Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Pilot

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Expert: - 7/15/2004


Question
I am considering becoming a pilot in the air force. What are the requirements? How much is the pay? How difficult is it to get into OTS? I am currently in college, and I am a psych major. Can I still become a pilot? Will it be possible for me to transition to become a civilian commercial pilot after serving in the air force? Can I choose to be a fighter pilot, specifically?  

Answer
Greetings Maurice -

You have asked a number of questions, so I will take them as you asked ...

Q. What are the requirements for becoming a pilot in the Air Force?
A. You are required to have a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited university, be between the ages of 21 and 36, and be an American born citizen (not naturalized).

Q. How much is the pay?
A. Pay will be given according to rank.  A 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force currently makes $2,264 a month.  It goes up as you get promoted.

Q. How difficult is it to get into OTS?
A. There are requirements you need to fulfill.  As I do not have a complete listing of these requirements, you would best ask a recruiter for current guidelines.

Q. Even though I am a psych major, can I still become a pilot?
A. Yes.  The type of degree is not important, only that you have one.

Q. Will it be possible for me to transition to become a civilian commercial pilot after serving in the air force?
A. All pilots receive FAA certification as a part of their training.  Many go on to take the ATP tests (Airline and Transport Pilot) before they leave the military so they are eligible for airline hiring.

Q. Can I choose to be a fighter pilot, specifically?
A. Fighter slots are handed out to the top performers of each pilot class.  However, in today's climate, many of the top candidates are choosing tanker or transport positions.  The number of positions changes with each class, and reflects current vacancies in various squadrons throughout the Air Force.

I hope this answers your questions.  If not, don't hesitate to write back.  I would suggest you visit the Air Force website at ... http://www.airforce.com/

There is a LOT of information listed there, and also has more specific guidelines on the requirements for officer selection, pilot training, etc.

Good luck,
James Bell

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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James Bell

Expertise

I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.

Experience

Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager

Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.

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