Expert: Rod Powers - 7/6/2006

Question
***WARNING LONG***
Got a good number of questions about obtaining a flight position in the USAF.  Im am going to be joing the AFROTC program at ECU of NC.  I am curious as to some of the requirements of obtaining or improving my chances of being seleceted for a piloting position and how I stack up against the requirements.
Physical:
Height-6'1
Weight-180
55 push-ups in 60 seconds
1 mile in 6:45
14 pull-ups
Schooling, commitment, ect:
Upon graduating High-school i had a 3.4 GPA but not active in any sports other than staying fit.
I have a very positive outlook on most everything and consider myself a optimist.  I am very competitive and think of second place as a first place looser. When I set my mind on a goal I am willing to do anything and go any distance to obtain it.  I recently got engaged but do not plan on getting married until graduation of college.
Now my questions are
*What is the average acceptance rate of AFROTC student that seek piloting positions and obtain them?
*What is the average GPA of students accepted into piloting positions and what is the most common majors?
*IF accepeted for pilot training would my spouse be able to accompany and live on base with me.
I apologize for the lengthy questions and info.
*What are some activites I can involve myself with to better my chance of becoming a pilot.
Thanks in advace.
Charles

Answer
Hi Charles,

Everybody (and I mean almost *EVERYBODY*) who seeks to become a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, whether through ROTC, the Air Force Academy, or AFOTS (Air Force Officer Training School) wants to become a pilot in the Air Force.  Unfortunately, the Air Force (nor any other service) has that many slots for "Top-Gun wanna-be's").

In other words, the competition is tough -- very tough.  About 80 percent of those who graduate from the Air Force academy receive a rated (flying) job.  About 50 to 60 percent of those from AFROTC receive a flying job, and about 30 percent of those from OTS receive a flying slot.

Your high school GPA may help for receiving an AFROTC Scholarship, but it won't help for rated positions.  The two biggest factors will be your college GPA, and your scores on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT).  I've just written a study guide about the test, but it won't be published until October (or so).  But, that's okay, you have plenty of time.

The four things you can do to increase your chances?  (1) Maintain a very high college GPA (3.4 or above), (2) score high on the AFOQT, especially the Pilot/Nav subtest scores, (3) Take flying lessons and -- if possible, get a private pilot's license, and (4) maintain a high "class-standing" in the AFROTC program (the higher your class standing, the more chance there is you will get your top job preferences).

You also have to be medically qualificated for flying duty (eye-site and medical qualifications).

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com