Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am currently a sophomore at California State University Monterey Bay, and have been looking at every possible route to becoming a military pilot.  I have looked at AFROTC, Marine PLC, Air Force OTS etc.  I think it has become clearer to me that I'm going to have to climb the ladder from enlisted to commissioning to that pilot slot.  Should I just join and serve working around aircraft then apply to OTS down the line, or wait until I graduate from college and apply to OTS?  I have a Private Pilots License with 71 hours and am certified in three aircraft.  I am majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management with a 3.2 GPA.  Also, I will be transferring to Fresno State for the Fall 2009 semester.  I understand the ANG 144th Fighter Wing is stationed there.  Should I be looking into that possibility as well?  I am beyond willing to work as hard as possible to become a pilot; I just want to know the best route to take for my circumstances.  

Thank You For Your Time,
Evan


ANSWER: Evan,

Going from enlisted to pilot is not as hard as one thinks it is. We have a partnership with Embry Riddle Aeronautical College. They train all our pilots. Using the Tuition Assistance program, you can get your degree in Aeronautical Science and your pilots license thru the Base Aero club. Most all bases have them and most all ground schools are covered by TA. Once you have your degree, you can apply to OTS and get your commission and your slot to Flight School. Its not "Gimme" easy, but its easy enough that if you are focused enough to reach for that goal, its obtainable in a short amount of time..

H

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for getting back to me in such a short time.  Since I already have my pilots license, I've got that step down.  But you mentioned getting a degree in Aeronautical Science.  I am a Business Administration major with an emphasis in Management.  Should I change, or is the Aeronautical Science degree more of a minor?  The AFROTC people told me that my major doesn't matter much in their world, but I would assume it plays a more critical role in OTS.

Answer
I would like to punch out that joker...To be a pilot, you need a degree in aeronautical science... Please do not rely on the advise of the ROTC folks... Get the juice from the juice master, contact the Officer accessions folks to get the freshest concentrate...OK!!

Unless they are putting Business majors in flight school now days and no one has told me, common sense tells me that isnt the case. Cover your 6 and get most up to date information from the folks who deal in airplanes daily..

H