By Jung Sung-ki Staff Reporter Skyrocketing oil prices are compromising the Air Force's combat capability by reducing flight training hours for pilots, a state-funded defense think tank said Monday. The Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA) said in a publication that current surging oil prices beyond $60 a barrel are preventing pilots from undergoing the minimum 160 hours flight training required for combat pilots to maintain their aircraft maneuvering skills. ``The training time of pilots is now only 134 hours, five hours shorter than 2003,'' the publication titled ``Why is Energy Security Important?'' said. ``Such a lack of proper training raises concerns over the Air Force's combat readiness and safety,'' it also included. Under the Air Force's flight management manual, pilots are required to have 240 hours of flight training per year to keep their skills at top level, 180 hours for medium level, it said. At least 160 hours of training are needed for maintaining a basic level of skills, it added. Pilots from other advanced countries air forces receive 150 to 260 hours of flight training a year, the report said. As of 2005, for example, German and Japanese pilots have an average 150 hours of aerial training; France, Australia and Taiwan have 180 hours; the United Kingdom and Canada have 210 hours; the United States has 189 to 260 hours; and China has 130 to 180 hours, it said. ``Advanced nations do not cut pilot training hours despite economic difficulties or high oil prices. That's the reason why they maintain the minimum 160 hours of flight training,'' the report said. South Korea allocated military budgets to ensure 180 hours of pilot training before 1992, but drastically cut down the budget after the 1997-98 financial crisis. gallantjung@koreatimes.co.kr