Article 63 of the Saudi Officers Service Law

This Article sets out the grounds for deprivation of the flight allowance, and applies to the pilot officer and the weapons-systems operator officer on combat aircraft. There are three grounds:

1. It is established that he fell short in performing his duties relating to flying operations.
2. It is established that his flying standard is poor.
3. He has not completed the minimum number of flying hours set for each rank.

Determining the duties: the Higher Officers Committee determines the scope of these duties and how they are performed, on the proposal of the Air Force Commander.

Extent of deprivation: the deprivation is total or partial, in proportion to the officer's shortfall in performing his duties relating to flying operations.

In practice, the flight allowance is tied to actual performance: it does not continue merely because of being a pilot, but requires meeting the duties, the standard and the hours. The deprivation is also graduated: it is not necessarily complete, but proportionate to the size of the shortfall.

Note that the text requires that the shortfall or poor standard be established. The Article does not set the number of hours required for each rank. This wording was put into effect by Royal Decree No. M/19 dated 11/4/1424 AH.

An officer who has been deprived of his allowance, or had it reduced, and believes this is not proportionate to his shortfall may consider consulting a lawyer specializing in administrative cases and military service matters.