The U.S. Air Force is offering a $50,000 per year aviation bonus program for active-duty aviators for shorter contract lengths in an effort to retain key skills. The bonus is available to eligible pilots including remotely piloted aircraft pilots, air battle managers and combat systems officers. The increase in monetary compensation is expected to align with shorter contract length within the fighter, bomber and U-2 groups. To qualify, eligible airmen must be ranked as lieutenant colonels and be qualified for operational flying duty and be entitled to monthly aviation incentive pay.