Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/29/2008

Question
Greetings,

I'm a prior service Marine interested in becoming a pilot in the Air Force. I'm currently an airline pilot but miss the structured military way-of-life. I just turned 29, and I understand that by the time I start UPT if I was to get a slot awarded I would be already 30. From the looks of it, it seems that an age waiver is nearly nil to impossible to get. I was wondering if anyone can offer some guidance - it would be much appreciated.

Answer
Dear Antonio --

Unfortunately, I am not privy to the Air Force rules for recruiting pilots.

I do know you will need at least a bachelors degree, and must be an officer.  You don't state whether you were prior service enlisted or officer.

My understanding is that you may add your years of prior service to the maximum entry age, and that becomes your personal maximum entry age.  However, you may still be deemed too old for pilot training.  

Have you talked to an Air Force Recruiter to find out their limits?  Have you considered being a Navy Pilot (fixed wing) or an Army Pilot (helicopters)?  There might be more leeway in one of those services, as they are growing while the Air Force is downsizing.

Good luck to you.  Please write back if you have new questions or issues to discuss.