Taiwan Air Force pilots could serve longer under proposal

Taipei, Oct. 12 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has proposed scrapping the maximum length of service for Air Force pilots amid a shortage of experienced pilots, many of whom leave the military to fly for civilian airlines, the ministry said Monday.

The MND sent the proposal to the Executive Yuan, Taiwan's Cabinet, last month and is awaiting approval, according to a written report the ministry submitted to lawmakers. The ministry cited defense needs in proposing to remove the cap, which would apply to selected experienced pilots, the report added.

If the Cabinet approves the proposal and it takes effect, the MND aims to retain 74 pilots ranked lieutenant colonel or colonel in service longer, according to the report.

Under the Act of Military Service for Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces, pilots holding the rank of lieutenant colonel can currently serve a maximum of 26 years and those ranked colonel a maximum of 30 years, the report said.

This means pilots at these ranks must leave military service at around 48 and 52 years of age, respectively, according to the report.

As a result, many military pilots leave the Air Force before reaching their service limits so they can join civilian airlines sooner. Airline pilots can work until 65 and earn significantly higher salaries, the report said.