To become a fighter pilot, you must go through AFROTC or the USAFA and secure a commission. Then, you need to graduate near the top of your class at Officer Training School (OTS). This task is not easy and requires a lot of work, dedication, and sacrifice. The AF will then assign you to a squadron, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a fighter squadron. Depending on the needs of the AF and the number of fighter slots available, you may be assigned to another type of aircraft.
Before you go to OTS, it’s recommended that you earn a bachelor’s degree. The Air Force doesn’t require a specific major, but it would help if you choose a course of study that exposes you to subjects like aviation laws, aerodynamics, and aircraft systems. Also, you should get involved in extra-curricular activities that showcase your leadership potential, such as club sports, student government, and volunteer organizations.
Once you graduate from college, the Air Force will then assess your medical and physical fitness. Applicants must have normal color vision and meet a few other basic requirements. For example, you must have a seated height between 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 5 inches tall. In addition, you must pass the AF Flight Physical and have no history of asthma or allergies.
Steps
The Air Force offers a variety of pathways to become a pilot. People who want to fly fighters, bombers, or transport planes can join as an officer or enlisted personnel. They can also become an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) pilot or a remotely-piloted aircraft (RPA) pilot.
The first step is to contact your local Air Force recruiter and get started with the application process. They can help make sure that you meet the minimum requirements for becoming a pilot in the AF. This includes meeting height specifications, which vary by craft and can include a seated height of between 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 5 inches.
Once you are accepted into the program, you will undergo a rigorous officer training course, which usually lasts about three years. During this time, you will learn the skills needed to fly your chosen aircraft. In addition to flight training, you will take a series of academic courses, the AFOQT and the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS).
Once you have completed UPT, your next stop will be your squadron. You will begin a Basic Course for your chosen aircraft at your squadron. Depending on the aircraft type, the B-Course may take 6 to 18 months. During this period, senior pilots pay attention to every detail about your performance and your aircraft knowledge.
What Disqualifies You From Being a Fighter Pilot?
If you are considering becoming an Air Force pilot, it is important to know what will disqualify you. Not only will your criminal record have to meet a certain standard, but you may not be physically capable of completing the necessary training. For instance, you must be able to pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), which is not an easy test.
In addition, you must be able to withstand the insane amount of G-forces that fighter pilots endure during flight. In order to do this, you must be in the top percentile of healthy, capable bodies. Lastly, you will have to be at least 18 years old.
After completing all the required steps, you will be commissioned an Air Force officer. Once you have completed this, you will go through an initial flight training (IFT) program. This will typically be conducted at a community with a specific aircraft type, such as a bomber or fighter squadron. It can also be conducted at a flight training unit or RTU.
Once you have completed your IFT program, you will be sent to your first operational squadron. This will be a highly-competitive process, and you will most likely not know which aircraft you will fly until approximately 8 months into your active duty training. This is unless you are selected to enter Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT), where the Air Force will guarantee you track with either a fighter or bomber.