Expert: David A. NewMyer - 9/3/2003

Question
I'm currently a senior in high school and I want to be a pilot. I plan on going to college for 4 years and getting a degree in Aviation Science. I've been thinking about the ROTC program to fund my college, but I don't know much about it. I'd appreciate any knowledge you have on the ROTC program. Also, what should I do to get my flight hours up after college? Would going into the Air Force for the minimum time be wise? Please HELP me!

-Thanks
  Jordan Day

Answer
Hi, Jordan:

Thanks for your question.  I will try to assist!

As for ROTC, here are some key parts of the program:

1.  You will attend ROTC classes once or twice a week for four years at a university, in addition to your normal classes.  

2.  You will attend summer camp over your last two summers of attendance at a university.

3.  If you elect to remain in ROTC for four years, you will have to make a commitment to the Air Force at the start of your junior year (year 3 at the university).

4.  You will be paid a tuition waiver and a stipend for being part of ROTC.

As far as getting your flight hours up after college, there is no requirement to know how to fly prior to going into the Air Force.  If you are selected for pilot training, they will train you as a pilot.

If you do not go for the Air Force, the common ways to build flight time right after college are:

1.  Giving flight instruction

2.  Flying Charter/for hire (for cargo or passengers)---usually after you have 500 hours for insurance purposes

3.  Flying for a specialty company such as a company that flies checks or one that flies pipeline inspection

4.  After earning 500 to 1000 hours of flight time, flying for a regional airline is a possibility.

I hope that this information is what you were looking for.  I wish you the very best.  Please follow up if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu