Does the Air Force Teach You How to Fly?
Becoming a pilot in the Air Force is a demanding and rigorous process that requires a tremendous amount of skills, knowledge, and commitment. The Air Force does not teach you how to fly from scratch; instead, it builds on the foundation of basic aerial skills that you already have. Here’s a look at the Air Force pilot training process and what candidates can expect.
Selecting Candidates
Before jumping into the training process, the Air Force selects eligible candidates for pilot training programs. This involves a range of factors, including qualifications, physical fitness, military aptitude, and passing a series of rigorous screens. The Air Force focuses on identifying individuals with unique skills, experience, or education that align with aviation-related fields.
Presidential Pilot Candidate School (PPCS)
Eligible candidates are then screened for pilot training at PCPS. This program encompasses a range of tests designed to assess physical and mental adaptability, including:
- Kinesthetic test: Analyzes the candidate’s physiological response to physical stress (e.g., centrifugation, acceleration, heat, and cold)
- -Visual Perception Test (A-20): Evaluates the candidate’s ability to recognize visual patterns and discern between objects
- -Bender Visual Perception Test: Assesses the candidate’s ability to recognize and name shapes
Undergoing Basic Training
After gaining acceptance, pilot candidates then undergo basic training at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MPS) and Basic Combat Training (BCT), where they receive instruction in:
- Basic Warfare: An introduction to aircraft systems, basic aerodynamics, and fundamental flight physics
- First Response: An overview of ground and flight emergency procedures and first aid techniques
- Fitness and Physical Evaluation: Regular physical fitness exams and conditioning exercises
Upon completion of basic training, candidates proceed to Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training, tailored to specific aircraft types based on the candidate’s prior experience or training.
Contents
**Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Training**
Throughout 36–40 weeks of FRS training, pilots receive professional instruction and hands-on skills development on specific aircraft:
Aircraft Type | # of Hours | |
TC-16 (T-6 TEXAN II) | 38 hours | |
AT-38G (T-38 SOLO) | 34-40 hours |
During FRS training, pilots focus on:
- Instrument Refresher: Relearning how to fly using instruments to navigate
- Mental Refresher: Fine-tuning situational awareness, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
- Air-to-Air Combat Training: Practicing air-to-air combat situations and aerial gunnery
- Night-Visual and Night-Instrumenental Training: Development of skills for night landings and instrument approaches using visual and instrument navigation skills
**Advanced Training**
Upon completing Fleet Replacement Squadron training, newly commissioned pilots move on to advanced training, focusing on specific mission requirements and systems:
- The Multi Aircraft Configuration/Combat Maneuver Techniques (MAC/CMT)
- Harm and Evasion (J-HOE)
**Operational Assignments**
After advanced training, operational assignments offer pilots real-world experience conducting missions in various aircraft variants. Throughout their careers, pilots receive continuous training in new systems, tactics, and technologies to stay modern and proficient.
To Sum It Up
Air Force pilot training is comprised of three primary stages:
- Presidential Pilot Candidate School (PPCS): Assess the candidate’s adaptability.
- Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Training: Develop primary skill sets.
- Advanced Training: Focuses on mission-specific requirements
The Air Force does not teach you how to fly from scratch but rather builds on the applicant’s existing knowledge and background. Pilot training is continuous, demanding, and exacting, with a combination of classroom instruction, airborne training, and real-world experience shaping the next-generation of Air Force pilots