Expert: Howard Lorenz - 4/30/2010

Question
Hello David,

I was wondering if you can answer my question related requirements to be a test pilot. Some, background info on me, I am 27 years old, I turn 28 Nov. 26, 2010. I have a four year degree. I have had two surgeries, my eye sight is not perfect, no tatoos. I am within weight and height requirements and have no flight skills. Ok, I'm going to try and give you as much info on me to answer the questions.

Eye Sight
I have 20/25 vision, Astigmatism oblique, it can be corrected I believe. Can I still become a pilot, with a oblique astigmatism?

Age
I spoke with a recruiter he told me I waited to long. He said that I will not be done with officer training, and will be over the age of 28 by the date of convening. I read in another forum on this sight that the minimum age requirement is 28 1/2 "http://en.allexperts.com/q/Careers-Military-Army-1483/Questions-Air-Force-2.htm" by the date of the selection board. First is there a difference between the selection board and the date of convening? Second, is before 28 years of age the actual age limit for becoming a pilot for the Air Force or is 28 1/2?

-All the information/questions in the paragraph below is to answer the question If I join now do I have a chance of becoming a test pilot?-

I did some further research into some dates and time duration of officer training and basic training. From what I know 6 weeks for basic training, 12 weeks for officer training, and whatever time it takes to for the board of convening which, I don't know about. First question on this, do they only offer officer training at certain times of the year? when? Also, if I join the Air Force now is there a possibility of being with officer training before the age of 28? and if so how long does it take for the date of convening to come about or meet if I apply for pilot training?

-Surgeries/Scars-
I was told by a friend of mine, that if you have large scars on your body that you can't be a pilot. I was wondering if there is any truth to this because I tried to find information online about this and found nothing. I had surgery when I was 17 for a dislocated shoulder with a 1/2 inch wide 4 inch long scar. Also, orthoscopic knee surgery at 17 also no scars visible. Would any of these disqualify me for being a pilot?

If you can just answer some of these questions it will help me a lot.

Thank You for your time

David

Answer
The problem with your situation is that you are so close to your 28th birthday and you are wanting to be a pilot. If you were just going on to active duty as an enlisted probably would be so much a problem. With the current economy, there are a tremendous amount of volunteers wanting to get in. By the time you get in and the board does their selection you will more than likely be 28. Thats the main reason as to why the recruiter said you waited too long.

You might entertain going on active duty, then after 2 years you can apply to OCS. You have till your 35th Birthday to go officer and I believe its your 30th Birthday for Pilot trainees. This will buy you some time. I would ask the recruiter for information on that route as information has changed drastically in the last year or so with the Air Force drawing down its force size.