Taiwan's military is creating a new career track so experienced fighter pilots can keep flying until 58, a move aimed at plugging a steady drain of talent to commercial airlines.

• Senior pilots at lieutenant colonel and colonel rank can now stay in uniform to 58 instead of being forced out in their late 40s.
• The plan targets pilots with at least 14 years of service, keeping their rank and their flight pay so total earnings rival airline jobs.
• The old rules pushed experienced pilots out at 48 unless they got promoted, leaving civil aviation as the obvious next step.
• Defence Minister Wellington Koo says pilots must still pass yearly medicals plus fitness and G-force retraining, or they lose frontline flying duties.

Outlook: The scheme went to the Cabinet in early September and, if approved, should slow the loss of Taiwan's most seasoned combat pilots at a time of rising pressure from China.