(a) Direct hire
The Secretary of Defense may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, (other than sections 3303, 3307, and 3328 of such chapter), qualified candidates to instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions.
(b) Rates of pay
The Secretary may set annual rates of pay for such positions without regard to the provisions chapters 51 and 53 (relating to classification and pay rates) of such title 5. Such rates shall be equal to the annual rate of pay for positions in private industry comparable to instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions, as determined by the Secretary.
(c) Recruitment and retention authority
The Secretary may use the authority provided under sections 5373 and section of title 5, United States Code, for the payment of recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives to instructor pilots and civilian simulator instructors or applicants to such positions.
(d) Study and report
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a study on the hiring authorities issued under this section and submit a report on such study to the congressional defense committees. Such study shall include information with respect to the following:
How the authority under this section is being used, including—
how many instances such authority has been used and where the authority is being used;
time to hire; and
the hiring incentives, recruitment bonuses, and special pay authorities used under this section
The total number of—
vacant instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions filled using such authority; and
vacant instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions remaining.
Any additional authorities necessary to ensure the Secretary is able to hire and retain instructor pilots and civilian simulator instructors.
(e) Sunset
The authority under this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.