Expert: James Bell - 11/7/2006

Question
Hello:
 I'm currently a SRA, looking for more information on the process of becoming an officer and becoming a fighter pilot. I'm a jet engine mechanic for the f-15/f-16 engines and would prefer to fly those aircrafts, but i am aware that the needs of the Air Force come first and you don't really get to choose what aircraft you want to fly.
My question is if you don't receive the aircraft that you want, is there anyway to retrain and get a spot flying the aircraft that you did want?
Ex: sorta like when people cross train into a different career field.

Answer
Greetings Marc -

I normally don't answer pilot training questions, as my area of expertise is enlisted aircrew operations, but since you are enlisted, I'm all for helping a fellow airman better his career.

Entering pilot training is just like being assigned an AFSC and going to tech school.  You may not know what base you will be assigned to (and therefore what aircraft), but you have signed a contract to accept that job, and are required to give the Air Force a certain number of years in exchange for the money invested in your training.

Pilot training is no different.  You do, however, have choices.  Normally, the pilot slots that are available are given to a class.  The top pilot gets first pick, followed by second in class, etc.  The airplane you want may be the one no one else wants.  The object, of course, is to be at the top of your class so you can choose the plane you want to fly.

Also keep in mind that each class gets a different pool of aircraft assignments, depending on what slots become available.  I have heard some classes get a heavy amount of bomber and tanker slots, but no cargo or fighter slots.  Other classes may only have one tanker slot and a handful of fighter slots.  It's all the luck of the draw.

Believe it or not, but in recent years, pilots have been bypassing the fighter slots in favor of tankers and cargo ("heavy" aircraft, as it were).  Most of them have airline aspirations, and want the experience in the larger passenger type aircraft that better prepares them to operate in a "crew" environment.

So, in answer to your question, if you don't receive the assignment you want, no, you can't "retrain" ... you have already promised the Air Force a number of years as a pilot in the cockpit, and that you must provide, regardless of the aircraft you are assigned to.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to write back.  Good luck.

Sincerely,
James Bell