Are you into podcasts? Airman/Airwoman training . 6. In the Navy, you can put in for Jets, E-2/C-2, Maritime Patrol, or Helicopters. I am seriously considering going Army WOFT but I have a family and wondering if that really changes things. Be sure to research the medical requirements ahead of time (the Air Force and Marines do have you do a flight physical before even showing up to make sure you're even qualified to start training before the application process ends). Planning – 0600 Local. An Air Force pilot from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, performs a pre-flight check on an F-15E Strike Eagle parked on the flightline at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 9, 2017. Military aviation isn't just a job, it's a way of life. Also, unless you go national guard, you will move a lot too. Learn what it takes to become an Air Force pilot. Contrary to popular belief, you actually DO know what you get before hand if you go through OTS/OCS - you apply for the job you want and they select you before you even go. You need perfect vision too. Many of our helicopter bases are nice and in great locations (Andrews in DC, Nellis in Vegas, there’s bases in Tucson, Italy, beautiful Spokane WA, etc). Your family will not see you during this period except for graduations. The Air Force prefers a degree in the sciences, such as aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or chemistry. ._3gbb_EMFXxTYrxDZ2kusIp{margin-bottom:24px;text-transform:uppercase;width:100%}._3gbb_EMFXxTYrxDZ2kusIp:last-child{margin-bottom:10px} ._3Im6OD67aKo33nql4FpSp_{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetBorderColor);border-radius:5px 5px 4px 4px;overflow:visible;word-wrap:break-word;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);padding:12px}.lnK0-OzG7nLFydTWuXGcY{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;padding-bottom:4px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-navIcon)} edit: also wanted to add that your family can travel with you and you will go home every night for most of your long trainings including flight school. /*# sourceMappingURL=https://www.redditstatic.com/desktop2x/chunkCSS/ReredditLink.f7b66a91705891e84a09.css.map*/Not guaranteed but great for family life. After 12 flights learning how to land the plane, build piloting skills, and handling emergency procedures safety, you have your first checkride. Day in the life stories and other thoughts from our pilot mentors. Navy pilot here. You need to be 20/70 correctable to 20/20 for the Air Force to be a student, Navy/Marines are 20/40 correctable to 20/20. As the pilot of a multi-role Fast Jet aircraft, your primary role would be air-to-air combat and ground attack. To be competitive, you will need to have a high grade point average, generally 3.4 or above. Once you are done with all that... congratulations. Air Force UPT trains all active duty as well as Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve pilots. I bought this for a child interested in airplanes and the Air Force. The operations that FSPs are involved in are varied and complex in nature and include air-to-air combat and air-to-surface weapons employment. ._33axOHPa8DzNnTmwzen-wO{display:block;padding:0 16px;width:100%}.isNotInButtons2020 ._33axOHPa8DzNnTmwzen-wO{font-size:14px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:32px;text-transform:uppercase} This could lead to your slightly resenting your family. Read about the various paths that our mentors took to the airlines. You actually start with Initial Flight Screening here (Initial Flight Training, or IFT, in Pueblo, CO for the Air Force) where you learn the basics of flying through a civilian plane. We also then go into formation (two-plane basic formation, aerobatic formation, and four-plane formation). You could also get assigned somewhere like Korea, Honduras, or Egypt and be away from them for a year. The next phase for the Navy is called Primary. We then move into the more tactical applications of the jet: tactical formation, dive bombing, low levels (single plane and in formation), BFM (dogfighting), and the big unique one to the Navy/Marines: Carrier Qualifications (yes, you land on a real aircraft carrier) before you get your wings. In the Navy, you start flight school by reporting to NAS Pensacola (Air Force, you go to your base where you will do UPT which is at a bunch of different ones). Learn about training and other requirements, along with salary and job outlook info. Good luck. Once you've passed that, you get your first solo. Military aviation isn't just a job, it's a way of life. The Air Force converted its living quarters for airmen into single-occupancy years before any of the other services. You have your wings, and now you go to your Replacement Squadron to learn how to fly what you will use operationally. We only do 4 month deployments or less, theirs are (I have heard) 9 months+. You belong to the Military branch here now. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the AskAnAmerican community, AskAnAmerican: Learn about America, straight from the mouth of Americans, Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. End result is that your commitment overall in the military is roughly the same. Expect a new home in a new location, and most of the time not your first choice of location, every 3-4 years. Candidates with civilian flight training, such as a private pilot's license, tend to have an edge with the selection board. I don't know how far along in the process you are, but I would absolutely do it if I were you. The Air Force variant is you get married, you buy a house thinking you’ll be stationed in the area for several years and then it gets suggested to your AF spouse that he/she apply for a job 1,500 miles away as it will really, really be for the best. You obviously already know this but it's worth noting for others reading this that it's not uncommon for someone to get picked up for SNA/NFO but be disqualified before commissioning. Air Force A Day in the Life of a Fighter Pilot – Part I by Nate Jaros Aug 6, 2019 ... Let’s take a deeper look into a day in the life of a fighter pilot. Now, I'll tell you about the Navy/Marines/Coast Guard experience for flight school (we all go through Navy flight school). ._1x9diBHPBP-hL1JiwUwJ5J{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:#ff585b;padding-left:3px;padding-right:24px}._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4{height:16px;padding-right:4px;vertical-align:top}._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5{height:20px;padding-right:8px;vertical-align:bottom}.QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{height:18px;padding-right:8px;vertical-align:top}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 .QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)} Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals. It might sound bad, but really the vast majority of pilots are married and works out just fine. It’s a great experience but you will be away from home quite a bit. It is WAY more jet that you are capable of handling. And by some strange wizardry, you will fly more too. If you'd like to check it out: IAmA Air Force Pilot. After that, you go into aerobatics, basic formation fundamentals, instruments, and navigation. How much does it cost to put a pilot through the program? ._9ZuQyDXhFth1qKJF4KNm8{padding:12px 12px 40px}._2iNJX36LR2tMHx_unzEkVM,._1JmnMJclrTwTPpAip5U_Hm{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);margin-bottom:40px;padding-top:4px}._306gA2lxjCHX44ssikUp3O{margin-bottom:32px}._1Omf6afKRpv3RKNCWjIyJ4{font-size:18px;font-weight:500;line-height:22px;border-bottom:2px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line);color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);margin-bottom:8px;padding-bottom:8px}._2Ss7VGMX-UPKt9NhFRtgTz{margin-bottom:24px}._3vWu4F9B4X4Yc-Gm86-FMP{border-bottom:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line);margin-bottom:8px;padding-bottom:2px}._3vWu4F9B4X4Yc-Gm86-FMP:last-of-type{border-bottom-width:0}._2qAEe8HGjtHsuKsHqNCa9u{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);padding-bottom:8px;padding-top:8px}.c5RWd-O3CYE-XSLdTyjtI{padding:8px 0}._3whORKuQps-WQpSceAyHuF{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon);margin-bottom:8px}._1Qk-ka6_CJz1fU3OUfeznu{margin-bottom:8px}._3ds8Wk2l32hr3hLddQshhG{font-weight:500}._1h0r6vtgOzgWtu-GNBO6Yb,._3ds8Wk2l32hr3hLddQshhG{font-size:12px;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._1h0r6vtgOzgWtu-GNBO6Yb{font-weight:400}.horIoLCod23xkzt7MmTpC{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:#ea0027}._33Iw1wpNZ-uhC05tWsB9xi{margin-top:24px}._2M7LQbQxH40ingJ9h9RslL{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon);margin-bottom:8px} But then again, it's probably too late to go to law school. It is a great opportunity and an absolute blast. A good amount of folks show up having been selected for SNA/NFO after passing MEPS only to be later disqualified after stricter medical examinations and end up having to choose a different designator (or choosing to go home). It will directly or tangentially affect every aspect of your family's and your way of life. In the Air Force, you basically split off at this point between fighters (T-38s), heavies (T-1), or helicopters (UH-1). If you don't do it, and you work in IT (guessing) you'll always have that Blackhawk wallpaper and play flying sims, which is kind of sad. ._2a172ppKObqWfRHr8eWBKV{-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:8px}._39-woRduNuowN7G4JTW4I8{border-top:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-lineColor);margin-top:12px;padding-top:12px}._3AOoBdXa2QKVKqIEmG7Vkb{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);border-radius:4px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;margin-top:12px}.vzEDg-tM8ZDpEfJnbaJuU{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);height:14px;width:14px}.r51dfG6q3N-4exmkjHQg_{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between}._2ygXHcy_x6RG74BMk0UKkN{margin-left:8px}._2BnLYNBALzjH6p_ollJ-RF{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-left:auto}._1-25VxiIsZFVU88qFh-T8p{padding:0}._3BmRwhm18nr4GmDhkoSgtb{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;line-height:16px} The Air Force is slightly different in how they do things, but I know enough about it through people I've met in the AF so here goes: To be a fighter pilot in the US military, regardless of the branch, you need to accomplish a couple certain things concurrently. Granted every experience varies. Height (not too tall) is a big deal for navy and air force which is why their college basketball teams have no big men, https://study.com/articles/Become_an_Air_Force_Pilot_Step-by-Step_Career_Guide.html. The Air Force is slightly different in how they do things, but I know enough about it through people I've met in the AF so here goes: To be a fighter pilot in the US military, regardless of the branch, you need to accomplish a couple certain things concurrently. Your family will live with you during this period at Ft Rucker. I know the training side is different from Navy to Army and Navy has a lot of collateral ground jobs thrown on top, but high optempo is high optempo. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the Helicopters community, A subreddit for helicopter industry professionals and enthusiasts, Press J to jump to the feed. ._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ{border-top:1px solid var(--newRedditTheme-line);margin-top:16px;padding-top:16px}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN{margin:0;padding:0}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:21px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;margin:8px 0}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ.QgBK4ECuqpeR2umRjYcP2{opacity:.4}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ label{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ label svg{fill:currentColor;height:20px;margin-right:4px;width:20px}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;width:100%}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_ svg{display:inline-block;height:12px;width:12px}.isInButtons2020 ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_{padding:0 12px}.isInButtons2020 ._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:unset;line-height:16px;text-transform:unset}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F{--textColor:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor);--textColorHover:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColorShaded80);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--textColor);fill:var(--textColor);opacity:1}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F._2UlgIO1LIFVpT30ItAtPfb{--textColor:var(--newRedditTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor);--textColorHover:var(--newRedditTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColorShaded80)}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:active,._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:hover{color:var(--textColorHover);fill:var(--textColorHover)}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:disabled,._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F[data-disabled],._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F[disabled]{opacity:.5;cursor:not-allowed} In the Navy/Marines, we do six weeks academics and survival/physiological training. So much so in fact that in the Navy, we start in basic instruments in the backseat just to get our instrument scan going fast enough to learn how to fly the jet properly. Then we move into the front seat and go through getting to our first solo. She is a single mom about 1/3 of the year with all of my work obligations. Went in with a fiancé. It took about 3 years to get my wings, while most AF guys get it in about 1-1.5 years. I sat around drinking in Pensacola for a few months, then started IFS (6 weeks), API (6 weeks), and then did Primary (6 months). You will train in phases, varying between mornings/afternoons and nights. In the Navy, since we ultimately land on the carrier, we also do Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLP) here to simulate that. Advanced for me took 1.5 years due to various delays and funding problems the Navy had at that time (it normally takes a year, and sometimes you have to wait awhile until an aircraft carrier is available). Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals. 2. In the Navy, however, we were notoriously slow. There's a very limited number of people who can do it, a lot of people who WANT to do it, and even getting into the washout program is competitive. IIRC, the Air Force doesn't do the water survival stuff because they don't operate around water the way we do. Ask your pilot training and airline questions here to get real answers from real pilots. Not quite believe it or not. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. /*# sourceMappingURL=https://www.redditstatic.com/desktop2x/chunkCSS/IdCard.de628c13230c59091a5d.css.map*/._2JU2WQDzn5pAlpxqChbxr7{height:16px;margin-right:8px;width:16px}._3E45je-29yDjfFqFcLCXyH{margin-top:16px}._13YtS_rCnVZG1ns2xaCalg{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._1m5fPZN4q3vKVg9SgU43u2{margin-top:12px}._17A-IdW3j1_fI_pN-8tMV-{display:inline-block;margin-bottom:8px;margin-right:5px}._5MIPBF8A9vXwwXFumpGqY{border-radius:20px;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:0;line-height:16px;padding:3px 10px;text-transform:none}._5MIPBF8A9vXwwXFumpGqY:focus{outline:unset} If you go Air Force Huey’s you can deploy stateside and go home every night to the family. U.S. Air Force - Career Detail - Pilot The Air Force standard is the "4 x 4," which houses four airmen in a dorm with a shared common living area, complete with a kitchen and living room. More than likely most friends you make will be work friends and there is an expectation in military aviation to participate in squadron functions and events. All that being said it is completely doable and one hundred percent worth pursuing. I know the training side is different from Navy to Army and Navy has a lot of collateral ground jobs thrown on top, but high optempo is high optempo. We'll prepare you for Air Force life, ensure you're fit enough to serve, and equip you with the personal and professional skills to tackle every challenge in every situation. I agree. ._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ{border:1px solid transparent;display:block;padding:0 16px;width:100%;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-body);border-radius:4px;box-sizing:border-box}._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:hover{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-primaryButtonTintedEighty)}._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ._2FebEA49ReODemDlwzYHSR,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:active,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:hover{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText)}._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ._2FebEA49ReODemDlwzYHSR,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:active{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-primaryButtonShadedEighty)}._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:disabled,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ[data-disabled],._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ[disabled]{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-primaryButtonTintedFifty);color:rgba(var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText),.5);fill:rgba(var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText),.5);cursor:not-allowed}._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:active,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:disabled,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ:hover,._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ[data-disabled],._1zyZUfB30L-DDI98CCLJlQ[disabled]{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-body)}._1O2i-ToERP3a0i4GSL0QwU,._1uBzAtenMgErKev3G7oXru{display:block;fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);height:22px;width:22px}._1O2i-ToERP3a0i4GSL0QwU._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_,._1uBzAtenMgErKev3G7oXru._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{height:14px;width:14px}._2kBlhw4LJXNnk73IJcwWsT,._1kRJoT0CagEmHsFjl2VT4R{height:24px;padding:0;width:24px}._2kBlhw4LJXNnk73IJcwWsT._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_,._1kRJoT0CagEmHsFjl2VT4R._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{height:14px;width:14px}._3VgTjAJVNNV7jzlnwY-OFY{font-size:14px;line-height:32px;padding:0 16px}._3VgTjAJVNNV7jzlnwY-OFY,._3VgTjAJVNNV7jzlnwY-OFY._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;text-transform:uppercase}._3VgTjAJVNNV7jzlnwY-OFY._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{font-size:12px;line-height:24px;padding:4px 9px 2px;width:100%}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs{font-size:14px;line-height:32px;padding:0 16px}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs,._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;text-transform:uppercase}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs._2ilDLNSvkCHD3Cs9duy9Q_{font-size:12px;line-height:24px;padding:4px 9px 2px;width:100%}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs:hover ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA{display:none}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA,._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs:hover ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:block}._2QmHYFeMADTpuXJtd36LQs ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:none}._2CLbCoThTVSANDpeJGlI6a{width:100%}._2CLbCoThTVSANDpeJGlI6a:hover ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA{display:none}._2CLbCoThTVSANDpeJGlI6a ._31L3r0EWsU0weoMZvEJcUA,._2CLbCoThTVSANDpeJGlI6a:hover ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:block}._2CLbCoThTVSANDpeJGlI6a ._11Zy7Yp4S1ZArNqhUQ0jZW{display:none} Life as an Officer in Undergraduate Pilot Training. Don't ask if you can do it; tell them that this is awesome for everyone. The first plane I flew was thus a Cessna 172 (Air Force uses the Diamond DA-20) and this phase is designed to get you exposure to flying (some people are scared and quit right here), learn basic FAA Regulations, and get a taste of the pace of flight school. If you thought the T-6 was a kick in the pants... flying a trainer jet is like having your hair on fire and getting kicked in the nuts. Will your spouse intend to work? 5 Things No One Told Me About Being A Pilot In The Air Force. You'll be gone for 9? In Air Mobility (transport aircraft) you would be sent anywhere in the world on military support, humanitarian aid or air-to-air refuelling missions. It will directly or tangentially affect every aspect of your family's and your way of life. Sometime along the way, you will enjoy the suck that is SERE. Kepp open comms with your family and use the resources available to help them transition to military life. For the Navy/Marines, the big one too is water survival training, which includes the helo dunker (the machine that rotates you strapped in underwater that you need to escape from, simulating a helicopter that crashes in water) and culminates in a mile swim. Most average a year away for every two home. Basically everything you might need once you start training. This is the mid-way point of Advanced. Flight school and training in the fleet is hands down the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but also one of the most rewarding by far. Academics covers things like aerodynamics, engineering, weather, navigation, and flying rules/regulations. Contrary to popular belief, you actually DO know what you get before hand if you go through OTS/OCS. The one you absolutely can't easily fix is being physically qualified. Navy pilot here. So you sell the house, move, and then repeat the cycle, except next time, you rent. As a JFP you will be at the heart of Australia's 5th Generation Air Force. I actually hosted a question and answer session on Reddit covering my time as a KC-10 Instructor Pilot in the Air Force. I was right. You move into simulators and eventually into the cockpit. What exactly do you fly? Damn hard. ._12xlue8dQ1odPw1J81FIGQ{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle} ). It's designed to both expose and screen students, as some find out aviation isn't for them or that they can't hack even the basics here. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. The USAF UH1N route may be something to consider if family is important. You start with ground school learning the plane. In the AF, they fly the mighty T-38C. We have made it work and will continue to make it work because she is a strong woman. ._1PeZajQI0Wm8P3B45yshR{fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._1PeZajQI0Wm8P3B45yshR._3axV0unm-cpsxoKWYwKh2x{fill:#ea0027} Pilot Mentor Biographies. The other part is to get a commission. My wife puts up with the trainings, early mornings, late nights and deployments like a champ. Definitely was the right decision for me. Other medical disqualifiers include a history of asthma, ADHD, and surgeries where you still feel the effects of. I'll chime in a bit more about differences the Air Force has with the Navy, but the flow isn't too different. months weeks for Basic Training, and then 6wks at Ft Rucker for Warrant Officer Candidate School. Also take a look at the step-by-step process. .LalRrQILNjt65y-p-QlWH{fill:var(--newRedditTheme-actionIcon);height:18px;width:18px}.LalRrQILNjt65y-p-QlWH rect{stroke:var(--newRedditTheme-metaText)}._3J2-xIxxxP9ISzeLWCOUVc{height:18px}.FyLpt0kIWG1bTDWZ8HIL1{margin-top:4px}._2ntJEAiwKXBGvxrJiqxx_2,._1SqBC7PQ5dMOdF0MhPIkA8{height:24px;vertical-align:middle;width:24px}._1SqBC7PQ5dMOdF0MhPIkA8{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center} Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals. ._3bX7W3J0lU78fp7cayvNxx{max-width:208px;text-align:center} No you don’t, almost every pilot gets eye surgery. I miss those days. To get a commission, you must be a US citizen and complete a bachelor's degree. Welcome to the United States Air Force. And quite a few of us wear glasses after you get winged (deteriorating vision with age will do that). From check-in to wings, it's about 52 weeks no matter what platform you select. In the Air Force, it's not so simple: you have a list of like 17 aircraft and it's not just fighters for the T-38 grads. Overall, the Air Force is notoriously good at having a fixed schedule for UPT. In the Air Force, you apply for pilot during a rated board (rated is their term for pilots, navigators/WSOs, and air battle managers) - in the Navy, you apply for a pilot or NFO slot at OCS. Afterwards, we finish our instruments and get our instrument rating. .ehsOqYO6dxn_Pf9Dzwu37{margin-top:0;overflow:visible}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu{height:24px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu{border-radius:2px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:focus,._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:hover{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-navIconFaded10);outline:none}._38GxRFSqSC-Z2VLi5Xzkjy{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT{border-top:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);cursor:pointer;padding:8px 16px 8px 8px;text-transform:none}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT:hover{background-color:#0079d3;border:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-body)} .s5ap8yh1b4ZfwxvHizW3f{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);padding-top:5px}.s5ap8yh1b4ZfwxvHizW3f._19JhaP1slDQqu2XgT3vVS0{color:#ea0027} Brian Hill) In addition, your commitment is 8 years after wings for Navy/Marines, 10 for Air Force. You are eligible for everything from the B-52 to C-17 to F-22 to F-35 to F-15 to A-10 to F-16 etc. The experience varies widely from one pilot specialty to the next. Medically, vision gets a lot of people - for the Air Force, you need 20/70 correctable to 20/20. After getting rides in both the C-5 and F-16, I decided flying would be a much better job than sitting behind a desk all day. 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Hill ) learn what it takes to become an Air Force pilot can it. You near the end of the keyboard shortcuts who was in have a family use... Podcast with Vincent Aiello and nights then you 'll both need to flexible... The time, what was it like you will be away from them for security. In addition, your commitment is 8 years after wings for Navy/Marines, we finish our and. Can deploy stateside and go through OTS/OCS pilot ( FWP ) there is more to the family and Air pilot... The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, or OTS ( OCS for the Air Force pilot Killed as Trainer Crashes... Notoriously good at having a fixed schedule for UPT training UPT needs to be a student, Navy/Marines are correctable. Almost every pilot gets eye surgery in my case, I 'll tell you about the Navy/Marines/Coast experience! Military humor, military humor, military memes you either select for the Air Force n't. 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