Expert: Rod Powers - 9/27/2006

Question
ok thanks is there another way to become a pilot threw the military that is almost garranteed?and if not what should i do to become an airline pilot? k thanks
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Followup To

Question -
hello i sent an email but wrong email its not cessnapilotn68727 its this so ill ask my question again.
Hello i am 15.I want to become an airline pilot of a boeing 777.and travel the world. My flight instructor told me i should go threw the military.The rotc aviation program.I want to fly big turbine planes like the c-5 galaxy.How do i do that where would i have to go?Should i go threw the rotc program?What grades should i have in high school im not very smart but im very very smart about aviation i guess i learn what i want to.What should i do to get there?What should i do as a teen at 15 to help?Ok thank you

Answer -
Hi Vova,

I won't mince words with you.

To become a pilot in the Air Force, you must first become a commissioned officer. To become a commissioned officer, you must first have a 4-year bachelor's degree.

The problem is that everyone and their brother wants to become a pilot, so the process is very competitive.  *VERY, VERY, VERY* competitive.

AFROTC is one method for an Air Force commission, and the path for flight training. The problem is that the Air Force only accepts about two or three ROTC applicants per year, and about 15,000 people apply.

The primary factor for acceptance is high school grade point average. If you are setting your sites on becoming an Air Force pilot, through AFROTC, you're going to have to work to get your HS GPA above 3.1 or 3.2. Otherwise, you probably don't stand a chance.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com


Answer
Hi Vova,

I'm afraid there simply are no guarantees, nor even "almost guarantees." As I said, everyone wants to become a pilot and the competition is tough. If you want to become a pilot through the military, then you need to study hard, and get/keep your grade point average very high.

I'm afraid I don't know too much about other routes to becoming an airline pilot. My expertise is with the U.S. Military. However, one avenue is to attend good aviation college, such as Emery Riddle (I have a couple of friends who are doing this). But, unless you get a scholarship, this can be expensive.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com