The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has experienced losses in recent days, with at least half a dozen fighter pilots transitioning to commercial aviation. The “exodus” occurred after the conclusion of the CRUZEX 2024 Exercise, held at the Natal Air Base in early November.
After training alongside international peers, pilots flying the Northrop F-5EM/FM Tiger II fighters from the Pampa, Pif-Paf, and Jambock Squadrons, based in Canoas (Rio Grande do Sul) and Santa Cruz (Rio de Janeiro), respectively, requested to leave military service.
These aviators held the ranks of First Lieutenant and Captain, earning gross base salaries between R$ 8,000 and R$ 9,000 (USD 1,300 to USD 1,500), potentially reaching up to R$ 14,000 (~USD 2,300) with additional bonuses and allowances, before taxes and other deductions.
As initially reported by the Poder Aéreo (portuguese) portal, the aviators saw greater prospects for professional growth in commercial aviation. This information was confirmed by several sources within the FAB to our associated media outlet in Brazil, AEROIN, detailing that six aviators left less than a week ago.
One of the primary complaints is the limited flight time. Given that flying is a vocation where passion for aviation is a key factor in choosing the profession, fighter pilots highly value the opportunity to be in the air.
One officer stated that the only way to progress would be to join the Special Transport Group (GTE), based in Brasília, which handles transportation for the President and senior government officials.
However, many are unwilling to relocate to the federal capital due to higher living costs and the nature of GTE missions, which involve limited flying and are less operational. Additionally, these missions require closer interaction with political figures, which is unappealing to many, as being a “chauffeur” for politicians is not well-regarded in Brazilian society, especially given the polarization that has occurred in the country in recent years.
Salary is another influencing factor, as pilots in commercial aviation can earn almost double, with the added benefit of being based in a single city, without needing to relocate every five years or less.
Outside of the GTE, career progression would move fighter pilots into administrative roles, such as Base and unit Commanders. While prestigious, these roles would mean giving up flying around the age of 40, whereas in civil aviation, pilots are at the peak of their careers at the same age, flying large aircraft on international routes.
The cost of training fighter pilots is high, amounting to several million per aviator, given the high cost per flight hour of combat aircraft, in addition to the price of firing a missile, which can reach up to USD 3 million (R$ 18 million at the current exchange rate) in the case of the MDBA Meteor, the FAB’s most capable missile, considered an “AR-15” for its versatility.
It’s worth noting that the period for leaving without reimbursement to the federal government is five years after being commissioned, meaning half a decade after graduating from the Air Force Academy. In this case, F-5 pilots have already surpassed this period, as they trained in Natal for initial fighter training on the A-29 Super Tucano, later transitioning to an operational squadron of the same aircraft, and subsequently to another unit to fly the Tiger.
Another issue is the fleet itself: with delays in the payment for the Gripen fighters, SAAB had to postpone deliveries. It will only be towards the end of the decade that the Jaguar Squadron, based in Anápolis (GO) and tasked with protecting the Planalto, will be fully equipped with the F-39E/F.
Once the Jaguar is equipped with the new fighters, the Southern and Southeastern F-5 squadrons will be reequipped, risking a period without flying, as the FAB’s Tiger II aircraft have long surpassed 50 years of service and can no longer extend their operational lifespan.
This problem is also reportedly affecting pilots of the A-1 AMX ground-attack fighter, which is expected to be retired before the F-5 and is in a slightly worse position: there is no immediate replacement planned, as the current batch of Gripens is insufficient to re-equip all Tiger squadrons, let alone the AMX units. However, these aviators have not yet transitioned to the civilian market.
