pay, the military offers substantial retention bonuses for aviators:

Aviation Bonus (AvB) Rates

• Active Duty pilots: Up to $35,000 per year
• UAS (Drone) operators: Up to $35,000 per year
• Reserve component officers: Up to $18,000 per year

Bonus contracts typically require multi-year commitments and vary by aircraft type, with fighter pilots and special operations aviators often receiving the highest offers.

Branch-Specific Flight Pay Information

Air Force

The Air Force maintains the largest pilot force and offers competitive aviation incentive pay across fighter, bomber, mobility, and special operations platforms. Rated officers include pilots, combat systems officers, air battle managers, and remotely piloted aircraft pilots.

Army

Army aviators fly helicopters including the AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, and CH-47 Chinook. Warrant officers comprise a significant portion of Army aviation and are eligible for ACIP throughout their careers.

Navy and Marine Corps

Naval aviators fly fixed-wing aircraft from carriers and land bases, while Marine Corps pilots operate both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. Naval flight officers (NFOs) and weapon systems officers also receive aviation incentive pay.

Tax Implications of Flight Pay

Flight pay is generally taxable income at both federal and state levels. However, if flight duties are performed in a designated combat zone, the flight pay earned during that period may be excluded from taxable income under the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE).

How to Verify Your Flight Pay

To ensure you’re receiving correct flight pay:

1. Review your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) monthly
2. Verify the correct ACIP rate for your years of aviation service
3. Confirm your aeronautical orders are current
4. Contact your unit finance office or military pay office with discrepancies
5. Use myPay to access your pay information online

Resources

• DFAS Aviation Pay Tables
• DoD Special and Incentive Pays
• Your service branch personnel command for specific eligibility questions