Expert: James Bell - 5/31/2004

Question
Dear James--

I have so many questions, and yet it seems like only one: Can/Will I get a pilot slot?

I apologize for the length of this message in advance, as I tend to be long-winded, and I'm all mixed up at the moment. Let me give you my breakdown:

I'm 22. I went to a "most selective" university ... not one of the Ivies, but certainly not a cakewalk. I have my BA in Linguistics. I was HEAVILY involved in student organizations (in leadership roles) at my college.

I never even considered the military in high school/college, possibly due to a very poor relationship with a parent who was always pressuring me to do so.

Now that I'm out of college, I work a very "nice" job that has nothing to do with my degree and isn't very fulfilling at all. I realize that, more than anything, I've always wanted to fly planes, but have never honestly pursued it because I'm somewhat poor, and (again) military service was, in my mind, out of the question.

I love my country, with all my heart ... yes, like most young, progressive-thinking people, I want to change certain things, but I wouldn't trade my citizenship for my life, and would gladly defend my freedom (and anyone else's) to the death.

After a good deal of soul-searching in the year since I've graduated from college, I've become increasingly intrigued with the Air Force. What's not to love? A chance to serve my country, stand up for freedom, make a difference, find excitement, continue my education and fulfill some long-standing dreams in the process...

I have an very high IQ -- that's not a bragging point, because anyone can tell you that a high IQ without motivation is like a sink without a faucet. But, when I am motivated to do something, I ace it. Because I have my BA, I know that I can apply straight into OTS. I can practically guarantee high scores on the AFOQT. BUT ... I want to be a pilot. And here's the tricky part:

(1) I'm afraid I'm going to have to continually convince people to look PAST my degree in Linguistics. Yes, it was my major, and yes, I find it interesting, but I'd rather scrub toilets for the rest of my life that translate federal documents. I want to FLY!
(2) I have NO aviation experience. Zero. I've ordered AFOQT study guides that, undoubtedly, will provide me with a great deal of aviation facts, all of which I will retain completely. I also have no qualms about finding books on aviation and just absorbing everything I can. BUT, I've never been anywhere near a cockpit, and don't currently know the first thing about aviation history/theory/practice.
(3) Math, engineering, science ... :P.  Never took any in college. I was a language major, and didn't have to. My science GEs were fulfilled by Earth Science courses that essentially taught us that the Sun was the center of the Solar System (and probably a few other things that I memorized and then purged immediately.) In high school, I went to Pre-Calculus, which was all that was required, and then stopped. I was good at math, but just didn't care too much for it, so I did other things (like leadership and extra-curriculars.)

So, here's how I see it:
PLUSES -- I'm a college graduate with a GPA above 3.0. I'm highly motivated. I'm very intelligent. I'm in good shape. I will definitely score at least above average on my AFOQT. I have leadership and human relations experience (especially from college) up the whazoo. I can learn anything. I love my country. I'm willing to do anything to be a pilot.
MINUSES -- No experience in aviation theory/practice/history. Non-applicable major. No prior involvement with the military. "Good" at math/science, but no recent/advanced experience in those subjects. Oh, and I'm a linguist, which may pigeon-hole me into a position of high-demand (and low-interest).

I don't have anyone to talk to, except my local recruiter, who will hopefully return my call soon. I've been told that recruiters will say anything to get me to sign on the dotted line, though, so I'm looking for a little inside advice (beyond "Get everything your recruiter says in writing!")  With my situation, is there hope that I can be a pilot? Or am I going to have to starve in order to pay my way through civilian pilot school? :/

Thanks in advance for your help. Sorry again that this was so long!

--Justin

PS: OH!  Forgot to ask... if applying to OTS as a civilian, do I have to take the ASVAB?  Thanks again!

Answer
Greetings Justin -

WOW, that's a mouthful.  You have painted a very good picture of yourself, lets see if I can fill in some of the blanks.

I took the ASVAB to enlist, and I took the AFOQT when I was in college.  I did not take the ASVAB as part of the OTS career path (but, things may have changed since then, so check with your recruiter).  When I took the AFOQT I had no practical flying experience, other than model building and a father who used to fly (that didn't mean he let me take the controls when we flew).  I did quite well on the test ... above the 70 percentile, and I'm nowhere near where you are.

You will need to have a knack for math, as you will use it ALL the time when flying ... converting calibrated airspeed to true airspeed, then applying wind corrections to calculate your ground speed.  You will need to be able to compute time and fuel computations ... there's nothing worse than having the flight take two hours longer than planned, and you are an hour short on fuel.

I've seen pilots come in off the street that only know airplanes fly in the air, and two years later they are flying multi-million dollar aircraft by themselves.  If you have the desire and are physically and mentally able to perform the job, you can achieve it.

You didn't mention what language your degree was in, but realize that linguists are in short supply and high demand in the military.  They may try and force you into that pigeon hole, and then you'd end up as a mission commander on an AWACS or other surveillance aircraft ... a "back ender" ... as they are called, instead of being in the cockpit.

Also realize that I enlisted, so my officer experience is limited to those in my squadron with whom I interacted.  Although I picked up a lot of information, I am not the definitive source, nor do I have the regulations memorized.  A recruiter is your best source, but temper that with caution.  Go speak with one, then write me back and I'll separate the truth from the lies ... that much I can do.

How to tell if you want to be a pilot?  Go to an amusement park with a WILD roller coaster.  Ride it many times.  Imagine having a control stick between your legs and YOU control where the roller coaster goes.  If that sounds like fun and doesn't make you sick, you can be a pilot.

Good luck on your search ... I am sure you will find a life path much more interesting than scrubbing toilets.  If you have any more questions, please, don't hesitate to write back.

Sincerely,
James Bell