To any air force pilots

[Z71999 10+ year member]

I was wondering how hard it is to become an air force pilot..im 17 years old and i go off to college next year. If I wanted to become a pilot, what would i have to have and how hard is it to become one. Ive been told its extremely difficult to be an F16 or F18 pilot?

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[Lil Poot 5,000+ posts]

hows your eyesight and reaction speed? think through complicated situations quickly?

 

[Z71999 10+ year member]

I use contact lenses but with those my eyesight is great...play all sorts of sports so i would consider my reaction time and processing speed to be pretty good?

 

[j3bus2k3 5,000+ posts]

I was wondering how hard it is to become an air force pilot..im 17 years old and i go off to college next year. If I wanted to become a pilot, what would i have to have and how hard is it to become one. Ive been told its extremely difficult to be an F16 or F18 pilot?

Education is a big part of it. Get a bachelors, at least, in any of the engineering programs. Be active in school, maintain your health and stay fit...

 

[j3bus2k3 5,000+ posts]

I use contact lenses but with those my eyesight is great...play all sorts of sports so i would consider my reaction time and processing speed to be pretty good?

You need to check about the lenses. You may have to have corrective surgery, and if you do, you will not be able to attain a private pilots license...

 

[Z71999 10+ year member]

Education was my main concern. Im pretty confident with my phyical/mental abilities. Sorry if this is a dumb question but why engineering? Why not aeronautics, or something in Air Force academy?

 

[Acizzle423 10+ year member]

I was also considering the Air Force or Navy to pilot, but from what I've heard you have a slim chance of actually becoming a fighter pilot rather than a regular transportation or "civil" pilot.

I actually talked to a recruiter and told him that is the only way I'd join the AF, and basically he said it takes a few hundred hours before you even fly a plane, then you go through rigorous training and that type of stuff. He told me my chances of piloting the "big planes" is a lot more likely.

BUT I'll say that if that is really what you're set to do, DO it. Nothing is limiting you from doing it if you put your mind to it. Definately talk to a few recruiters as well as other people involved in the military as well as do a BUNCH of research beforehand. Best of luck though.

 

[ctmike 10+ year member]

i met quite a few when i was in the air force and they said it is really hard to do, **** near impossible. extremely high drop out/flunk out rate. don't know the exact requirements anymore but the best thing to do is to call a recruiter and ask to speak with someone who's an officer or else the recruiter will just try to get you to go enlisted to meet there quota. try to get hold of a flight school near you and start taking classes and get in the air now, that will help you alot.

 

[Z71999 10+ year member]

Looks like I'll talk to a recruiter. Thanks for all the quick responses guys

 

[Acizzle423 10+ year member]

Definately do that, but to be honest they'll do just about anything to get you to enlist. Make sure you research and see all your possibilities and whatnot before you walk in their office. They're pretty intimidating when they talk to you. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[j3bus2k3 5,000+ posts]

Education was my main concern. Im pretty confident with my phyical/mental abilities. Sorry if this is a dumb question but why engineering? Why not aeronautics, or something in Air Force academy?

Why would the military train a business major to fly a multi-million dollar aircraft? They want someone who knows about the dynamics and forces at fly in flight, hydraulics, etc...

Best thing you can do is to start getting flight time now. And dont talk to a recruiter about the specifics. Talk to actual pilots, get their story, their advice...

 

[Z71999 10+ year member]

Yeah thats what I figured...I have a few scholarship opportunities infront of me right now so if I have very slim chance of doing what I want, I'll probably excell in a different subject

 

[Z71999 10+ year member]

Why would the military train a business major to fly a multi-million dollar aircraft? They want someone who knows about the dynamics and forces at fly in flight, hydraulics, etc...
Best thing you can do is to start getting flight time now. And dont talk to a recruiter about the specifics. Talk to actual pilots, get their story, their advice...

I dont know any Air Force pilots lol, hence the title of this thread.

 

[ctmike 10+ year member]

one idea would be to "enlist" in the air force in there program that lets you go to the college of your choice. can't remember the name of it. while your in college you basically only have to do reserve service (one weekend a month, 2 weeks a year) and the college is free and you get paid e-5 pay (if that hasn't changed). after you graduate college you are commissioned as an officer. after that you have to apply for thier undergraduate pilot training (had to look that up in some old papers of mine, hope it's still the same). but to qualify for that they look at your major and gpa, class standing, and scores from i think 2 other tests. the only one i can find is the air force officer qualifing test (you can get hold of a recruiter and take that now, or at school), the other is a pilot selection test. and you should get alot of recommendations from college.

 

[Johnny Drama 5,000+ posts]

I am currently working tword becoming an Air Force pilot.

You basically have 2 options.

1) 4.0+ GPA

Letter of recommendation

(This is to get into the Air Force acadamy.) EXTREAMLY hard to do.

2) Private Pilots Liscense or better

200+ flight hours

4 year degree (More technical the better)

(Must be in AF flight school before the age of 30)

(This is the way I am going because I didnt do so well in high school)

With flying you need to have perfect 20/20 vision. Cant be color blind. Must meet the height&weight requirements. You must also meet sitting height requirements. And be able to pass your physical (Class 3 IIRC not 100% on that)