Expert: Rod Powers - 12/16/2006

Question
Thank you. I only know my uncle jay who was a commercial airline pilot, but he never likes to talk much. How should I approach trying to get a private pilots licence, oh and is there any particular reason why I should get one?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hello. my name is Cody L. Brothers. I am 14 and I severley want to pursue a job in the Air Force. My Granddad was a pilot in WWII so that's one of the reasons why I want to be a pilot. I will soon be going into High school, Milikan High, where their ROTC is the Air Force unit. I want to know what classes should I take to help pursue my career? I know I want to be a fighter pilot, and I want to fly in the A-10 Thunderbolt. Please help me, there are only 2 people who actually went in the Air Force but they weren't much help. They do support me unlike my mom who tries to redirect me at every turn.
-----Answer-----
Hi Cody,

You'll want to load up on the science and math courses as much as you can in high school. More important, you'll want to get and maintain as high of a grade-point-average as you can, as this will help you get a college ROTC scholarship in the future (ROTC scholarships are based almost entirely upon GPA).

If you can figure out a way to attend flight training and get a private pilot's license before you graduate college ROTC that will be a big help.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my Military Information website at: http://usmilitary.about.com.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com.


Answer
Hi Cody,

The only way that I know of to get a private pilot's license is to enroll in a local flight training course (usually at your nearest airport).

However, this can cost three or four thousand dollars.

This will increase your chances of being selected as a military pilot (in any of the services).

Ever since the movie "Top Gun" came out, it seems like everyone and their brother (and sister) wants to become a military pilot. Well, the sad truth of the matter is the military doesn't have as many slots for pilots as they have applicants who would like to be one.

Therefore, the selection process is very competitive. A private pilot's license would give you a "leg up" on the competition. For one, it means the military can save the cost of sending you to basic flight training, and #2, it means the military can be pretty sure you have the aptitude to learn to fly (because you already have).

Understand it's not mandatory to have a private pilot's license, but it will make you more competitive.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com