How to Become a Pilot in the Air Force
Are you fascinated by the thrill of flying? Do you dream of becoming a pilot in the United States Air Force? Well, you’re not alone! Being a pilot is an esteemed profession that requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for adventure. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to become a pilot in the Air Force and what it takes to pursue this rewarding career.
Contents
**Meet the Basic Requirements**
Before applying for the Air Force’s Flight Training Program, you need to meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. Citizen: You must be a U.S. citizen at the time of commission
- Be between the ages of 17-39: The age limitation is waived for candidates serving in the military or meeting certain education requirements
- Hold a High School Diploma or Equivalent: Your high school diploma or GED must be recognized as valid by the Air Force
- Have Normal Color Vision: You cannot have any vision disorders, such as color blindness or cataracts
- Be Physically Able: You must pass the Air Force’s Physical Training Test (PTT)
- Meet Education Requirements: You must have a degree from an accredited institution for most officer positions
Important: If you’re interested in becoming a pilot, make sure you have a competitive score on the Air Force’s Officer Qualifying Test (OQT) which includes math, science, and verbal sections.
How to Become a Military Pilot
The Air Force has several ways to become a pilot, including the following:
- Join the Air Force as a Commissioned Officer: Through the Officer Training School (OTS) or the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA)
- Join the Air National Guard (ANG) or Air Force Reserve (AFR): You’ll need to meet the military’s requirements and attend initial training
- Marry into the Air Force: If you’re an Air Force spouse, you can apply for a job as a pilot
The most common route is Joining the Air Force as a Commissioned Officer. To do so, you’ll need:
- Meet the Enlisted to Officer Commission (EOP) Program requirements
- Rank: Be a Senior Airmen (E6) or above
- Education: Have completed a degree from an accredited institution
- Scores: Have a competitive OQT score
- Recommendation: Receive recommendations from your commander and another senior officer
**Air Force Pilots’ Training Program**
Upon being accepted into the Pilot Training Program, you’ll undergo rigorous training at two locations:
- Academy of Military Medicine (AFAMC), Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio: Completion of undergraduate flight training
| Training Phase | Requirements | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Flight Training (UFT) | Receive basic flight training, incl. aircraft ground school | 8 months |
| Advanced Flight Training (AFT) | Refine flying skills, incl. instrument training | 15 months |
- US Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, AL: Completion of flight simulator training
| Training Phase | Requirements | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Primary flight training | Learn basic and advanced flight skills | 6 months |
| Tactical flight training | Focus on combat tactics and skills | 6 months |
Total training duration: approximately 2-3 years, depending on your prior aviation experience.
Air Force Pilot Salary and Benefits
As an Air Force pilot, you’ll receive an attractive salary and benefits package:
- Base pay: Competitive salary ranging from $4,500-$10,000 per month
- Bonuses: Receive bonuses for specific skills, such as a language proficiency bonus
- Housing: Living quarters are provided on base for single personnel
- Food: Commissaries and dining facilities are on base
- Free Education: Access to colleges and universities with flexible educational programs
- Relocation: Assistance with relocation when transferring to new duty locations
**Conclusion**
Becoming an Air Force pilot requires a strong educational background, impressive scores, and a determined spirit. With the comprehensive training program and attractive benefits, it’s no wonder thousands of individuals aspire to wear the wings of the Blue Angels. If you have what it takes, make sure to Meet the Basic Requirements, Research the Training Program, and Join the Air Force as a Commissioned Officer to take the next step towards an extraordinary adventure as a pilot in the Air Force.
Last but not least, ensure you Stay Flexible: Be prepared for temporary changes in duty assignments, new aircraft, and continuous flight training to stay ahead in the ever-evolving realm of aviation.
Soar to new heights and build a remarkable career as a pilot in the Air Force!
