Utility hiring bonus   

  If you're saying the salary is below industry standards then would not the better argument be raise the salary vice increase or add a sign on bonus?  The sign on bonus could be better considered a relocation bonus where moving might be involved.  But often can be viewed negatively by current employees as "they hire a new pilot at my rate, want us to train them, and they get the bonus?"  Want to keep people on?  Use steps (yearly) for pay and/or set goals for bonuses for current employees.