START HERE if you want to be an Air Force pilot (Undergraduate Pilot Training)

[@dennisfulton1952]

T-37 IP 1972 to 1975. Only difference is everyone did 37 and 38. That entire process was one year. Nice job.

[@Hester23BearsCHx]

A lot of good info thank you! Graduating college in December and have my private pilot certificate with 200 hours flight time, tryna make a dream come true!

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

awesome. have you started working with a recruiter yet?

[@Hester23BearsCHx]

@@airforceofficerpodcast I’m looking into Macdill in Tampa, FL (Reserve) and Charleston, South Carolina (ANG). Trying to rush and get a flight slot. If I don’t get picked up there then I’ll try AD. I haven’t yet contacted a recruiter.

[@jeffreyarcher3117]

@@Hester23BearsCHx what is AD??

[@1anre]

@@jeffreyarcher3117 Active Duty

[@Zylo._.]

⁠@@Hester23BearsCHxHey man I’ve been considering trying to become a pilot but I haven’t contacted a recruiter I’ve just been collecting information online and I’m wondering 2 years later how it’s going?

[@danielh6015]

ENJPPT has Americans and Nato members training together. If you want to fly bombers or fighters, its the best option as you only fly the T-38s and while its no longer guaranteed that you will get fighter or bomber, you probably will. Unlike the other UPT bases, where the majority don't get fighters and bombers, ENJPPT has the majority of their students going fighters and bombers.

[@kolkena]

If you don't pass IFT, the Air Force will hold a board to have you reassigned to another career field. If you don't have the requisite degree for a career field that has openings for new officers...you'll likely be discharged from the service. No pressure!

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

this is true for any career field; if you don't pass the initial training you'll be reclassed or discharged.

[@kolkena]

@@airforceofficerpodcast The thing is, the pilot career field doesn't have specific degree requirements. Because so many cadets commission with liberal arts/humanities degrees, career fields like logistics, airfield ops, space, missiles, etc. fill up the fast and by the time you reclass, there may not be any room for you. A degree in (for example) mechanical engineering gives you way more options.

[@1anre]

Why will someone fail IFT when then very well know that’s the prerequisite to the rest of their future & landing their dream airframe to fly on in the Airforce?

[@phila3884]

@@1anre These are intense training programs (for good reason). Some people don't have the flying aptitude the Air Force requires to move on to the next level.

[@shawnandrew6895]

In my junior year of college in AFROTC waiting to hear from rated board on my pilot slot🤞🏽

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

don’t those results usually come out in March?

[@shawnandrew6895]

@@airforceofficerpodcast I’ve been hearing April/May from Cadre

[@Dickandbaus]

@@airforceofficerpodcast senior in college and rotc here. Yes, but COVID backed things up so FY 22’ cadets heard the news in April. Not sure why/how Shawn Andrew is waiting

[@JustinLieber]

Only thi ng I can see you got wrong is the tracking t38. If you track T38s, you either drop a fighter or a bomber.

[@Adamk1129]

For the past couple years, I've been trying to get hired as a pilot with the National Guard and haven't had any luck. I've interviewed multiple times at multiple different bases/airframes. Each time that I've been denied, the explanation given was basically "you're not experienced enough." My current financial situation doesn't exactly afford me a lot of opportunities to build hours. With that said, I have managed to scrape together 15 flight hours thus far, and my testing scores are pretty good too (mid 80s across the board). Currently, I'm in the ANG as a KC135 crew chief, I'm 27 and possess a degree. Should I consider throwing my hat in the active duty ring, and would my chances of becoming a pilot increase? I'm not too familiar with how the active duty side of things work, and my biggest reservation is that I'll sign up, won't make the cut, and get stuck doing something that I don't really care for.

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

it sounds like you’re already doing the right things, but the timing or politics of the ANG aren’t in your favor. that’s a tough spot to be in. AD may increase your chances of getting selected as pilot, but you’re right, you run the risk of not getting what you want. so you need to define what success looks like for you based on thing you can control.

[@danielh6015]

You would have to go throw OTS to go AD. It is highly competitive today. However, you can apply with option that you will only accept if they give you a pilot spot. Unlike Rotc, where you get what you get, and you don't get upset.

[@Sub_Zer090]

I did 9 years active duty as a 2W1 (weapons) got out went to school full time got my bachelors in Aeronautics and I am currently a CFI and finishing my multi-engine commercial certificate and also have well over 300 flight hours and normally get 40 hours per month as an instructor. I am in the first steps into starting my application for a pilot slot. Does any of the qualifications I have help with it or do I have the same odds of getting selected as anyone else with just a bachelors and no flying experience? Flying for a regional airline is very appealing as well and since I'm part 141 graduate I just need to reach 1,000 hours for R-ATP but my dream has always to be an USAF pilot.

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

yes, having those qualifications will help, but they’re not required nor are they a guarantee of selection.

[@kelvinlol6292]

In order to track to t-38s do you have to be one of the top pilots in your class? If so how many are usually selected? Also does your grades and flying skill determine if you can be a instructor pilot or is it strictly the needs of the AF?

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

like most things, it depends. be the best you can be and it will open many doors, perhaps some you didn't know existed. Instructor Pilot is one of the possible upgrades that you can work toward once you become certified on your platform. performance in and out of the jet will factor into whether you're selected to pursue that path.

[@danielh6015]

its both being a top student and what your instructors think will be best for you. They like aggressive students when tracking T-38

[@CaoimhinOMaol]

Former T-38A Flight Commander at Laughlin. To be recommended as a FAIP (First-Assignment- Instructor-Pilot)..grades in the aircraft and check rides played a part. A quality we looked for was how you related daily with your classmates. Are they arrogant or humble, play well with others, have they looked after the struggling classmates, etc...because as an IP not all your students will be above-the-average or have as quick learning curve like you did. Will they be able to relate to a broad range of students.

[@alirazayousif8976]

I have a private pilot license and am currently working on my instrument rating. My eyes are 20/30 corrected. Can i become an Air Force pilot? I'm based in TX

[@thecourtsideview3303]

if you want to be a pilot in the Reserve, how does that work? And how many years is minimum service?

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

bogidope.com/flying-opportunities-in-the-air-force-reserve/

[@flyinter1988]

I’m 35 already and have PPL with 200 hrs of flight time. Any chance to become a military transport pilot?

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

it depends. are you a US citizen? do you have good moral character? are you physically/medically qualified? do you have a bachelors degree? these are just the requirements to be an Air Force officer. the rest you can read up on here: - static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afman36-2032/afman36-2032.pdf - static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afman36-2100/afman36-2100.pdf

[@flyinter1988]

@@airforceofficerpodcast yes. I’m US citizen. I have master and bachelor degree.

[@sumtingwong8768]

@@flyinter1988 no probably not, because your 35, and 33 is the latest age WITH waivers, which are hard to get. Maybe, possibly. I will say, 67% of military fighter pilots, are over 45 years old.

[@danielh6015]

You aged out. I think 33 is the max age and while you can get a waiver, someone is really going to have to love you before they attempt to get one.

[@phila3884]

Rules change If it's your dream, keep checking the current requirements.

[@selsahmwishen2981]

Ater BMT, can graduates who had enlisted and happen to have been awarded their citizenship certificate; commission ASAP???

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

same timeline/path as any other citizen. USAFA, AFROTC, or OTS. 2-4 years minimum.

[@karlphilippalses3272]

@@airforceofficerpodcast I've been wondering that as well. Because I am currently taking flight school for PPL and planning to take a BMT in the future and then OTS after being awarded a citizenship. Glad I got an answer.

[@douglas9660]

Do all pilots use the ejection seat?

[@naysamarrero5176]

Will your spouse and child move with you to the base at UPT school

[@rrandom9382]

Can you go to an ots and be a pilot and do you know anyone who did, id like to fly but am also interested in tacp officer. Is there a way I can do tacp and then do pilot.

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

yes to all of the above.

[@jeffreyarcher3117]

Is it true...that max age limit for upt can be pushed up to 35 yrs

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

yes, with a waiver.

[@jeffreyarcher3117]

May i please know under what circumstances it can be waived off??

[@phila3884]

@@jeffreyarcher3117 My (older) experience In the Guard or Reserve was, if are already a member and want to be a pilot, and have a (very) good record up to that point, a Squadron can submit you for the age waiver for pilot training. It would be harder coming in cold as a civilian and near the cutoff age- you would need someone in your corner.

[@gabrieljcorona1353]

Bombers do not track T-1s

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

you’re correct. they track T-38.

[@josiahsmith1682]

So I keep seeing this and I have a question about the "undergraduate" part of it. Does that mean you don't need a Bachelors?

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

it’s undergraduate because it’s and initial flight training course and there are advanced courses later on upon graduation. a bachelors is still required.

[@barryrothman4692]

73-04. Columbus.

[@gulayguthre9939]

I am left-handed does that make a difference in becoming a pilot

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

nope.

[@CaoimhinOMaol]

I have two left feet. Could never master the Cotton-eye Joe & I did 9 1/2 years as a USAF pilot.

[@GarrettH1]

Does it matter the degree you have?

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

generally speaking, no. but you can increase your chances with a technical degree. you can see all degree requirements here: www.milvet.state.pa.us/DMVA/Docs_PNG/hro/AFOCD.pdf

[@danielh6015]

Yes and no. If you do AFrotc, they prefer STEM students and more importantly like STEM students when inviting cadets to Field Training. However when applying for a pilot spot, they don't know what your major is, so if your major in basket weaving, they don't care. Not being a STEM major doesn't hurt you but being a STEM major helps.

[@CaoimhinOMaol]

They don't care. As an IP and Flight Commander I didn't see aerospace engineers as any better/or worse than a degree in journalism. I knew in another command I knew Masters in Computer Science aircrew member who was brilliant but without any common sense. To each his own. @@danielh6015

[@aaronzimmet822]

Is having ADHD a disqualification for a pilot slot?

[@XxS1l3nTxa1Mx]

What is enjet???

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2nbp3atfJqigdE

[@XxS1l3nTxa1Mx]

What’s euronato

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2nbp3atfJqigdE

[@CaoimhinOMaol]

Its a good program. Most of the NATO countries have instructors there as well as students from their respective countries. You might have 1 or 2 German, 3 Italian, 1 Danish student pilot in your class. On Friday nights at the Sheppard AFB Officers Club bar you could easily spot the Dutch pilots. Instead of the issue flight boots they would wear the wooden Klompen (wooden shoes) with their flight suits. @@airforceofficerpodcast