New to Here? Start Your Air Force Pilot Dream Here!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the steps and requirements for becoming a pilot in the Air Force, including educational prerequisites, the role of military academies, and considerations for those interested in pursuing this career path. Participants share insights on the necessary qualifications, potential challenges, and alternative routes to flying, both within and outside of military service.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to become an Air Force pilot and seeks information on the necessary steps, indicating a need for a bachelor's degree to become an officer.
  • Another participant mentions that a college degree is likely required for pilot training but questions the necessity of a degree before attending a military academy.
  • A participant shares their personal experience from 35 years ago, suggesting that the requirements may have changed and emphasizes the importance of dedication in the selection process.
  • Concerns are raised about the age cut-off for joining the Air Force and the implications of not being selected for pilot training after enlisting.
  • There is a suggestion that the participant should consider enrolling in AFROTC and pursuing a science or engineering degree to enhance their chances of being selected for flight school.
  • Another participant questions the feasibility of pursuing a military career if the goal is solely to become a pilot, highlighting the uncertainty of selection for that role.
  • A later reply seeks clarification on AFROTC and the components of an engineering degree, indicating a desire for more detailed information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of a bachelor's degree before attending a military academy and the implications of age on eligibility for pilot training. There is no consensus on the best path forward, as some advocate for military service while others consider civilian options.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference varying experiences and timelines, which may affect the accuracy of the information shared regarding current requirements and processes for becoming an Air Force pilot.

ph3nom3non03
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new to here!

Hi, everyone just a newbie here lol... well anyway, I am leaning towards wanting to become a pilot in the air force but my question is what do i need from step 1 til the end my understanding i need a bachelors to even get into becoming an officer in the military but where can i start and my math skills are low and I am wanting to take classes for everything and I am from iowa so if anybody has any appointed colleges or universitys please let me know, thanks to everyone who helps.
 
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Hi, ph3nom3non03, welcome to PF!

Many of our members have military experience, and I know we have at least one fighter pilot.

I'm not military but I think a college degree is a requirement to get into a pilot training program. How old are you, and have you talked to a recruiter?

Oh, and in what country do you live?
 


im 23 and i live in the u.s. but i don't want to talk to a recruiter yet because i want to find info out about all the little details before i get trapped into something totally different.
 


lisab said:
and I know we have at least one fighter pilot.

Lisa is probably thinking of me, which creates the obligation to say something useful in this thread. So it was 35 years ago when I was recruted in a different air force and I have no idea of the current formal requirements of another air force. But it would seem be far fetched to require a bachelor degree before going to a military academy; academies being the usual place where bachelors are generated.

Now about:
ph3nom3non03 said:
..i want to find info out about all the little details before i get trapped into something totally different.

This generates a few thoughts.

1. No doubt that the smallest details about requirements are on the internet. With some dedication and inventiveness, these details can be found. Air Forces are looking for people with dedication and inventiveness. That's what they want to see during the selection processes.

2. Can 'something totally different' mean: 'all or nothing'? Either pilot or no military carreer? Mind that a substantial part of the forces usually consist of people who wanted to be pilot too but didn't make it somehow during the tough training program. Now if such a person would leave the forces because of that, the investment of the organisation would be lost. Air forces are not too keen on recruting 'all-or-nothing' persons.
 
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First off, you absolutely need to learn how to write correct English. Nobody is going to put you in the pilot's seat of a $100M aircraft if you can't use capital letters. Seriously.

Second, you need a college degree and you need to get one right away. You are already too old for the Air Force academy. You need to be commissioned by about age 28 in order to make it to flight school in time to meet that age cut-off, and as you are 23 now and a bachelor's degree takes 4 years, you don't have much margin. Ideally, you should enroll in AFROTC, get a science or engineering degree, and get as close as possible to a 4.0 GPA. Becoming a pilot is very selective and you want the best possible chances.

Finally, you have to decide if you want to be in the Air Force, or if you want to be a pilot in the Air Force. There is no guarantee that the USAF will select you for your dream job. If you join the USAF and then don't make the cut for your dream job, what then?
 


Andre said:
But it would seem be far fetched to require a bachelor degree before going to a military academy; academies being the usual place where bachelors are generated.

He's too old for the Air Force Academy.
 


Thanks for everyones reply, I understand the circumstances and would like to learn to fly either not being in the military or in. But what exactly is AFROTC and engineering degree made up of?
 

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