Avitop Forums: How to become a Military Pilot

Join the Air Force Reserve

2004-11-12T17:43:19Z

Join the Air Force Reserve
Learn More About the USAF Reserve
Free Info. Get it Now!

Where should I go to school and what major should I choose?

2006-05-04T00:06:17Z

As of right now I am finishing up my freshman year of college at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, my intended major is Computer Science. Ever since I was a child I dreamed of becoming a military pilot however my vision went bad. I recently found out that the military will allow laser corrective surgery for pilots and resparked my interest. I have done some research on the topic and have come up with a few different options.

My first but most expensive option would be to transfer to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, sign up for their ROTC program and major in Aeronautical Science AOC: Military Pilot Specialty and minor in Computer Science or Flight. Completing this major would also get me a pilots license.

Another option (less expensive) would be to go to school at either Ohio State, Purdue, Auburn, or Florida Institute of Technology, all of which have Aeronautics departments with flight schools, and ROTC programs.

My cheapest option would be to stay in Wisconsin and do ROTC through Madison where I would stick with my intended major of Computer Science, and then I would obtain a pilots license on my own at a private flight school.

Basically I dont want to spend the extra money if I dont have to, but if it improves my chances of becoming a military pilot then to me its worth the extra cash. Also at schools listed in the first two options I could still major in computer science and minor in flight or major in Aeronautcial Engineering and minor in flight which could increase my range of job opportunities but I dont know how this would effect my chances of becoming a pilot. Any input on which school/major combination would give me the greatest chances of becoming a military pilot would be greatly appreciated.

Need to know if I have a chance of become a fighter pilot.

2006-05-18T01:51:56Z

Hi I've always been interested in being a fighter pilot for the USAF but I never thought I could make the requirements. I’m 22 now and have made a plan to try to get in. I have had some problems when I was young but am coming out of it, for example I dropped out of high school my senior year but am going to college to make up the last of my credits. After that I'm going to college full time to get a BA degree. I've heard that if I join a ROTC program in four years I could go to a military academy as a Captain. But I'm wondering if I still have a shot, Sinse I dropped out of high school and I’m 22 years old. Any info or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Are teeth fillings disqualifying?

2007-07-06T19:27:09Z

Hello everyone. As you probably imagine I'm a teenager dreaming of becoming a fighter pilot. My question is connected with my teeth. I have several fillings in them, whereas my father, who served in aviation during his obligatory military service [Poland...] once told me that teeth fillings are disqualifying because they can cause pain due to possible quick changes of pressure. Is it still true? Is this really checked during recruitment? Or is it only an issue with old, amalgam fillings? I ask here because I haven't found any information yet. Thanks in advance, MiG.

hello all

2006-03-02T10:28:08Z

i want to say thats the war in iraq is not for to secure the united states national security
its look like a robbery because the iraqi army dont have the power to attack the u.s.a but the situation here in iraq is very baaaad it is a war against civilians
not the terroristss

So I want to be a Marine Fighter Pilot

2006-03-31T07:42:03Z

Well I've decided that ultimately I would like to fly an F/A18 for the US Marines. (like semperfly) Do most marine pilots go through the naval academy or through ROTC? I know in the air force, the best way to fly is through the academy since only a very select few out of a ROTC class get a pilot slot. Should I be trying to get into an academy to become a marine pilot?

Vision requirements????

2006-03-18T19:28:16Z

Hello, this is probably the most common question... I have pretty bad nearsightedness, and im a -4.0 (20/400) but i have heard the military accepts PRK ( a form of laser surgery) now is it possible for me to still become a fighter pilot, if so what are the steps that i must take, (as far as getting the surgery before I join, after I join, or becomeing a NFO in the navy/marines (the only branches with the surgery), get the surgery, and then apply for a pilot slot??) any help would be great. Thank you.

20 A&P and almost have my private

2006-04-14T05:03:02Z

I am just wondering opinions on what would be the best path for me to pursue. I want to join the AF as an officer after I finish my 4 year at Embrey Riddle and fly. (not fighters, I'm a realist, a C-17 or 130 would make my day) I have my A&P and am almost done with my private pilots. Does anyone have any information on how I need to be preparing or steps to take in the near future or maybe an information on the commerical route . Thank you for any information, Adam Lee

Junior in High School, Need Some Information

2006-03-03T11:00:30Z

Hey,

I'm a 16 year-old Junior in High School, and I too am looking for a career as a fighter pilot. I was hoping to get a bit of information that is specific towards my own situation. During my Freshmen year, I was quite immature and ignorant about the big picture and I slacked. Received some bad grades, and ended up with a 1.5 cumulative GPA by the end of that year. Sophomore year I picked up quite a bit and got a 2.7 GPA which brought me up to 1.8 cumulative. First semester of this year, I really started hitting the books and received a 3.2 GPA which only brought me up to 2.0 cumulative.
I looked into the Air Force/Naval Academy but I am far below their standard and meet few eligibility requirements. In the last few days, after basically breathing information from forums like this one about the steps to becoming a fighter pilot, I have decided OCS would probably be my best bet. I am in a program called Running Start where I go to High School two classes a day and Community College two classes day thus receiving college credit and a ton of extra High School credits. Upon graduating high school, I will have to complete one more quarter at the community college then I will be transferring to a four year as a Junior (at age 18).
I'm not sure what I should get a BA in if I want to go to OCS and then attempt to become a fighter pilot. Who would be the appropriate person to talk to in this situation? I still have not decided on a branch but I am leaning towards Navy. My father was a Major in the Air Force before retiring in 1998, would this give me an edge at all in the whole process? If you can counsel me on this please do as I really need to get some information. Thanks for reading.

Matt

Requirements and probablity of becoming a pilot

2005-02-01T20:31:16Z

Hello

I am an 18 yr old senior with a 3.8 GPA and I took the asvab pre-test and missed one of the questions. The only downfall to my dream is that I am near-sighted. I have been told by my recruiter that this is fixable by lasic surgery. Does the Air Force allow fighter pilots to have this surgery? I have been told that they permit it but I'd like to hear from a current pilot or previous pilot of the AF an absolute. So let's say someone was to be near-sighted and wanted to join, did good in school, was top in all of his classes at the academy, and met all the physical requirements to become a pilot and then had the surgery, would he be able to pursue his dream as a pilot?

Thanks~

Requirements to be a Fighter Pilot?

2002-10-01T02:20:39Z

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

What do fighter pilots do when they get older?

2005-12-16T06:37:24Z

I heard that after pilots get somewhat older.. say 40. They just sit there and do paperwork. Is this true? If Not, What do they do when their "done".

Life After the Air Force

2006-02-20T07:22:15Z

My dream has alway been to be a fighter pilot, but I would like to know if anyone know's about a person's career after being a pilot. Ideally, I would like to go to either the Naval or Air Force Academy, graduate with a bachelors in one of the engineering fields, and then try to get a pilot slot upon graduating. I would love to fly more than anything, but what are the chances of becoming an engineer after my tour of duty, and how far down the road would that be. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Do I need 20/20 vision to be a pilot?

2006-02-08T06:12:34Z

The answer to this common question is a resounding "NO!"

The reason that I post this particular question is that there is a common misconception out there that you need 20/20 vision or that you can't have had laser eye surgery to get a flight slot. These rules have been relaxed considerably since 1997 (and some before that). I have a bunch of fighter buddies who have had the eye surgery, all with good success....and all are flying jets as we speak.

If anyone wants more information regarding eyesight requirements or waivers for PRK (not Lasik), etc..., e-mail me at ace@fighter-pilot.org. I've got some documentation from official correspondence that may help you get a waiver if you need one.

Semper Fi!

http://www.air-force-pilot.com

Please drown me in info.

2005-10-26T08:17:31Z

[st] To any one with any information. I am about to turn 14 and wish to become a fighter pilot beyond comparison and would greatly appreciate as much info as you can pile in this forum. Even minor facts would be helpfull plus any tips or way to boost chances on geeting in.[st]

Intrested in Becoming a Pilot (Please help)

2006-02-04T22:02:23Z

Hello, and please let me thank you in advance for the help.

I am 17 years old and a senior in High School. Recently I decided what to do with my life. I feel sad that it took me this long to realize it. Although I have always been fascinated with planes and the military I never realized I wanted to be in one. I am a good student; I currently have a 2.7 GPA (un-weighted) and expect it to become 3.0 by the time I graduate. I have excelled in math and science while in high school. I have not taken the ACT/SAT yet because until now I never knew what I wanted to do. My question is what is the best path for me to follow if I want to become a pilot. I don’t know much about what to do, I understand that you have to be an Officer, other than that I don’t know much. I really need help to get me started in my path to becoming a pilot. Please if you can help, I would really appreciate it. If you want to contact me in private, my email is gomezyon@yahoo.com . Thank you once again.

Do I still have a good shot?

2005-12-10T08:24:14Z

I'm in my Senior year of high school. I've always scored right up at the top of my class on standardized tests including ACT/SAT, but have not been the great student I could be. Freshman and sophomore year my GPA was just average and junior year I was on B honor roll both semesters. I realize I was an underachiever in high school, but I am very serious about doing well in college and showing what I am really capable of. I plan on going to the local community college for a year to take as much math and science as I can and I also plan on taking as many flight lessons as I can afford at the local airport. Next I want to go to a four-year college with AF ROTC and get a technical degree of some kind. If I get great grades over the next five years and pursue a private pilots license do you think it would redeem me for not doing so well in high school and show that I am no longer an underacheiver and very serious about becoming a pilot?

i want to be a pilot but have questions

2005-09-27T01:05:30Z

Im 14 in ninth grade and i want to be a pilot for either the air force or navy. I'm 5'4" and i know theres a certain height that they look for. I also am curious as to what the physical requirements are, as in during the training what you need to do to pass. If anyone knows the answers to my questions please reply

Thanks

Steps to becoming a military pilot

2006-01-17T04:26:46Z

I'am 3 flights away from my private pilot licence, I plan to be a profesional pilot and iam willing to go the civilian route if i have to but would prefer to get military training and experience. I start my freshmen year of college this fall, I'am trying to figure out what classes to register for that would help in my goal of being a military pilot. I'am considering quantum physics, meterology and lots of math classes. Should I take ROTC classes or should i just go to OTC after college? When do I take the AFOQT and the BAT? I could study for them now and feel confident that I would get a qaulifying score or should i wait until i have more total time first? if I have a good chance of being a military pilot I'am willing to do whatever it takes but I don't know where to start. I'am not ready to take any physical or apptitude tests yet. I could be ready for the AFOQT in a few weeks if I started studying now and I could be ready for the physical tests in a few months. When I graduate from ROTC will I be an officer and what commitments will I have to the airforce?

becoming a fighter pilot

2002-05-09T22:50:00Z

*** Posted by francisco *** Hi, i am interested on being a fighterpilot, right now i am a freshmen on high school, and i want to know how long does it takes to become a pilot,the steps you need to go through, requirements,were can i get info about the academies, and who do i need to contact. thanks for listening.

Going Enlisted

2006-01-25T00:02:47Z

Alright, Im joining the air force enlisted, I go to MEPS on the 7th and was gonna try to get a job like Flight Engineer, that way I could learn a lil bit about planes and get used to them. I was planning on getting my degree online over the course of 4 years and then going to OCS and then flight school.

After talking to a few people, Ive been told that going enlisted to officer is very rare. Is this true? What should I do?

Air Force Acedemy

2004-01-30T06:06:28Z

I've seen quite a bti of these threads up and around but I jsut wondering. Now, i have a "profile" already wiht Academy Admissions and am following their guidlines for entering. I myself am a Sophmore in highschool and about 10 months ago i realised that i am going to the Air Force Academy. The only problem so is what i should most likely do for physical activities, as i am not in proper shape, but i am nota ll that out of shape. I was just wondering what you people would reccomned to loose wieght, the safe way, and not jsut diet, becuase thats not the problem anymore. Ohh and at my highschool Pre-Calculus is a higher class than trig/anylst, but in ym carrer field of engineering trig would make more sense, which sould i take in your opinions. I am leaning towards trig, but i'm not sure. Ohh just for some reason i have been told by several people in the airforce, including the Colonel at my school, the guidance counsler, and the principle, and most likely soon to be the ALO for my area, which i've had quite a difficult time getting the proper phone number.

What are the requirements for helicopter pilot (pave HAwk)

2005-11-30T02:04:32Z

yea i am 15 a freshman i want to join the air force to be a HH-60G pave hawk pilot and i can see near my vision isnt that bad but still need glasses..... can i get them fixxed to still become a helicopter pilot???

Fighter pilot as the hunter

2005-11-01T22:06:10Z

Dear fighter pilots,

Once, having rise up in the sky, you for ever remain in its authority. I since the early childhood dreamed in order to fly and I have carried out this dream, became a fighter pilot. Being the pilot, I have flown a pair of thousand hours on aircrafts Su-15, Su-20, Su-22, MiG-23m, MiG-29.

Today I do not fly any more on a fighters, but insuperable desire had remained again to feel the plane in the hands. A fighter-pilot this is status of soul. I would say even, that it is the diagnosis. Any other job cannot be compared to job of a fighter pilot. It is difficult for us to find terrestrial job which would deliver the same satisfaction as job of the pilot.

But fighter pilot is the born hunter and therefore I has found for itself the hobby on the ground. I hunt on of brown bears, on of mooses, on of ibexs and on others of animals on huge open spaces of Russia and I arrange the hunting trips for everyone who has passion to hunting. See our site www.rushunting.com.

I invite you for a hunt to Russia and the countries CIS. Together with me, you'll visit taiga places where the foot of the person seldom went, and you will feel such emission of adrenaline at a pursuit of an animal, commensurable only with that, when you attacked an air target. In the evenings after hunting, we shall "cordially fly" together, sitting for a table with traditional Russian food and vodka.

Do not hesitate, join us.

Am i elgible???

2005-10-28T04:13:01Z

I' am an 20yr old indian male about to complete my bachelors in information and communication technology ... but i wanna be a fighter pilot in the us army ... is this possible in any way at all???
   i don't have a green card and also have never set foot in another country xcept india till now ... I have an atletic build with no sight and am in excellent physical condition ...

         can someone help me out on this .... if i can't be in the airforce as a pilot ... hwat other options do i have in the US military??
                                            thx,
                                            raghu