Military pilots are the elite of the aviation world. They fly aircraft that are often larger and faster than commercial flights, and they’re responsible for everything from protecting our country’s borders to getting medical supplies to people in need around the world.
Becoming a military pilot can be a long, challenging process, but it’s worth it if you’re really interested in flying. To help you get started on your journey, we’ve put together an overview of how to become a military pilot:
1) Start by taking some classes
2) Get good grades in those classes
3) Apply for flight school at an accredited institution
4) Pass a physical examination
5) Pass basic training and earn your wings
How To Become Military Pilot
The United States Air Force is a branch of the military primarily responsible for aerial transportation, warfare and surveillance. The Air Force employs some of the most advanced aircraft in the world to carry out various missions. The pilots who skillfully operate these aircraft go through extensive testing and training. In this article, you will learn about how to become a United States Air Force pilot, including skills needed, minimum requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions about the career path of Air Force pilots.
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What is an Air Force pilot?
Air Force pilots fly aircraft such as fighter jets, bombers, tankers, transport planes and unmanned aerial vehicles (known as UAVs) for the United States military. Pilots master aviation skills, conduct flight operations from transportation to combat missions, and train and lead flight crews.
How to become an Air Force pilot
Becoming an Air Force pilot requires you to meet strict physical, visual, medical and academic requirements. Here are the steps you can take to become an aviator:
- Join the Air Force
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Meet officer qualifications
- Attend officer training school
- Pass initial flight training
- Pass undergraduate pilot training
1. Join the Air Force
If you are not yet a part of the military, the first step is to contact an Air Force recruiter station and join the service. Recruiters will make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements. You can become a pilot as a member of the active duty Air Force, Air Force Reserves and Air Guard.
2. Earn a bachelor’s degree
The United States Air Force (USAF) does not require pilots to have specific degrees, but aviation or science-related majors like aerospace engineering, computer science or chemistry are helpful. Those who enroll in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) in college and those who attend the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) become Air Force officers after graduation. Generally a GPA of 3.4 or higher is ideal, but above 2.5 is required.
3. Meet officer qualifications
AFROTC and USAFA graduates immediately become officers and complete this step as part of their programs. If you enlist in the Air Force, you must be between the ages of 18 and 28 to pursue officer training, and you must appear before the military board before the age of 29 to get commissioned as an officer. Aspiring pilots must enter flight training before the age of 30, though waivers are possible up to the age of 35 in some cases.
Once commissioned, applicants must take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, which includes 12 subtests. The subjects include:
- General science
- Reasoning
- Arithmetic
- Instrument comprehension
- Verbal analogies
- Math
Applicants must receive at least a 10 for quantitative testing and at least a 15 for verbal testing. Applicants must also pass physicals and background checks.
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4. Attend officer training school
During this training program, applicants must pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test, and attend classroom lessons and in-field training exercises. Applicants are trained in land navigation, first aid, self-defense, tactical marching and base defense tactics. Officer training school is currently located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.
5. Pass initial flight training
After applicants attend and pass officer school, they begin their Initial Flight Training. This training program assesses ability to learn the required skills and introduces applicants to aviation basics. Before entering IFT, officers must have a flight physical and get a student pilot certification.
6. Pass undergraduate pilot training
Once officers pass IFT, they enter the Undergraduate Pilot Training program, which teaches navigation, formation flying, aerobatics and how to use the instruments in an aircraft. Once this portion of training is complete, officers are assigned to an airlift/tanker track or bomber/fighter track. Some officers may get selected to operate unmanned aerial vehicles. Assignments are based on officer preferences, training evaluations and availability of aircraft.
After officers are assigned to a track, they begin specialized training to develop the skills required for their particular aircraft. As pilots remain in the service and master their aviation skills, they advance in rank, and receive greater responsibility and leadership experience valuable to future employers.
Air Force pilot minimum requirements
Air Force pilot candidates go through extensive tests, which determine if they’re physically and psychologically able to perform pilot tasks correctly. Candidates must also meet the following qualifications:
- 18-30 years of age (waiver up to 35 years old possible)
- At least 5 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 5 inches tall
- Seated height between 34 and 40 inches tall
- At least 20/40 vision in both eyes for near vision and 20/200 for distant vision; must be corrected to 20/20
- May not be colorblind, have had laser eye surgery or have poor depth perception
- Must have perfect hearing
- Must withstand several G’s of pressure without passing out or getting sick
- No history of hay fever, asthma or allergies after age 12
- Healthy weight
Related: Soft Skills: Definitions and Examples
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Important skills for Air Force pilots
Piloting advance military aircraft requires a number of technical and soft skills. Here are some of the most important:
- Operation and control of complex equipment
- Monitoring the operation of complex equipment
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Complex problem-solving
- Reading comprehension
- Judgment and decision-making
- Time management
- Coordination
- System analysis and evaluation
- Math and reasoning
- Quality control analysis
Frequently asked questions
How long is the service commitment for pilots?
Pilots must commit to a minimum of 10 years of service, which begins the date they finish training.How long is Officer Training School?
Officer Training School lasts 9.5 weeks.Can only officers fly?
You must be an officer to be a pilot in the Air Force. However, other enlisted aviation roles allow you to participate in in-flight crew operations.
