Flight Pay - Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP)

What ACIP Is

Per 37 USC 301a and DOD FMR Volume 7ADOD FMR Volume 7A Chapter 22, Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP) compensates designated aviators for the demands of flight duty. ACIP recognizes the rigorous training, currency requirements, and inherent risk of military aviation.

ACIP is one of the largest single special pay categories for those who qualify.

Aviator Categories

ACIP applies to designated aviators in specific categories.

Pilots

• Marine Corps pilots qualified to operate aircraft
• Naval Aviator designation
• Helicopter pilots, fixed-wing pilots, multi-engine pilots
• All pilot designations qualifying for flight duty

Naval Flight Officers (NFO)

• Specialized aviation officers performing flight duties other than pilot
• Bombardier-navigator, weapon systems officer, electronic warfare officer
• Specific Naval Flight Officer training and designation

Aircrew (Specific Categories)

• Specific aircrew designations qualifying for ACIP
• Helicopter aerial gunners, helicopter aircrew
• Specific aircraft-specific aircrew positions

ACIP Rate Structure

Per DOD FMR Volume 7ADOD FMR Volume 7A Chapter 22, ACIP rates increase with aviation years of service.

Rate Tiers

The peak rate (years 6-14) is significant. Junior aviators receive less, but the benefit grows quickly.

Rates Update Annually

Specific rates set in DOD FMR with annual updates. Always reference current rates.

Eligibility Requirements

Per DOD FMR Chapter 22, aviator must meet these.

Designation

• Designated aviator (pilot, NFO, or qualifying aircrew)
• Active duty status
• Specific orders for flying duty (Aviation Service Continuation Pay or Aviation Bonus may apply separately)

Aviation Service

• Years of aviation service determine rate tier
• Counted from initial designation as aviator
• Continuous through aviation career

Flying Duty Requirement

• Specific flying duty performance requirement (varies by Service)
• Annual minimum hours
• Currency in qualified aircraft type
• Failure to meet may stop ACIP

Performance Steps for ACIP Processing

Step 1 - Verify Aviator Designation

Pull member's MCTFS record.

• Verify aviation designation (pilot, NFO, etc.)
• Verify current flying duty assignment
• Identify aviation years of service

Step 2 - Determine ACIP Rate

Based on aviation years.

• Calculate years of aviation service from initial designation
• Locate appropriate rate tier per current DOD FMR
• Apply specific rate

Step 3 - Verify Flying Currency

Confirm member meets flying duty requirements.

• Annual flying hours documented
• Currency in aircraft type maintained
• Aircraft commander or aircrew currency current
• Command verification of continued flying duty

Step 4 - Process UD/MIPS Transaction

Apply ACIP via UD/MIPS.

• Specific ACIP transaction code
• Effective date of qualification or rate change
• Monthly recurring pay activated

Step 5 - Verify EDFR

Confirm processing within 5 business days.

• ACIP posts at correct rate
• No partial month issues

Step 6 - Annual Verification

Each year, verify continued eligibility.

• Member still in flying duty assignment
• Currency maintained
• Aviation years of service properly tracked for rate progression

When ACIP Changes

ACIP rate or status changes when.

• Member crosses an aviation years of service threshold (rate tier change)
• Member transfers from flying duty (ACIP stops or transitions to other allowance)
• Member loses flying status (medical, training failure, command action)
• Annual ACIP rate adjustment per DOD FMR

Aviation Bonuses Beyond ACIP

ACIP is not the only aviation pay. Other programs.

Aviation Career Continuation Pay (ACCP)

• Bonus paid for additional service obligation
• Specific to aviation career retention
• Paid in lump sum or annual installments
• Separate from ACIP

Aviation Bonus

• Recent program for specific specialties
• Targeted retention pay
• Specific to designated communities
• Separate from ACIP

These programs are processed separately. ACIP is the routine ongoing pay.

Common ACIP Errors

These hit during PAC processing.

1. Aviation years miscounted. Member's tier wrong because aviation service computation incorrect. Verify and recalculate.
2. Member loses flying status but ACIP continues. Member medically grounded or removed from flying duty. ACIP should stop. Identify and process.
3. Wrong rate tier applied. Member crossed threshold but rate not updated. Annual review of all aviators.
4. ACIP not started after designation. New aviator's ACIP not started. Process retroactive to designation date.
5. ACIP confused with ACCP. Different programs. ACIP is ongoing monthly, ACCP is bonus.

Aviation Years of Service Computation

Per DOD FMR Chapter 22, aviation years count from.

• Initial aviator designation
• Continuous aviation service generally counts
• Specific breaks in aviation service may affect computation
• Reserve aviation service has specific rules

When members cross thresholds, ACIP rate updates to new tier. Annual rate review identifies these transitions.

Audit Implications

ACIP is audit-significant given the amounts involved.

• Member without qualification drawing ACIP creates overpayment (significant amounts)
• Wrong rate tier creates ongoing pay discrepancy
• Loss of flying status not catching ACIP creates major overpayment
• Currency loss not stopping ACIP creates overpayment

PAC accuracy on aviators affects unit audit posture significantly.

Documentation Required

For ACIP actions, PAC needs.

• Initial aviator designation
• Aviation school completion
• Current flying duty orders
• Annual currency documentation
• Medical readiness for flight duty

Quality Control

Before submitting ACIP transactions.

• Verify aviator designation in MCTFS
• Verify current flying duty assignment
• Verify aviation years of service correct
• Verify rate matches current DOD FMR

Coordination Touchpoints

ACIP processing touches.

• Member's aviation unit: For currency and flight hours
• Wing or Group S-1: For aviation-specific actions
• MTF flight surgeon: For aviation medical readiness
• HQMC Aviation Plans and Programs: For policy and bonus programs

Related Roles

ACIP affects designated aviators throughout their flying careers.

• Marines (aviators) maintain currency and verify ACIP on LES.
• Leaders at aviation units track member currency and qualification.
• Commanders ensure aviation unit currency and ACIP eligibility maintained.