The US Air Force has raised the maximum age for people to begin pilot training from 27.5 years to 30 years, the first such change since 1953. Candidates must have less than five years of commissioned service. The move is designed to aid recruiting and to expand opportunities for people already in uniform. While the Air Force is short 1400 pilots, it does not expect this plan to provide a solution except in the long term. In the short term, it will have to rely on increased bonuses and an improved quality of life.--Stephen V Cole