How to become a Military Pilot

Join the Air Force Reserve

run — Fri, 12 Nov 2004 17:43:19 GMT

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Fighter Pilot Power Pack

TheLearner — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:14:48 GMT

is this a scam or what?

yes i do ask realizing that asking this question may result in unpleasant conversation

I understand no one has an answer, but my chances???

happ1233 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:13:46 GMT

I am a Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering with an Electrical Engineering Minor student.
GPA:2.72
Senior with an additional year to go, so I can complete my majors and flight school.
I had very bad sophomore and junior years, one because I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. Two, I am at a respectable school.

I was captain of both of my sports in high school, swimming and football. I am in leadership roles in college with two organizations.

I have lost 50 pounds and I am at 210(I played football in high school, so not a overweight by most standards). I plan to loose another 30 lbs to become eligible physically.

On a side note, I have had hay fever for most of my life. The air force website says that is a disqualification. Could someone really be disqualified for hay fever?

My eye sight is pretty good, 20/25 I believe.

I guess I am most worried about the GPA. I have three and a half semesters to raise it. If I leave with two degrees and a minor with a 3.0-3.2 gpa. Am I close to getting in?

Is a technical major necessary for a chance at an AF pilot slot?

mike275 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:54:09 GMT

Hello, my names Mike and I’m a freshman in the AFROTC (currently non-scholarship). As of now, I’m declared as an accounting major, but time is ticking away and I need to make a decision within the next week for a certain path.

I have conflicting thoughts on the subject due to reasons I will state below, but I was curious if there was a general consensus, and if so could someone with experience please inform me?

My brother attends VMI, on a Navy ROTC scholarship. He is in his senior year, majoring in mechanical engineering. He struggled, but worked hard through it all, and recently received a pilot slot. I couldn’t be happier for him. I also heard that his friends with degrees such as history, English, etc; the Navy is having a hard time figuring out what to do with them.

Now, just today, in my leadership lab, we had an amazing guest speaker who volunteered on his break. An F-16 fighter pilot, a very cool guy all around. He gave a great presentation on the jet and how he got there. I asked him after the presentation what he majored in, and he finished college as a Political Science major, with a 2.8 gpa.

I really want to put up a fighting chance for a pilot slot, it’s a dream of mine, as of many others. I’m willing to work hard for it. So should I switch my major to something like mechanical engineering, in order for a better chance down the road for a slot?

Of course I’m aware of the extreme amount of factors that goes into pilot slot selection, I’m just wondering about the degree aspect as of now, so hold all other factors equal.

Thanks for any help/advice.

Any good workouts for a prospective Navy pilot? (swimming is my aim here...)

USNflyboyHopeful — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:15:17 GMT

Hey, any help or suggestions is very much appreciated!!!

Need help with steps to becoming a fighter pilot?

espelm — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:51:55 GMT

All my life I have wanted to become a USAF pilot. I was going to go through ROTC in college but had the opportunity to play college football and took that route. I am out of college and I realized I wanted to continue my dream, but I just seem to be lost in finding out the right information on how to do it. I read in a few places to gain tons of info before going to a recruiter. Is that right? I am in good shape, graduated with a bachelors in computer science with a 3.3, meet all medical requirements, and have been studying for the AFOQT for a few weeks. I just need some direction if anyone is willing to help. Do I try and go get some flight hours to help the resume or do I concentrate on doing well on the test to get into OTS. I just want to make sure I do everything right on the first try so I give myself the best possible chances of reaching my goal!

Do I have a good shot at becoming a fighter pilot?

Chopper — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:10:23 GMT

Dear community,

My name is Montgomery and I am 16 years old. My dream is to become a fighter pilot. I currently go to a school where I am in Air Force JROTC. I am also in a class called Aviation Fundamentals where they select 12 students out of about 60 and pay for ground school. I have been selected, so when I graduate from high school next year I will already be an instrument rated pilot. I am a black belt in karate and I am open water SCUBA certified. I am an A student and in the National Honor Society by the way. I also plan on joining the volleyball team junior year. The only setback I see is that my vision is around 20/50. I only use glasses to drive and at night. Do my chances of getting into the Air Force Academy or Naval Academy and becoming a fighter pilot later on seem good?

Fighter Pilot Question

Southpaw20 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:37:44 GMT

Hello to everyone here,

I have been looking around the website for a little bit but I apologize if I have posted this in the wrong area. My question is that I am graduating college and plan to continue on to Med School while going career in the military as a physician. All my life I have been interested in joining the military and always loved the engineering behind the different tools and vehicles. My favorite has to be the A-10 and I have always been told that my vision was too poor and that I was too tall (6'1") to ever become a pilot. My grades are good but my classes have always been geared towards medicine. Would it even be realistic yet alone feasible to become a fighter pilot? I would love to be an A-10 pilot but I do realize it is not only one of the elites but I would be playing catch up. Thank you in advance for your time and any and all input.

Tips? Advice? Thanks!

Tovarish1 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:12:01 GMT

Hiya folks. I'm starting my freshman year in HS and I'm definitely gonna try out for some ROTC there. But besides going to OCS, and getting some good grades, what other things are good to have to achieve being a fighter pilot? By the way, I'm not talking about joining the USAF. I'm planning on being a USMC aviator. I understand the USMC requirements might be a little different from the USAF requirements but for the most part, I bet they're the same. Even so? Anyone got any tips? If so, I'll be replying quickly! Thanks a bunch! PS I don't know if this is a USAF forum ONLY, so if so, please tell me. Because I've been on a forum for naval aviation ONLY, well, naval and USMC. PSS I've seen a video of a recruiter talking about how to be an aviator and I heard him say something about some "written air test". Can anyone fill me in as to what that is? Thanks a lot! Once more, I'll rapidly reply because I check maybe every hour or so! (Sorry this post is so long and I've probably spent some of your time).

Is there any chance of me becoming a fighter pilot?

F22fighterpilot — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:31:34 GMT

I'm 12 years old and I realy want to become a fighter pilot. I don't have any activies, but I'm thinking about joining volley ball and track. What are the maximum height and weight for becoming a fighter pilot?

A Few Questions? ROTC, Recruiter, Education

AFRSTEELE — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 04:23:34 GMT

In order to become a fighter pilot for the Air Force, does one have to have completed ROTC? Also does a person have to a 4 year degree in any major to be elgible for fighter pilot, or is the AF looking for something specific. Lastly, should I speak to a recruiter before or after my college degree?

Contact Lenses? Glasses? Eye Surgury?

Tovarish1 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:17:38 GMT

After taking and passing the written air test (whatever that is), I know the USMC will guarantee you a spot as an aviator. But the problem is is that I wear contacts, so is that gonna be a problem for selection?

Color Blindness?

dauntlessthedrab — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 16:35:31 GMT

This is my first post. I am going into junior year and have really begun thinking about the air force academy. I am in the top 3% of my class with a 4.4 GPA, in the IB program, and in Boyscouts (I will be Eagle soon, I am working on my project right now). I am running for Senior Patrol Leader in my troop in a few weeks, with no doubts that I will be elected. The only area Im concerned about is sports, of which I only play tennis, and Im not seated very high (seventh or 8th). I havent taken the SAT or ACT yet, planning on doing that as soon as possible, but I did score a 28 on the PLAN and I am fairly confident that I can get over 700 on all SAT sections. First, can anyone give me advice on what more I could be doing to bolster my chances of admission?

Second, after browsing the posts, all of the vision questions are related to distance. My problem is color blindness. I am not completely color blind at all, it is not detrimental in the slightest and I can see all colors and distinguish them perfectly. Its just that when I go into the doctors office to do that test where you have to see the Fs in those dots of different colors, I cant see any of the 8 Fs except the first one! Would that take me out of the running for piloting a fighter or a helicopter, or even a heavier plane for that matter?

Thanks for any replies.

I Need A Pilots Help....

Wanna_Be_a_Pilot29 — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:43:16 GMT

I am 19 years old, im Graduating in a few weeks and im thinking of joining the USMC to become in one form or another a pilot. I tried applying for the Navy and Air Force but due to my Christian Self Paced schooling they said i wasn't eligible to enlist so i went to the next obvious choice the Marines, but i want to know the simplest and/or quickest chance to become a pilot... also is their a way to get a wavier to allow me to join the AF or Navy??? any help will be appreciated. i have a 2.5 out of 3.0 GPA so im partially smart...lol im going to be studing to take the asvab test so i can get a good job, ive been practicing and taking practice test to help. Thanks

Sincerly,
Hopeful Teen

Too late?

Reillyj — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:10:38 GMT

Since I was a child I always dreamed of being an aircraft pilot, but never took my dream seriously enough to go to college or apply myself in highschool. I currently work a well paying job, but after 4 years have realized that good pay is nothing if everyday the realization that your dream is slipping away is sinking in. I am 22 yrs and I know I have time but my window of oppurtunity is closing. I will be starting college in the fall to work toward a degree in Aerospace engineering and after college I plan to try to be a USAF pilot. (like everyone else im told) I know it wont be easy but I love to challenge myself physically and mentally. This is an uncoventional way of going about becoming a USAF pilot, but I think its possible. What can I do to become a competitive candidate for flight school? Im told they will accept people until 30yrs old but do even stand a chance trying to enter USAF flight training at 27-28?

Thanks Reilly

Requirements to be a Fighter Pilot?

Fireball — Tue, 01 Oct 2002 02:20:39 GMT

Hi

I'm a Freshman in high School And im thinking of being a fighter pilot for the United States Air Force. As I start high school i"m starting to see that its time for me to start finding out i need to do to become what i want. One of the thing i need to find out is what are the educational requirements i must met? What classes or courses must i take? what exams must i take?

If anyone has any answers to any of these questions please go ahead and post them.

Thank you,
S~ Fireball

MOS to Fighter Pilot. Do you copy?

DestinedFellow — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:35:33 GMT

What is the best, or list of standard MOS positions that would create a good base to become a fighter pilot once I attain my 4 year degree and goto OCS?

Suggestions?

tommybship — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:04:10 GMT

I'm a 14 year old and will be a freshmen in High School next year. I am smart, 4.0 GPA and take advanced classes. I have always been good at math and sciece and love aviation. I also almost have my eagle scout.

The problem is, I'm in pretty good physical shape, but have never been that good at sports. Also, I have pretty bad eyesight, way worse than the requirements and would have to get PRK or something similar.

Is there any chance of me getting a pilot slot through the USAFA? Thanks in advance.

Probability

NateMB02 — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:22:46 GMT

Hi Everyone,

So here are my stats:
College.
BA Degree in Economics and Chemistry, GPA 2.95. Varsity Soccer team for three years of college. College Internship Fellow. Educational Director of College Financial Group. Fraternity Alumni Director & Historian. Section leader for the college choir.

Professional Stats:
Financial Advisor for Fortune 500 company. Ambassador for local Chamber of Commerce. Board member for local Health and Human Services division. Member of various other organizations. City choir member.

Physical Stats:
Vision -3.75 in both eyes corrected to 20/20. 5:03 minute mile. 5'8" 152lbs. Slightly underdeveloped right hand (lacks grasping mechanism).

What do you guys see as advantageous and are their any immediate disqualifications? Any suggestions in using my "area's that need work" in a opportune fashion?

College graduate OCS track to aviator

mortdiggiddy — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:33:20 GMT

Hello all,

I am a recent college graduate from UCSD with a degree in aerospace engineering. I was a transfer student for the first 2 years, took some time off to work, and had a little trouble along the way, but I managed to get a 3.2 GPA overall, and about the same GPA in major coursework. Eyesight is 20/15 in one, 20/40 in the other. I am 6' 1.5", and in extremely good physical shape. I am 26 years old. I do not have any civilian flight experience, but I have seen that that doesn't really matter in the overall rating if I'm right.

I see a lot of people posting on here about ROTC and such or the naval/AF academies. I did not take that track. It is to my understanding after searching around that many of the pilot slots go to graduates of the naval or air force academy. What accomplishments would I need at OCS/OTS or elsewhere to maximize my chances of becoming either a naval or airforce aviator.

Speeding Ticket affect Navy pilot slot

Mdc8316 — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:43:02 GMT

Im a senoir in highschool and i already have a NROTC scholarship to Universtiy of Colorado. The other night i recieved my first speeding ticket, granit i have had a written warning. I know that through college i have to work my but of to get a pilot slot, but does having this ticket on my record affect my chance of a getting a pilot slot.

Question about probability-

Phil22 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:14:58 GMT

First of all, thanks for taking time to read and possibly give feedback to my question! My question is this, I am wondering what my probability of become a Fighter Pilot might be. This is an about me and about what I'm currently doing. -
I have always wanted to fly, it has been a dream of mine for a long time. I have taken a few lessons in a cessna from a pilot that I know, so that I at least know that I like flying. I have kept up a 3.95-4.1 GPA in Highschool. I took two years of AFJROTC, and have MANY MANY community service hours. I am 6ft 3in., I have perfect eye sight, and I am also in very good physical condition. I played football 3 years of Highschool. I am now awaiting acceptance to Embry-Riddle on a NROTC scholarship for 4-year degree in Aeronautical Sciences. After college, I will obviously join the Navy, and hope to, after LOTS of hard work, become a Fighter Pilot. If I were to be accepted into Embry-Riddle and maintain a high GPA, graduating after 4-years with Private, Double engine, Commercial ratings and licenses etc... Come out being 2nd Lieutenant, and with all prior material (Highschool grades, etc...) would I have a slight chance of possibily becoming a Fighter Pilot. I also fully understand the amount of work and effort I will have to put in!
-Thanks for your time!
Phil

Screwed up early, is it still possible

CitizenSoldier — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:59:58 GMT

Hi, I am 17 in high school in the end of my junior year. I was always interested in the military but never took the idea seriously as a career choice until early this year. I have been very interested in aviation for quite a long time so it was mostly my main idea as to what i would do in the military. I can honestly say i did not do very well in my years of high school up to this point because i did not take it seriously. I usually had a C average on my GPA. I am not stupid or anything i was just dumb enough not to push myself to my potential, yes cliche. I am very ashamed of myself for this for i feel it has limited my choices for a career in anything. I wanted to know if it were possible for me to be able to become an air force or possibly navy pilot if i were to "get my a** in gear" and actually put effort into reaching that goal. Obviously straight out of high school with those grades I'm not going to have much of a chance at all, but would i if i were to go to a junior college, and then maybe a higher college such as Annapolis, would it be possilbe to go from junior college to a school such as annapolis, if i did well enough, or am i royally scr**ed. I recieved an 84 on my ASVAB test which i am told is a pretty good score so hopefully there is...well hope. Can anyone give me some advice as to what path a should take to be able to fix the screw up i have done, or am i wasting my time. Any advice would be much appreciated, thank you.

A question about the Air Force Reserve

US FlyBoy — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:54:26 GMT

If someone joined the Selected Reserve with an eight year agreement, and then wanted to transfer to active duty after they had served, say three years, could they then transfer to active duty with an 5 year agreement to active duty, or would they have to agree to serve for another ten years?

Former Marine with ?

spartan1371 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:31:14 GMT

Im a former Combat Engineer with the Marines, im enlisting into the airforce reserves as EOD. I basically love making htings go BOOOM and want to do more of it. My question is after graduation im going to school for a Bachelors in Science degree "organizational leadership " or criminal justice. I want to be commissioned and become a pilot. Im 6ft tall 206 lbs, highly athletic, scored reasonably high on my ASVAB. Im not colorblind and my depth percetion is good however i have an astigmatism in my eyse 20/40 left and 20/70 right however i hear alot of different thoughts on whats needed to be a pilot some say as long as i can wear glasses im ok others suggest laser surgery....long story short i want to one day be a pilot in the airforce whats the best way to achieve that goal!