(a) Aviation Incentive Pay.—
(1) Incentive pay authorized.—The Secretary concerned may pay aviation incentive pay under this section to an enlisted member in a regular or reserve component of a uniformed service who—
(A)
is entitled to basic pay under section 204 of this title or compensation under 206 of this title;
(B)
is designated as a remotely piloted aircraft pilot, or is in training leading to such a designation;
(C)
engages in, or is in training leading to, frequent and regular performance of operational flying duty or proficiency flying duty;
(2) Enlisted members not currently engaged in flying duty.—
The Secretary concerned may pay aviation incentive pay under this section to an enlisted member who is otherwise qualified for such pay but who is not currently engaged in the performance of operational flying duty or proficiency flying duty if the Secretary determines, under regulations prescribed under section 374 of this title, that payment of aviation pay to that enlisted member is in the best interests of the service.
(b) Aviation Bonus.—The Secretary concerned may pay an aviation bonus under this section to an enlisted member in a regular or reserve component of a uniformed service who—
(c) Maximum Amount and Method of Payment.—
(1) Maximum amount.—The Secretary concerned shall determine the amount of a bonus or incentive pay to be paid under this section, except that—
(d) Written Agreement for Bonus.—To receive an aviation bonus under this section, an enlisted member determined to be eligible for the bonus shall enter into a written agreement with the Secretary concerned that specifies—
(e) Reserve Component Enlisted Members Performing Inactive Duty Training.—
An enlisted member of reserve component who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of this title and who is authorized aviation incentive pay under this section may be paid an amount of incentive pay that is proportionate to the compensation received under section 206 of this title for inactive-duty training.
(f) Relationship to Other Pay and Allowances.—
(1) Aviation incentive pay.—
Aviation incentive pay paid to an enlisted member under subsection (a) shall be in addition to any other pay and allowance to which the enlisted member is entitled, except that an enlisted member may not receive a payment under such subsection and section 351(a)(2) or 353(a) of this title for the same skill and period of service.
(2) Aviation bonus.—
An aviation bonus paid to an enlisted member under subsection (b) shall be in addition to any other pay and allowance to which the enlisted member is entitled, except that an enlisted member may not receive a bonus payment under such subsection and section 331 or 353(b) of this title for the same skill and period of service.
(g) Repayment.—
An enlisted member who receives aviation incentive pay or an aviation bonus under this section and who fails to fulfill the eligibility requirements for the receipt of the incentive pay or bonus or complete the period of service for which the incentive pay or bonus is paid, as specified in the written agreement under subsection (d) in the case of a bonus, shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 373 of this title.
(h) Definitions.—In this section:
(1) Aviation service.—
The term “aviation service” means participation in aerial flight performed, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, by an eligible enlisted member who is a remotely piloted aircraft pilot.
(2) Operational flying duty.—
The term “operational flying duty” means flying performed under competent orders by enlisted members of the regular or reserve components while serving in assignments in which basic flying skills are normally maintained in the performance of assigned duties as determined by the Secretary concerned, and flying duty performed by members in training that leads to designation as a remotely piloted aircraft pilot by the Secretary concerned.
(3) Proficiency flying duty.—
The term “proficiency flying duty” means flying performed under competent orders by enlisted members of the regular or reserve components while serving in assignments in which such skills would normally not be maintained in the performance of assigned duties.